Really, Philo,
atheism is neither a philosophy nor a religion, it is merely an intellectual standpoint that requires evidence of the senses and scientific proof of assertions before they are believed. No more and no less. Atheism espouses no particular ethical standpoint, although, in my experience, most atheists are humanists and much gentler, kinder and more concerned for the welfare of their fellow humans than the devoutly religious people I've had the misfortune to meet. But that’s merely my experience and I make no generalisation.

West,
I well regonise atheists of which you are one are negative people to those that uphold holy values of character. Atheists philosophy is anything is Ok, as there are no absolutes, no accountability to anyone greater than oneself.

The philosophy of atheism is equally influencing decision in politics, just as much as any other world view. Atheism, of which you constantly espouse influences your decision on how people are to be governed in society just as much as any other world view. You obviously uphold there is no perfection of character attitudes and behaviour which Christ upheld, and which true followers of Christ should endeavour to admire and live.

God is not some remote being, which you seem to imagine Christians believe in. God is the spiritual dynamic revealed in Creation, human perfection, and ultimate history; The perfection of rightness, of truth and wisdom. God is the spirit that identifies the perfect, the right [the holy].

The basis of our Westminster society was formed with the admiration of such hope by prayers said in our governments at every session, few atheists have founded a workable society. Russian Communism failed because it was soley based in atheism, and failed to admire personal holiness. Our society will equally fail as we ignore personal holiness. The strength of a society is not its laws enforced by governments but how people live in holiness.

Philo obviously you have no concept of what atheism is and what reality is. “God is not some remote being, which you seem to imagine Christians believe in. God is the spiritual dynamic revealed in Creation, human perfection, and ultimate history; the perfection of rightness, of truth and wisdom. God is the spirit that identifies the perfect, the right [the holy].” That statement of yours requires proof of god; it is an intimate claim of your idol you can only make if you have prior proof. Of course you don’t because it is your fantasy - you made it up.

Christianity, Islam ect is nothing other than a glorified game of dungeons and dragons, nothing more. Religion is an indulgence in immature game playing. What is not understood by the immature or the “spiritual” as this brand of immaturity is politically correctly called is that others do not want to play childish games such as Christianity and Islam.

To need to believe in a higher power to make one-self behave is also a symptom of immaturity. Seriously Philo I don’t car if adults play with balls, or electric train sets, computer games or dolls or play the dungeons and dragons that is called Christianity as long as it does not bother other people. Clearly the dark age nonsense that is called Christianity or Islam is becoming a pest, a nuisance and Christians and Moslems have become the skinheads of the new millennium. My advice is to grow up, take responsibility for yourselves, if you can’t do that just keep your silly games to yourselves.

If superstition such as the belief in god gets to the point where you think has a place in politics I suggest seek psychiatric help because obviously you are taking a childish game far too seriously

"Atheists philosophy is anything is Ok, as there are no absolutes, no accountability to anyone greater than oneself."

Git yer hand off it Philo. Atheism simply posits there is no supernatural God. Distinction between right & wrong does not depend on faith in dogma.

Put it this way. How do you know everything the bible (for example) tells you is 'good'? Is it OK to subjugate women? Commit genocide? One would hope your moral compass is more accurate than that.

Thank God for men of conscience such as John Howard and Kevin Rudd who hold a deep respect for human life. They test legislation against the intention of life itself as purposed by our Designer.

West, you cannot face the reality of God so you reduce the possiility in your mind by negatism and ridicule. A sign of immature thinking, rather than thinking the position of others and understanding from where their thoughts come. Obviously you do not have a secure world view to present the positive of your position, just immature ridicule.

Yeah, right on Philo,
thousands dead in Afghanistan and Iraq, David hicks locked up without charge for five years, children locked up in Australian detention centres, Lies about children being thrown overboard, lies about aborigines wanting to take over the back yards of othe Australians, lies about same-sex couples wanting to destroy the fabric of Australian marriage, Lies about bribing Saddam Hussein, lies about the effects of contraception pills, ... that's a great moral guy your John Howard. We need more of that type...
Go join the Brethren and pray for rapture.