I found this in the book I mentioned earlier, Can Be Good Without God. The author, Robert Buckman, doesn't use the term athiest, he uses the term non-theist which I like better actually. I refer to the book because he is more eloquent than I in expressing these thoughts.
Non-Theist Core Principles
1. The human species has evolved as - and remains as - part of nature.
Humankind is no more that - and no less than - a part of nature: like all living organisms, humans have a life that is limited in duration and scope.
2. Human consiciousness is a function of the activity of the human brain.
Being aware of the rest of nature - and of the universe - and of its own place within it is a characteristic of humankind's mental functioning that is perhaps unique and certainly wonderful. Nevertheless, consiciousness is another aspect of natural life, and not a force or essence instilled into humans by an outside deity or intelligence. An individual's consiciousness ends when that person dies.
3. Human beings require (to some extent) a system of belief in order to function.
So far, most belief systems have revolved around the idea of an external god or gods,; however, the same need to believe can be equally served by alternative systems of philosophy. The Humanists' system is founded on using the scientific method to establish the factual basis of any data, and on basing human behaviour on reasonable conduct and democratic principles.
4. Humanists believe that in all its forms the supernatural is a myth.
Believing in an external God is a uniquely human activity. While is has undoubtly produced some advantages for humankind, it has also been a source of considerable divisiveness and strife. Humanists are people who do not believe in the idea of a Divine Architect or Regulator who has constructed the universe and controls human affairs, and they reject religions based on dogma, revelation or mysticism.
5. The human species is capable of achieving a great deal using its resources of collaberation and creativity. The results of these endeavours often benefit our species and planet, but we are also capable of using the same abilities in acts of destruction and cruelty.
The human species has always carried out acts of great benefit, but also acts of great destruction. Humanists recognize that the human species is innately capable of both of these - and that the potential for destruction is part of the human repertoire. Acts of mass aggression, killing and war are a result of tendencies built into human behaviour and are not simply the result fo a few abnormal and aberrant individuals. As a species we can clearly do many good things, but we need to be aware that we are capable of the opposite
6. Humanists do not believe that the rules of human conduct have been set or preordained by any deity or external intelligence.
Clearly, no single religion has been able to show that it has exclusive access to the secret of peaceful and cooperative co-existence of life on earth. There is much merit in the idea that there is no such thing as an extrinsic set of rules imposed on us from outside humankind that should be governing all of human behaviour.
7. Individuals who are aware of the consequences of their actions on other individuals, on the community and on the species are likely to behave in a more considerate, more reasonable and more ethical way.
Striving for the greater good and worth of the human species is not an exclusive property of theism. It is a human activity that can exist just as well without a belief in a deity as it can with it. Non-theists can be - and often are - ethical and moral people.
8. Humanists believe that equality of opportunity is a fundamental principle on which humankind can base its behaviour.
Equality of opportunity should be supported for people, no matter what their nation, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or any aspect of their beliefs.
9. Life on earth is relatively fragile and requires care and attention to continue.
There is nothing guaranteeing our species against all causes of potential extinction. Our own activities may threaten our existence, and we need to be aware of this in organizing and regulating what we need to do.
10. Humankind's destiny is not predetermined - much of it lies in our own control.
There is hope. But it's up to us to look after each other and ourselves.
Addtional guideline, he refers to as a suggestion: if you have children, do your best to like them
Much of mankind's woes seem to stem from children abused and disliked by their parents or caregivers as they grew up. The world will not be perfect if every child is not only loved but also liked, but it will probably be a lot more stable.
Me here, all humanists are athiest or non-theists but not all athiests are humanists just to be clear.
That's interesting theology you have there.
