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.

In his 1986 book "The Blind Watchmaker" Richard Dawkins recalls expressing his position that he couldn't imagine being an atheist before Darwin. As it happens, there WERE atheists before Darwin, and theories of evolution go back to ancient Greece. It's curious, because he also believes God is in itself a bad explanation (would it still be if evolution were false?). It's a shame if Mr. Dawkins (who I have recently met) is unaware of it, but there is a great legacy of atheist pioneers that helped forge the modern world and cut through the fog and terror of religious faith.

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Was there atheism in antiquity and who were the first atheists?

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Jesus spoke of love and forgiveness, but history tells of slaughter and pillage in his name.

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The problem of evil is considered by many to be one of the most powerful arguments against the existence of God. Though the theological responses vary considerably, one in particular recently caught my eye.

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Orgasm and the appreciation of beauty are equalizers in society. Most people across all socio-economic spectrums desire and experience them in some way.

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Christians often tell me they are concerned with the fate of my soul. But very few seem concerned with my fate as a human.

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I write this open letter, seeking advice as how to help a friend in an unhealthy relationship.

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Islamophobia suggests that the religion is exempt from criticism. In reality, no institution is above reproach, and critical discourse should never be silenced by apologists.

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Parents need to feel comfortable explaining atheism and theism to children. Education should outweigh the fear of labeling a child early in life.

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One situation that seems to regularly upset atheists is the funeral. It’s assumed we are all religious. What if there were a secular alternative?

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