The Illusion of Being “Free from Belief”

Atheists often claim they’re “free from belief.” They reject the idea of gods, doctrines, and anything beyond the realm of rational, unbiased science. But beneath this self-proclaimed devotion to reason lies a series of contradictions. For a group that prides itself on rejecting dogma, atheism appears to have its own set of doctrines worth examining.

Science as the New Gospel

While science is incredible, it is not the ultimate answer to every question. Yet, many atheists treat science as if it were gospel truth. Science was never designed to answer questions of meaning, purpose, or morality — and yet, atheists often cling to it as if it’s the foundation of their belief system.

If something isn’t scientifically proven, it’s often rejected outright, ignoring that science itself evolves, revises, and occasionally errs. Ironically, this unwavering trust in science is, in its own way, a form of blind faith. They may ridicule religious believers for trusting what they cannot see, yet they act as if science is infallible. Science doesn’t “prove” anything in an absolute sense; it offers the best explanation at any given moment. By treating science as the ultimate truth, atheists are, in essence, putting their faith in something limited by human understanding.

The Moral High Ground

Many atheists claim moral superiority, asserting they don’t need a god to dictate right from wrong. They argue that their ethics are rooted in reason and empathy, not in any “ancient book of fairy tales.” However, the notion of “right” and “wrong” remains just as subjective in an atheist’s worldview as in any religious belief.

Atheists often advocate for human rights, equality, and justice — values deeply rooted in cultural consensus and personal sentiments. Without an objective moral standard, these morals are essentially preferences. Yet, atheists frequently act as if their values are universally correct. This dogmatism resembles the very thing they critique in religious believers. They might disdain religious moral codes, but they readily promote their secular commandments as if they hold a superior validity.

The Atheist Evangelists

Though atheists claim to be against evangelising, they often have a fervent desire to spread their beliefs. It’s difficult to participate in an online debate without encountering an atheist preaching the merits of their worldview and ridiculing anyone who dares to believe in something beyond the observable.

They criticise religious believers for pushing their beliefs onto others, yet they’re quick to mock anyone who doesn’t align with their perspectives. Their “logical” viewpoints are presented as the only enlightened way, creating an ironic scenario where atheists mirror the evangelistic zeal they critique. They may label religious believers as “brainwashed,” yet they seldom acknowledge their own rigid adherence to atheistic assumptions. If someone believes in God, they’re deluded; if an atheist believes that life has no inherent purpose, they’re simply “realistic.”

Atheism as the Default Worldview

Atheism is often positioned as the “default” worldview — as if everyone is born without belief, and religious instruction corrupts them over time. But atheism itself is a worldview, complete with its own assumptions, beliefs, and values. Just because it rejects a deity doesn’t mean it’s devoid of ideology. Many atheists place humanity on a pedestal, revere reason as the ultimate authority, and follow moral codes with as much commitment as any religious adherent.

If atheism is truly about freedom from belief, then shouldn’t atheists also be willing to question their own assumptions? In rejecting religious teachings, some atheists end up creating an echo chamber that excludes all but their “rational” beliefs. In this space, unexamined beliefs proliferate, ironically echoing the very dogmatism they claim to oppose.

A Final Thought on Atheistic Belief

The next time an atheist claims they’re free from belief, consider asking about their unwavering faith in science, their moral certainty, or their evangelistic fervour. For a worldview that prides itself on rejecting dogma, atheism often just substitutes one set of beliefs for another. It raises the question: how often do atheists truly question themselves?