Atheism is the lack of belief in the existence of gods or deities. It can also refer to the active disbelief in the existence of any supernatural beings. Atheism is often contrasted with theism, which is the belief in one or more gods.
Atheism can take various forms:
- Strong Atheism: The explicit assertion that there are no gods.
- Weak Atheism: The absence of belief in gods without necessarily asserting that no gods exist.
- Agnostic Atheism: A position where an individual does not believe in gods but also holds that the existence of gods is unknown or unknowable.
Atheism is often supported by philosophical, scientific, and empirical arguments. Many atheists advocate for a secular worldview that relies on reason, evidence, and critical thinking, rather than religious doctrine.
Atheism has different cultural and social implications depending on the context in which it is expressed. In some societies, it may be accepted and even embraced, while in others, it can be stigmatized or persecuted.