Atheism is the disbelief in the existence of God. It is not a religion. It is not a belief system. It is the absence of belief in a deity. Some atheists are certain there is no God. Others simply lack belief. The difference is between strong and weak atheism. Strong atheism asserts that God does not exist. Weak atheism asserts that there is no reason to believe in God.

Atheism has a long history. Ancient Greek philosophers like Epicurus and Lucretius questioned the gods. The Enlightenment produced modern atheism. Thinkers like Voltaire, Hume, and Nietzsche challenged religion. The 20th century saw the rise of secularism. Atheism is now common in Europe, East Asia, and among scientists. It is growing in many countries.

Atheism in context

• Not the same as agnosticism.
• Not a single worldview.
• Can be combined with humanism or secularism.
• Often includes a naturalistic worldview.
• Faces persecution in some countries.

Atheists are diverse. Some are former believers. Some were raised without religion. Some are active in secular organizations. Some are indifferent. Atheism is not a moral position. Atheists can be moral. They can be immoral. They can be kind. They can be cruel. They are human. The only thing they share is the lack of belief in God. That is a small thing. It is also a big thing. It shapes how they see the world. It shapes how they see themselves. Atheism is a conclusion. It is not a creed. It is the answer some people give to the question of God. It is not the only answer. It is their answer.