What is called atheism is not a light, flippant assertion, but a calm,
thoughtful conclusion. It is a conviction which human experience and human
reflection have generated. Atheism is not the irresponsible opinion of
moral debauchery; it is the outcome of an intelligent consideration of
Nature and life. The atheist has been honest with himself and with the
world. He has made a careful survey of the universe, as far as he is able,
and has canvassed the facts of life which have come within the range of
his observation, and he has candidly declared the result of his study and
freely related the reasons for his conclusions.
Atheism is the universe as science finds it and as interpreted by human
understanding. It is an attempt to state the simple truth, to give a fair
likeness of things, to photograph facts. Atheism is denial of nothing
true, of nothing good, of nothing that can be proved. We see no good
reason for abusing the atheist. His opinions don’t make him a bad citizen
or a bad man. He is as moral as his Christian neighbor, and is as ready to
help a fellow-being.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
In countries where atheism is a crime, hypocrisy is more honored than
integrity.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
A great many who expect to hear the angels sing always get near the stage
at a comic opera.