atheism

Everyday

1. The belief that there is no God or gods. tree →
2. Not believing in any god. tree →

In the lessons

Met in religious education when learning about different beliefs. Atheists base their ideas of right and wrong on reason, kindness and human values. Compare with theism (believing in God) and agnosticism (not being sure). Phrases: atheism and religion, a belief in atheism.

Examples

• Atheism is the belief that there is no God. tree →
• In RE we learned about atheism as well as world religions. tree →
• Some people choose atheism, and others choose a faith. tree →
• My uncle's atheism doesn't stop him enjoying Christmas with us. tree →
• Atheism and religion both try to answer big questions. tree →
• We should respect people's beliefs, including atheism. tree →
• An atheist might say that people can be good without God. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Person: an atheist; adjective: atheist or atheistic. Prefix a- means "without" + theism (belief in God). Not the same as agnostic (someone who says they do not know). Talk about it respectfully, as with any belief.