I am also disappointed with the inclusion of atheists with religiously unaffiliated, because that can include religious folks, but ones that don’t attend a particular church or religion.
Hum, you see no need to promote atheism? Isn’t your participation on this board a promotion of atheism? If you see no need to promote, well, in a sense you need not participate here or elsewhere on any topic related to atheism.
I really, really appreciate the works and ideas of Sam Harris, he makes a lot of excellent points. I know he does not speak for all atheists, but there are common themes he addresses as relating to atheism. He does try to ‘clarify’ atheism. Especially on morality, which is probably the last stand for the religious mind, as many believe one cannot have ethical standards, or ‘morality’ without god, religion, or related things. He believes one can, and probably should have morality that is not religiously based. At the very least be able suggest an alternative.
I bought a copy of his book on ‘free will’ and I will probably read it again. Its related to ‘morality’ as most people think everything one does is a choice independent of causal events which came before. I think I will forever question the idea of ‘free will’ or ‘free agency’.
Lack of free will, does not relieve anyone from certain obligations, however, I am sure.