Category Archives: Atheism/Agnosticism

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agnostic

Someone who is unsure whether there is a God or who believes it is unknowable whether God exists. Sometimes, the former is referred to as “weak agnosticism” and the latter is called “strong agnosticism.” Do not confuse with atheist.

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apatheist

A person who thinks the question of God’s existence is irrelevant and unimportant.

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atheist

A person who does not believe in God or other supernatural forces. Some people make a distinction between “weak atheism” (the idea that evidence doesn’t support a belief in God) and “strong atheism” (being convinced that God does not exist).

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atheopaganism

A neopagan movement with rituals that emphasize the natural world and a firm set of ethics and principles, but which does not believe in gods, the divine or the supernatural.

Filed in Atheism/Agnosticism, Paganism/Wicca

bright

An individual who espouses a naturalistic worldview, free of any supernaturalism or mysticism. The term was coined by Mynga Futrell and Paul Geisert, co-directors of the Brights’ Network, and encompasses a diverse range of views. Critics, including some in the freethought community, dislike the word, which they consider pretentious and condescending.

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freethinker

A person who evaluates religious belief systems solely on the basis of reason, rather than on dogma, tradition, faith or authority. The term freethought movement is often used to describe the full spectrum of nontheism.

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humanist

A rationalist who believes that humanity is capable of morality and self-fulfillment without reliance on supernaturalism.

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meta-atheist

Someone who, deep down, doesn’t believe in God, though that person might not even consciously realize it.

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New Atheist

A person who not only is an atheist but believes that religion is, on the whole, harmful and should be opposed whenever it conflicts with science or threatens societal interests. Capitalize both words.

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nonbeliever

No hyphen.

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nonspiritual

Those who do not participate in religious or spiritual matters, including not believing in a higher power, not attending religious services and not participating in religious activities such as praying.

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nontheist

A person who questions or rejects the idea of a personal God or gods. The word is sometimes used as an umbrella term for agnostics, atheists and secularists; it can also include those who believe in a nonpersonal god — for example, deists.

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rationalist

An individual who relies on logic and reason for knowledge and a system of ethics, rather than on faith or religion.

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religiously unaffiliated

Those who do not identify with any religious group. Includes those who identify as atheists or agnostics. As of 2017, accounts for 24% of the adult public. This group has tripled in size in the last 25 years.

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secular humanism

An outlook that emphasizes human rather than religious values. Secular humanism stresses reason, scientific inquiry, individual freedom and responsibility, human values and compassion, and the need for tolerance and cooperation.

Filed in Atheism/Agnosticism, Religion and culture

secular religion

Generally understood as a widely held belief system that does not take metaphysical, spiritual or religious aspects into account; a governing system with rules, practices, rituals and organization that does not discuss such topics as the afterlife or the divine.

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skeptic

Someone who questions claims about the supernatural and insists on evidence as a condition for belief.

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Unitarian Universalist

The Unitarian Universalist Association encourages a wide spectrum of belief. Many members believe in God, but atheists also find a home in this denomination. Unitarian Universalists do not believe Jesus was divine and are not considered Christians, although they would welcome Christians — or just about anyone — in their churches. They employ a congregational form of government.

Filed in Atheism/Agnosticism, Other faiths

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