- Do you hate religion and/or the religious?
No, of course not. I don't hate anyone. I think hate is too strong a word to be applied in all but the most extreme circumstances. I don't even really dislike religion or the religious. I just disagree with them. Sometimes I dislike their tactics, or an individual person. But that's it.
- Should everyone be an atheist?
People who are comfortable with atheism should be atheists. People who do not believe in a god(s) should be atheists. Some people would never be comfortable with the world-view, and they should not take it up. I believe that everyone should go with the philosophy that best suits them individually, as long as they are not harming others (a world-view which includes killing minorities, for example, does not sit well with me).
- Is atheism the only true path?
The idea of an "only true path" is a silly one. Since I have serious issues with most absolutes, and do not believe in the concept of the supernatural, it follows that I believe that people make their own way through the world. Therefore, whatever path gets you to your destination (preferably without harming yourself or others) that it is the true path for you.
- Do you believe atheists are the best people?
Some atheists are the best people. Likewise, some theists are the best people. I don't think whether you are a good person or not is dependant on your religious views. Good people are good people, whether they are religious or not. The same for bad people. I know theists who are wonderful inside and out. I also know atheists who can be complete jerks. Switch those two sentences around and they are just as true.
- Do you believe that the short life we have on earth is the only chance we have?
Yes, I believe that this life is the only one we have. This is because I do not believe in the supernatural, and therefore do not believe in souls or the after life. We get one life, and that's it.
- What point is there to living this life, what possible goal can be reached?
As far as what goal a life can have, there are many. Some of the more noble ones include leaving the world better than you found it, alleviating the suffering of your fellow man, bearing and raising children to believe in bettering the world, trying to make life pleasant for all of those around you, or basically just trying to live your life in a happy way and to leave a smile wherever you go.
- Why bother with living a good life if you'll be dead and won't know about any impact you may have?
I believe that goodness is its own reward. I am a human being, and as such, have much in common with other human beings. I would like a pleasant life, and so would others. It makes me feel good to be able to help them meet that goal. And I can imagine little more fulfilling than being on my deathbed, and knowing that there are multitudes of people whose lives are better, or will be better, because of my efforts. That's what humanism is all about. Belief in humanity, and in it's possibilities.
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