About Atheism

Atheism is a very broad term, even though it is basically interpreted as the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. The term is contrasted with theism, which suggests that there exists at least one deity. The word atheism dates back to the 5th Century BCE Greek word atheos, which means “without gods.” Over the years, the application of the word has been narrowed down significantly, thanks to the spread of freethought, skeptical inquiry and an increase in the criticism of religion.

Today, there are very few people who understand the concept completely and that is why atheism is often misunderstood and even vilified to a large extent. Different people perceive atheism differently, and hence, it is difficult to determine the total number of atheists in the world. Questions related to atheism can stem from philosophical, social or even historical perspectives. While some rationalize their lack of belief in a supernatural deity as insufficient empirical evidence, others rationalize their stance with the problem of evil that theism fails to resolve at many levels.

Whatever the reason may be for one to turn to atheism, Atheist Republic is one of the few organizations that try to highlight how okay it is to raise questions and seek answers, an idea that is often denounced by many religious people. The team at Atheist Republic strives to educate those interested in atheism, because they unanimously believe that understanding the subject will help one see how most of the attacks made upon atheism and atheists are based on mistaken assumptions and a general lack of knowledge.

Here is hoping you, too, find Atheist Republic to be a resourceful website that not only answers the questions you may have, but also enriches your mind.

Bangladesh Riots and Islamic Extremism

When I heard about the riot in Bangladesh I immediately “aha, this is a revolt against an oppressive government” because I am a simple-minded fool like that. But when I looked into it, I learnt that it was very much the other way around and I began rooting for the government to regain control.

Because we can’t be serious all the time. I hope this makes you smile.

Atheists Before Darwin

In his 1986 book "The Blind Watchmaker" Richard Dawkins recalls expressing his position that he couldn't imagine being an atheist before Darwin. As it happens, there WERE atheists before Darwin, and theories of evolution go back to ancient Greece. It's curious, because he also believes God is in itself a bad explanation (would it still be if evolution were false?). It's a shame if Mr. Dawkins (who I have recently met) is unaware of it, but there is a great legacy of atheist pioneers that helped forge the modern world and cut through the fog and terror of religious faith.

5 Things You Might Miss in Heaven

People spend so much time longing for heaven, but when you talk with them, many have no clue about what it will be like. Just ask them, and listen as they tie themselves in knots.

Raising Atheist Children

Many atheist parents want a magic bullet for raising atheist children and I’m here to tell you, there is no magic bullet.

That’s Like, Just Your Opinion, Man

It’s amazing how many times a person tries to claim that a matter of fact is a matter of opinion – let’s clear this up with a counter-apologetic!

The problem of evil is considered by many to be one of the most powerful arguments against the existence of God. Though the theological responses vary considerably, one in particular recently caught my eye.

We scream about the injustice, the hypocrisy and the damage it causes upon the world. Why can’t I leave religion alone?

The doubters have asked questions, poked, prodded, analyzed and asked more questions. Because the religious have often been openly afraid of doubt, even to the point of putting warnings against it in their holy books, atheists are often self-congratulatory about their ability to reason and question but atheists seem to be just as likely to hold certain beliefs as sacrosanct. But there is power in doubt and it’s a power atheists can reveal to others.

Because I Said So!