Antitheism

/ˌæntiˈθiɪzəm/ noun

Definition

Active opposition to theism and belief in God, going beyond mere disbelief to assert that belief in God is harmful to individuals or society. Antitheists view religion as actively dangerous rather than simply false.

Etymology

From Greek 'anti' (against) and 'theos' (god). While the concept is ancient, the systematic critique of religion as socially harmful became prominent during the Enlightenment and continues in modern secular movements.

Kelly Says

Antitheism produces strange bedfellows—ancient Epicureans who thought gods existed but were indifferent, and modern critics like Christopher Hitchens who argue religion 'poisons everything,' both concluding that godly beliefs harm human flourishing!

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