What is meant by respectful atheism? Atheism, first, is a belief that what most people call God does not exist. More specifically, atheism usually refers to disbelief in the traditional idea of an all-powerful, all-knowing, loving being who observes and cares for each individual person, and occasionally intercedes in our lives. There are, of course, many variants on that traditional conception. A respectful atheist recognizes and appreciates that different people have different beliefs that they have come to because of family, community, education, contemplation, or other aspects of their experience. A respectful atheist acknowledges everyone's right to their own beliefs, so long as they do not take destructive action against others who believe differently. Book jacket.