Atheism and agnosticism
‘We are all atheists about most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in. Some of us just go one god further.’Why don’t humanists believe in a god or gods? Is it possible to be certain? What is the difference between atheism, agnosticism, and Humanism? Find out why humanists don’t see any good evidence to believe in anything supernatural and how humanists live their lives without the belief in a god or gods.Richard Dawkins, scientist and patron of Humanists UK

What does it mean to be atheist and agnostic?
Suitable for: 11-14, 7-11
Lesson Plans
What does it mean to be atheist and agnostic?
In this lesson students will learn about the difference between atheism and agnosticism. Exploring different scenarios, they will consider whether it is possible to be certain about your belief or non-belief in a god or gods. They will explore how Humanism means more than just atheism or agnosticism. Finally they will go on to explore the motives and justification for the 'atheist' bus campaign before designing a campaign of their own to express how they believe people should live their lives. DownloadActivities
Belief in god scale
Place the beliefs on the scale between atheist and theist. DownloadIs it still possible?
If particular events happen, it is still possible that a god exists, and still possible that one does not exist? Can we ever be certain? DownloadInvisible pencil-eating monster
Is it possible to prove an invisible monster does not exist? If not, does that mean we should believe in one? DownloadRussell's teapot
Explore the burden of proof by asking if it is possible to prove an invisible teapot does not exist. If not, does that mean we should believe in one? DownloadThe invisible gardener
Is it possible to prove an invisible gardener does not exist? If not, does that mean we should believe in one? DownloadThe bus campaign
Questions about the purpose of, reactions to, and appropriateness of the 'atheist' bus campaign. Analyse the language used to decide if the campaign was atheist, agnostic, or humanist. DownloadHumanist responses: atheism and agnosticism
Fill in the speech bubbles with how humanists might respond to statements and questions about atheism, agnosticism, and humanism. DownloadHumanist Perspectives
Atheism, agnosticism, and Humanism
What are the meanings of the words 'atheism' and 'agnosticism'? Is it possible to be certain about your belief or non-belief in a god or gods? How is Humanism more than just atheism or agnosticism? DownloadGods
Why don't humanists believe in a god or gods? If gods don't exist, why might people believe in them? How important is the question of a god's existence to humanists? DownloadWhy don't humanists believe in a god or gods?
Suitable for: 11-14, 14-16, 16-18, 7-11
Presentations
Gods
This presentation contains slides relevant to the activities and the humanist perspectives on arguments for gods and the problem of evil. DownloadActivities
Concept cartoon on belief
Why might people believe in ghosts? Why might people believe in gods? Are these good reasons? DownloadMore or less likely
Do these events make it more or less likely a god exists? Would they change your beliefs? DownloadHumanist responses: arguments for gods
Fill in the speech bubbles with how humanists might respond to arguments for the existence of a god. DownloadThe problem of evil activities
Is there a non-scientific reason why things happen? Is it always appropriate to keep asking 'Why'? DownloadEpicurus and the problem of evil
Can you reconstruct Epicurus' argument against the existence of an omnipotent, benevolent god? DownloadConsequences of non-belief
If one doesn't believe in a god or gods, can you still live a happy, ethical, and meaningful life? DownloadFilms
How do we know what is true?
(Age 11+) A short animation about how humanists believe science is the best method for answering questions about the world. WatchHumanist Perspectives
Gods
Why don't humanists believe in a god or gods? If gods don't exist, why might people believe in them? How important is the question of a god's existence to humanists? DownloadArguments for gods
How might a humanist respond to the different arguments put forward for the existence of a god? How might humanists explain alleged miracles? DownloadDownload Presentation
The problem of evil
Why might humanists believe the existence of so much evil and suffering in the world is evidence against an omnipotent, benevolent god? DownloadDownload Presentation
Humanist Perspectives
Atheism, agnosticism, and Humanism
What are the meanings of the words 'atheism' and 'agnosticism'? Is it possible to be certain about your belief or non-belief in a god or gods? How is Humanism more than just atheism or agnosticism?
DownloadGods
Why don't humanists believe in a god or gods? If gods don't exist, why might people believe in them? How important is the question of a god's existence to humanists?
Download PerspectiveArguments for gods
How might a humanist respond to the different arguments put forward for the existence of a god? How might humanists explain alleged miracles?
Download PerspectiveDownload Presentation
The problem of evil
Why might humanists believe the existence of so much evil and suffering in the world is evidence against an omnipotent, benevolent god?
Download PerspectiveDownload Presentation
External Resources
Divine Watchmaker
Divine Watchmaker: A BBC animation on the argument from design
First Mover Argument
First Mover argument: A BBC animation on the cosmological argument
Problem of Evil and Free Will
Problem of Evil and Free Will: A BBC animation on the evidence against the existence of a benevolent god