What is the Real Purpose of an Atheist Forum?

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

And having Atheist Organizations?

There is no such thing as 'an atheist organistion'. There are a diverse range of organisations/clubs/association/political parties to which some atheists belong. Some even use the word 'atheist' in their name. At best they represent their members,they do not represent atheists as a group.

Why do Atheists need to congregate and form these organizations?

Why should atheists be any different from other human beings? We are social animals.
I suspect there are range of reasons. I belong because it suits me. It's a pastime and keeps me on my toes mentally. I suspect some American atheists belong partly from self defence. Atheists are hated and discriminated against in the US. For some people it may be the only place they can engage in intelligent conversation.

What are they trying to accomplish by coming together?

Why does there need to be an agenda? I don't have one,other than to feed my delicate little ego. I can't speak for others. However,I'm aware of no overt agenda overall.

Who gets to lead an Atheist group?

Once again there is no such thing as an atheist group,so by definition there is no such thing as an atheist leader or spokesperson. Atheist forums are privately owned internet sites,they are not democracies.

What kind of credentials must the leader have?

The question is meaningless. Are you perhaps thinking of people such as Richard Dawkins (scientist;NOT a philosopher) and Chris Hitchens? (journalist,neither a scientist nor a philosopher) That pair are popularist writers,who represent their own views, period. 'A lot of people' seem to absorb uncritically whatever those guys say. I don't.

A lot of people are fucking stupid (George Carlin)

[tavarish]

I'm here because I thoroughly enjoy reasoned debate. There are many theists who are not only articulate, but have points that I've never thought of within the context of the discussion. I can't do that on any other forum, especially not a Christian forum. I'm also happy to be in the company of people who understand what a circular argument is. Most people don't understand follies in logic.

Atheists in general don't want to be tied into a religion, that's why the word "atheist" denotes such negative connotations, as it's seen as a cult or malicious organization by many in the religious world.

It's not a hate group. Theists are allowed to sign up, present their cases, hang around, shoot the shit, and do whatever else pleases them. If they ramble and make circular arguments and proselytize, then obviously mods have to step in. But on the whole it's not an issue. Atheist gatherings are sort of the anti-religion. Think of it as a modern day enlightenment, a meeting of the minds to ensure we have a steady societal progression based on reasoned logic and observable and testable claims.

By the way, abortion is virtually never an easy feat, and it has lasting psychological and sometimes physical effects on the woman. It's a hard decision by any fathomable measure. What the religious right tends to do is make this a government problem, when it isn't. It's a social issue at the very most, and options should not be omitted on the sole purpose of influence of religious dogma.

About gays - I don't see the big issue with allowing them the right to marry. It is not unnatural (it happens in nature), and it has been well documented to have been accepted in man's intellectual adolescence. I don't understand how a man can find another man attractive sexually, but I won't condemn him for having a different preference than me. He's a human being, subject to the same trials of life as the rest of us, and should be granted the same liberties and freedoms. Legislation against it is purely bigoted bullshit.