Rath said:
necessitas probandi incumbit ei qui agit The burden of proof is on he who complains. I would argue that the neutral status is agnosticism, the burden of proof is on those trying to prove either strong atheism (the absence of god(s)) or those trying to prove the existence of god(s).
Also you should note that to not believe in something is not the same as to believe that it is not.
Edit: @Saviour. Atheists morals are generally based on societies morals at the time. Just because they are not written down does not mean they do not exist. Also believe it or not but people don't need the threat/promise of afterlife to control them into leading a good life, most people will do it naturally. But yeah, atheists are basically the same as most people morally, perhaps more progressive in their morals as they aren't written down in an ancient book. Thats probably why atheists are generally more ok with homosexuality, contraception, abortion and the suchlike. |
Depending on the situation anyway.
To some religion actually does tend to frighten them into being better then they shoudl be.
Of course the real question is... is this a good thing?
Sociologically it appears that things that are changed via an effort to change peoples opinions lasts longer and works better then law based attempts at changing peoples opinions. (both physical and heavenly.)








