Want to help me choose my thesis topic?

Question

Okay, so I would like to do a thesis involving atheism, but that's as far as I've gotten. What would be an interesting topic to study?

And to my Christian brethren: I would love to hear from you, too.

Marg: It is a master's thesis for a Religious Studies program at a state university.

AnArdRi: I would LOVE to do something concerning why people believe in a god, at the brain level, but my advisor told me I can't do neurobiology because it's out of the expertise of the program.

Answer 1

There are many interesting topics involving atheism to write about. I'd consider, among others:

* God and the meaning of life
* The Problem of Evil and the Argument from Divine Hiddenness
* Religiosity and intelligence/education
* Naturalism in the scientific method
* The Argument from Design
* Secular ethics / Atheism and morality
* Separation of church and state / Freedom of religion
* Creationism and evolution
* History of atheism
* Agnosticism, evidence, and probabilistic analysis
* Defining theism and atheism
* The psychology of atheists

There are also a number of excellent resources on atheism. I'd particularly recommend "Atheism: A Very Short Introduction" by Julian Baggini, if you want a very concise but interesting peek into a typical atheist's mindset, or "The Cambridge Companion to Atheism" by Michael Martin (editor), if you want a more in-depth and academically rigorous analysis of numerous atheism-related issues.

If you want any further suggestions, or have any questions about any of the other topics (or other atheism-related issues), feel free to send me an e-mail anytime too.

Answer 2

Well, many scientists who believe in the biological theory of evolution are atheist, so you could include scientific studies between creativists and evolutionists as part of the thesis. Also, the members of the Wiccan religion are considered athiest, not believing in God or satan, but in the energy of the earth, instead. To create a good thesis, you need to do some research on the history of atheism and current issues, brainstorm all you learn onto a piece of paper, and then narrow down the topic. Atheism is too broad of a topic, unless you need to write a very long essay. The right thesis will also depend on the type of essay you need to write, as well. Informative, persuasive, etc.

Good luck! I know what it's like to be stuck on a thesis. ;-) Have a good'n,

James

Answer 3

I guess you could see if there is a correlation about what atheists were told as children about how prayer works, and whether or not their expectations were filled at an early age, then see when they actually decided they were going to be atheists, or if they have ever vacillated on that way of thinking. In other words, can you or can't you identify a concrete event or series of events regarding how the principle of prayer is taught to children which may help determine their religious (or lack of religious) beliefs later on.

Answer 4

How about the history of atheism? This was the genesis was slightly prior of the Enlightenment Period; and thus the French Revolution; each in it's 'break' with God. The actual admission openly, publicly of atheism is only about 150 years.

Answer 5

Study Fasting

Answer 6

You might want to look at the spiritual beliefs of atheistic cultures. Buddhists are not necessarily theistic, but are regarded as very spiritual.

Have a look at Andrew Newberg's books on the neuro-biology of belief and perhaps Joseph Campbell's works on mythology.

Answer 7

Do your thesis on why people need religion. Or where the need for religion comes from. I suggest reading some Sigmund Freud.

Answer 8

Discrimination against atheists.

Answer 9

atheism - the attempt to fill a void using "nothing" as the filler

Answer 10

Need more details, what type of course is it for?