the whole atheist = immoral thing is pretty common really.
i think those that derive their sense of morality from religious teachings in a book have a really hard time understanding the concept that morality can be derived from other sources. it's kind of like a college educated person not understanding how a person can be incredible intelligent but not have gone to college. just because college is the most popular way to achieve higher education doesn't mean it is the only way to learn. just because religion is the most popular way to instill morals doen't mean it is the only way.
not all christians are like this by the way,.. in my experience those that enthusiastically think a lack of religion means a lack of morality are pretty childish people. when you're a kid you obey rules because you fear the consequences. when you grow up you gain a maturing and understanding that stealing hurts other people and that is wrong. i don't need any laws to know that stealing, or murder, or rape are wrong. the rules help when your young and perhaps don't really grasp how your actions affect other people but when you grow up and mature you do the right thing because it is the right thing.
so next time someone questions you just asked them something like, "if rape was not illegal and carried no consequence would you rape someone?" if they say no you've made your point. a lot of times i've gotten the whole "you have no morals" thing the other person just really never put any thought into their own morality confusing the teachings of morality with the existance of morality. if you help them understand the difference they will often times change their mind.
and if that doesn't help change their mind,.. if they hold firm to the idea that morality is a set of rules and consequences rather than a personal understanding of right and wrong,.. then they just haven't matured themselves still living in the childish perspective of morality.
...or, if they actually say yes to the question about raping someone you can weather anything else they say knowing your a better person than them.
