Atheist: noun
1. A person who does not believe in the existence of any deities or gods, and rejects the concept of a higher power or supernatural beings.
2. One who holds the belief that there is no evidence or rational justification for the existence of gods or religious doctrines.
3. A non-theist who denies the existence of gods based on critical examination of religious claims and lack of empirical evidence.
4. An individual who subscribes to atheism as their philosophical or ideological stance, often emphasizing the importance of reason, science, and skepticism in understanding the world.
Atheism is a philosophical belief that rejects the existence of any deity or higher power. It is protected under the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as recognized by various international human rights instruments and national laws. Atheists have the right to hold and express their beliefs without discrimination or persecution. However, the legal status and protection of atheists may vary across jurisdictions, and they may face challenges in certain societies where religious beliefs are deeply ingrained. It is important for legal systems to ensure that atheists are afforded the same rights and protections as individuals with religious beliefs, promoting a fair and inclusive society.
Q: What is atheism?
A: Atheism is the lack of belief in any gods or deities. It is the absence of belief in the existence of a higher power or supernatural beings.
Q: Are all atheists the same?
A: No, atheism is simply a lack of belief in gods. Atheists can have different beliefs, values, and opinions on various subjects, just like any other group of people.
Q: Do atheists believe in anything?
A: Atheists can believe in a wide range of things, such as science, reason, humanism, morality, and the power of human potential. However, they do not believe in the existence of gods or supernatural entities.
Q: Can atheists be moral without believing in a higher power?
A: Yes, atheists can have a strong sense of morality based on empathy, compassion, and rational thinking. Morality is not exclusive to religious beliefs and can be derived from various sources, including secular ethics.
Q: Do atheists hate religion?
A: Not all atheists hate religion. While some may have strong criticisms of certain religious beliefs or practices, others may simply have a lack of belief without any negative feelings towards religion or religious individuals.
Q: Can atheists be spiritual?
A: Atheism itself does not involve spirituality, as it is the absence of belief in gods. However, some atheists may still have a sense of wonder, awe, or appreciation for the natural world, which can be considered a form of spirituality.
Q: Are atheists closed-minded?
A: Atheism is not inherently closed-minded. Atheists often base their beliefs on evidence, reason, and critical thinking. However, like any group, there can be individuals who are closed-minded, but it is not a characteristic exclusive to atheism.
Q: Can atheists change their beliefs?
A: Yes, atheists can change their beliefs just like anyone else. If presented with compelling evidence or persuasive arguments, an atheist may reconsider their position. However, it is important to note that atheism is not a belief system, but rather a lack of belief.
Q: Do atheists believe in an afterlife?
A: Atheists, by definition, do not believe in gods or supernatural entities, including an afterlife. However, individual atheists may have different beliefs or perspectives on the concept of an afterlife.
Q: Can atheists be part of a religious community?
A: While atheism itself does not involve religious beliefs, some atheists may choose to participate in religious communities for
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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