For many people, a primary benefit of religion is that it provides absolute rules for how to behave. If God forbids something, then it is by definition, "wrong." If God allows or rewards behavior, then it is by definition "right." There is no need to analyze the reasoning behind the rules, only to follow them. The believer is strongly motivated by the desire to avoid punishment and earn rewards.
Contrary to popular belief, atheists are not "immoral." We do not behave in random, destructive ways. In fact, atheists and religious folks share many of the same "rules." This is not surprising when you recognize that religious laws are often based on the common good. How you define the community you are a part of can affect your views of morality. This is true for theists and atheists alike.
Atheists cannot speak for one another. We all have our own way of looking at the world and deciding what is right and wrong, so there is no "atheist morality." Of all the reasons we could use to decide what is "moral," the authority of a god is simply not one of them.
For More Views and Information:
Atheists are Immoral (AlabamaAtheist.com)
Morality and Atheism (eskimo.com)
Ethics and Morality (about.com)
The Ineffable Carrot and the Infinite Stick (ebonmusings.com)
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