The best reaction to – what do you call a religion without gods?

A religion without gods is called atheism. It is the disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of a god or gods.

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A religion without gods is called atheism. It is characterized by the disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of a god or gods. Atheism is a philosophical and ideological position that challenges the notion of supernatural beings typically associated with religious belief systems. While atheism itself is not considered a religion in the traditional sense, it encompasses a wide range of beliefs, values, and perspectives on life.

Atheism can take various forms and can be based on different philosophical and rationalistic arguments. Some adhere to strong atheism, asserting with confidence that there are no gods, while others adopt a milder form of atheism known as weak atheism or agnostic atheism, where they simply lack belief in gods without making definitive assertions. These distinctions within atheism highlight the diverse spectrum of ideas and perspectives within the movement.

Here is a quote from renowned atheist Richard Dawkins that encapsulates the essence of atheism:

• “We are all atheists about most of the gods that societies have ever believed in. Some of us just go one god further.” – Richard Dawkins

Interesting facts about atheism:

1. Ancient roots: Atheistic ideas can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as ancient Greece and China, where philosophers like Epicurus and Confucius questioned traditional religious beliefs.

2. Number of atheists: According to a survey conducted by Gallup International in 2019, approximately 7% of the global population identifies as atheist.

3. Cultural and regional differences: The prevalence of atheism varies significantly across countries and regions. Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark have some of the highest proportions of atheists, while religiously diverse countries like the United States have a lower percentage.

4. Atheist organizations: Various atheist organizations and advocacy groups exist worldwide, aiming to promote secularism, humanism, and rational thinking. Some well-known organizations include the Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Atheists, and Atheist Alliance International.

5. Atheism and morality: Contrary to misconceptions, atheism does not imply a lack of morality. Atheists, like individuals from any religious or non-religious background, can hold moral values and ethical principles that guide their behavior.

Below is a table showcasing the diversity of atheism:

In conclusion, atheism represents a diverse and complex range of perspectives that reject the notion of gods. It encompasses various philosophical positions and has shaped the discourse on religion and belief systems throughout history. As British philosopher Bertrand Russell once said, “The existence of God is a subject of debate and controversy, and the range of ideas within atheism reflects the rich tapestry of human thought.”

Watch a video on the subject

In this video, multiple experts discuss whether religion can be explained without the concept of God. They explore various perspectives, including the role of natural phenomena, the evolutionary origins of religion, the concept of memes, and the social and communal aspects of religion. While some argue that religion can be understood and studied without invoking God, others suggest that the fundamental reality of religious beliefs remains complex and cannot be fully explained through scientific or social frameworks. Ultimately, the video highlights that religion encompasses personal experiences, social constructs, and the pursuit of truth, leaving the question of God’s existence open to interpretation.

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A religion that teaches that no deities exist is an atheistic religion. However, if a religion does not take a stance on whether or not deities exist but simply prioritizes following a moral and ethical code, the religion is considered nontheistic.

Religions without gods are called nontheistic religions. Nontheistic religions are traditions of thought within a religious context, in which nontheism informs religious beliefs or practices. Atheism is the doctrine or belief that there is no god. There are several religions without gods, and most of them have their source in the theistic tradition.

Nontheistic religions (not to be confused with Atheism) are traditions of thought within a religious context—some otherwise aligned with theism, others not—in which nontheism informs religious beliefs or practices.

Atheistic or non-theistic religions are a tradition of thought within the theistic context. There are several religions without gods and that should not be surprising because religion does not necessarily require God. Most of the non-theistic religions without gods have their source in the theistic tradition.

The word atheist originates with the Greek atheos, which is built from the roots a- (“without”) and theos (“a god”). Atheism is the doctrine or belief that there is no god.

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