ATHEISM-BELIEF IN EXISTENCE OF GOD

Atheism, by its most common definition, is the lack of belief in the existence of gods. By more expansive definition, the word can be used to describe any belief that there are no gods. By any definition, however, the term is exceedingly vague and has been used by religious and non-religious individuals alike for thousands of years.

In a more narrow sense, atheists consider themselves theists in regard to religion. This may seem like a contradiction, given that theists often define God in very specific terms (e.g., “the most powerful entity in the universe”). However, when you examine how theists define God, they tend to describe him as the creator of the universe and the sustainer of its order. By contrast, atheists tend to describe God as the maker of the universe and the keepers of order, with no special reference to how he acts in specific circumstances.

Atheism has been present in mankind for hundreds of years, and is not a recent development. Many cultures throughout history have held beliefs in some form of God or a higher power. Most of those who do not believe in a god are not atheistic. Rather, they often describe their atheistic beliefs in terms of being agnostics, Unitarian or Presbyterian.

The word “atheism” simply means “not having a god.” There is no sense in which an individual could state they are an atheist if they have a positive attitude towards religion or have a personal belief in a god or deities. The word was popularized in 19th century French writer Albert Camus’ famous novel, The Outsider. According to popular belief, Camus’ character was an atheist. His character was subsequently arrested and spent time in prison for being an atheist.

A more recent occurrence of “atheism” occurs in early medieval Europe, with the rise of the” fideism,” or the belief, “Everything in reality is God and therefore God is everything.” While this can be considered a moderate form of atheistic thought, it is certainly not a position widely shared among the whole of society. Fideism is closely related to the pantheism of ancient Greek philosophy, which held that the world, including human life, was sacred and divine. In other words, it believed that all aspects of human life were governed by a single will which determines the laws and traits of reality. This idea was later picked up and applied to political philosophy, which taught that the laws of nature and society were designed by God himself.

In modern times, atheists tend to be associated with political philosophers such as Machiavelli, who wrote about how to avoid being ruled by leaders that are based in philosophy. Other notable theocrats include Edmund Burke and Sir Henry Belushi, both of whom are often credited with having founded the English enlightenment. One of the most notable theocrats, Thomas Jefferson, explicitly voiced his disbelief in traditional religion in his 1776 letter to Mr. Pickering of Virginia. The major figure behind the creation of the United States, George Washington, also strongly rejected organized religion and believed that it was necessary for the government to “establish a church of our own.”