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.

An Afterlife for Atheists

"That you are here—that life exists, and identity; That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse"[1]

Not Separate, And More Than Equal

It's really, really not complicated—in fighting homosexuality and gay rights, the religious don't realize that they are not fighting a distinct form of sex or lifestyle, they are fighting love itself.

Atheists Before Darwin

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.

Five Heresies of Atheism

Five things atheists often say which are about as defensible as creationist arguments.

First Generation Atheist Parents

Being a first generation atheist parent can be confusing, but you can do it!

Kids with Religion

“Why can’t atheists just leave religious people alone? What difference does it make to them anyway?” This is a common complaint levelled against the non-religious. Sometimes I have these thoughts too. What harm is it really? And then I remember my childhood and think about the encounters my kids have had with religious kids. I remember the fear and anxiety, the pressure to proselytize and the way my Christian friends treated others.

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.

The Elephant in the Room