Joe Novak: An atheist's response to challenge questions posed in letter

To The Daily Sun,

In response to Len Hanley’s atheist challenge questions:

1. The word “he” in Hanley’s two Bible quotes were clearly written with reference to the Christian god (reference: NIV Study Bible), not future human astronauts. That should be clear to anyone, especially a Bible-quoting Christian like Mr. Hanley — perhaps he would be more suited to quoting Nostradamus if he is intent on looking for ancient predictions for the future.
2. With respect to his question regarding why Christianity is the top religion in the world — well, there is no accounting for taste. But further, perhaps it could have something to do with the Crusades, big money, or brainwashing of our children from their earliest years.
3. Regarding Mr. Hanley’s idea that the Bible and religious holidays “upset” atheists, neither is true. Atheists object to using the government, including government facilities, to spread (i.e., establish) what Mr. Hanley calls “fiction and fairy tales.” People are free to believe such things if they like, but the First Amendment of our Constitution forbids the government establishment of religion.
4. Atheists use the scientific method upon which to base their views on the universe and, in particular, human existence. No faith required — just evidence.
5. Atheists do not believe that religion is required for moral standards. Laws associated with civilization, common sense, and human decency do just fine. No burning bushes and tablets from the mount are required.
6. Government regulations go a long way to instill confidence that the bridges we cross, the chairs in which we sit, and the cars that we drive (to respond to Mr. Hanley’s examples) will be safe and free from failure. Millions of human trials help as well. Again, no faith required.
7. With regard to Bible sales, see my answer to question 2.

Joe Novak

Center Harbor