About Atheism

Atheism is a very broad term, even though it is basically interpreted as the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. The term is contrasted with theism, which suggests that there exists at least one deity. The word atheism dates back to the 5th Century BCE Greek word atheos, which means “without gods.” Over the years, the application of the word has been narrowed down significantly, thanks to the spread of freethought, skeptical inquiry and an increase in the criticism of religion.

Today, there are very few people who understand the concept completely and that is why atheism is often misunderstood and even vilified to a large extent. Different people perceive atheism differently, and hence, it is difficult to determine the total number of atheists in the world. Questions related to atheism can stem from philosophical, social or even historical perspectives. While some rationalize their lack of belief in a supernatural deity as insufficient empirical evidence, others rationalize their stance with the problem of evil that theism fails to resolve at many levels.

Whatever the reason may be for one to turn to atheism, Atheist Republic is one of the few organizations that try to highlight how okay it is to raise questions and seek answers, an idea that is often denounced by many religious people. The team at Atheist Republic strives to educate those interested in atheism, because they unanimously believe that understanding the subject will help one see how most of the attacks made upon atheism and atheists are based on mistaken assumptions and a general lack of knowledge.

Here is hoping you, too, find Atheist Republic to be a resourceful website that not only answers the questions you may have, but also enriches your mind.

אתאיזם: המילה שנובעת מהשורש היווני "את'וס" הוזכרה לראשונה בתור מושג רשמי בצרפת במאה ה-16 ב"כתב בנושא אמיתות הדת הנוצרית, נכתב בצרפתית נגד אתאיסטים, אניני טעים, מוסלמים, יהודים וכופרים אחרים מאת סר פיליפ ממונריי, תרגום לאנגלית הוחל על ידי סר פיליפ סידני נייט, ולבקשתו סויים על ידי ארתור גולדינג". רק במאה ה-18 המאוחרת מתועדות הודאות ל"אתאיזם חזק". למרות זאת, לרעיונות ואידיאולוגייה אתאיסטית היסטוריה ארוכה הרבה יותר ממה שנוכל להסיק מראיות אלו. למיטב דיעתנו, אתאיזם פילוסופי הופיע לראשונה באירופה ואסיה במאה החמישית או השישית לפני הספירה.

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Calling myself an atheist doesn’t mean what you think it means

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Respect has to be earned, not just by individuals but by movements and doctrines as well.

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Intelligent design and creationism are the last sanctuaries for the ever receding god of the gaps.

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Siendo ateo, responder esta pregunta es importante, no para convencerse de estos conceptos anticuados, sino para que podamos entender a las personas que todavía se adhieren a ellos.

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An interview with Armin Navabi who is the creator and founder of Atheist Republic.

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Atheism: a term that is exasperatingly complex in its simplicity. Many people say, “If you don’t believe in a divine being/god, then you are an atheist.” Others employ a small variation; saying, “If you believe there is no divine being/god, then you are an atheist.” (employing a positive belief statement) While others argue atheist isn’t a term that should exist at all because it’s basically a label for something that is nothing – arguing that the negative should be the baseline or default and shouldn’t require a label. Even famous scientists, who many say are clearly atheists, refuse to use the term and even deride it because of its implicit baggage in the social context.

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There isn’t a short and simple answer to this question – but I think you may find the answers that are there, are a bit surprising.

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No boxed set is complete without some extras. So here are some alternate endings and deleted scenes!

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Some Christian churches use shaming tactics with their followers to get people out there on the streets sharing the Good News.

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