12 January to 19 January

Atheism, religion and the meaning of Christmas

What is the meaning of Christmas for atheists, other than, negatively, that they do not share in any religious meaning? Atheists are united only by lack of faith and, in the main, by commitment to reason and science. On all other questions, including the meaning of Christmas, they display a wide range of beliefs and attitudes. However some atheists can find that they share certain values with some Christians. In relation to Christmas these might include disdain for rampant materialism, and promotion of goodwill to all or altruism. Yet beneath the surface agreement points of difference emerge.

Christian opposition to materialism may reflect an asceticism that atheists might not share. Second, atheists are concerned when religious involvement in charity carries an evangelising purpose. Third, atheists may point out that the goodwill message is, at least, tainted because religion often harbours antipathy towards people of other religious beliefs or none. Fourth, commitment by atheists to good causes disproves the religious notion that without God we cannot be good. Finally, and most important, atheists argue that because their moral commitments are based in reason they are defensible and revisable in a way that those based in holy scripture or faith are not.

Paul Wetherly, Reader in Politics