What do atheists do

Even atheist beliefs themselves have much less to do with rational inquiry than atheists often think. We now know, for example, that nonreligious children of religious parents cast off their beliefs for reasons that have little to do with intellectual reasoning. The latest cognitive research shows that the decisive factor is learning from what parents do rather than from what they say.

Throughout our evolutionary history, humans have often lacked the time to scrutinise and weigh up the evidence — needing to make quick assessments.

Even older children and adolescents who actually ponder the topic of religion may not be approaching it as independently as they think. Emerging research is demonstrating that atheist parents and others pass on their beliefs to their children in a similar way to religious parents — through sharing their culture as much as their arguments. Some parents take the view that their children should choose their beliefs for themselves , but what they then do is pass on certain ways of thinking about religion, like the idea that religion is a matter of choice rather than divine truth.

But are atheists more likely to embrace science than religious people? Many belief systems can be more or less closely integrated with scientific knowledge. Some belief systems are openly critical of science, and think it has far too much sway over our lives, while other belief systems are hugely concerned to learn about and respond to scientific knowledge.

Some Protestant traditions , for example, see rationality or scientific thinking as central to their religious lives. Meanwhile, a new generation of postmodern atheists highlight the limits of human knowledge, and see scientific knowledge as hugely limited, problematic even, especially when it comes to existential and ethical questions.

However, although some family members may prefer that the funeral include religious hymns or scriptures that are comforting to the bereaved, most atheists themselves might prefer that their funeral or memorial service not be overly religious in nature. Other atheists might prefer that their families do whatever gives them the most comfort.

At Neptune Society, we respect the decision of each individual and family. We strongly recommend that individuals and families discuss their cremation and funeral wishes in advance and consult religious or philosophical leaders if they have any doubts regarding their decision. If you or a loved one is considering cremation, we at Neptune Society encourage you to consider carefully your own position on the subject, discuss your options with your religious leader, and make the choice you believe is right for you and your family.

For more articles in this series, please see our religion and cremation article archive. Everything was clear and Sheri was very helpful when making Read More. Michelle Paxton Wilson was wonderful.

If it wasn't for her, Now I am so glad we did for peace of mind. Michelle took the time to explain everything to us. Because she is such a warm and caring person, it made the experience enjoyable. One less thing for our families to worry about when we are gone.

When my husband passed away I wasn't prepared and the Sarah was kind and empathetic and very professional. Everything went beautifully.

Empathic, professional, and prompt attention. Much easier and quicker than Much easier and quicker than I thought the experience would be. Wonderful service during such a sad time. Bill Rafferty really Bill Rafferty really helped my family through the cremation process. I really appreciate everything! My experience with Mercedes and the Neptune Society was wonderful! They made this difficult situation totally seamless and took a huge burden off my shoulders.

We have been very appreciative to our contact, Christina Stanley We have been very appreciative to our contact, Christina Stanley at the Neptune Society. Our father had made his arrangements, prior to his death, and it was all handled so efficiently and professionally, that when his wife unexpectedly passed away, 4 months later, we contacted them again. Christina was compassionate and expedient in all our interactions. We are forever grateful she was there to guide us through the process and understood the complications of being out of state.

I want to thank the services of the Neptune Society Her name is Linda Stephens, and her speech was inclusive and inspiring. While the Christian majority has occasionally welcomed atheism into the public square, often our presence has been met with ridicule, anger, and derision. Displays have been torn down , school groups have faced hostility by teachers and administrators , and board members have occasionally left a meeting room rather than listen to an atheist invocation.

We have been putting up with this kind of treatment for a long time, and our numbers are still rising. In the future, I may still be a little sad, but atheism as a whole will likely become a loud, mainstream, and inescapable force in American public life. Jay Wexler is a professor of law at Boston University. Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment: to empower through understanding.

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