Atheism

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Atheism is commonly defined not as doubts (skepticism) or reservations (agnosticism) but as the denial of God’s existence and even of non-material existence, but is it that simple? In this course, we explore atheism’s varied expressions past and present. First, all atheism is not the same. Some identify it with the secular outlook of modern science, but in China it is the state religion. Others, as far back as Socrates, have been accused of atheism for rejecting the civic piety of the day, but it’s not clear they rejected divinity per se. Second, many see atheism not simply as the rejection of religion but as a type of religion with a cosmology and spirituality of its own. Does atheism have religion-like qualities? Some who embrace atheism describe the experience as a conversion and may work to convert others to their newfound “faith.” Third, atheism does not mean immorality. Atheists espouse ethical values (fairness, kindness, etc.) that do not seem radically different from those espoused by religious folk. Where do atheists get their morals? Finally, atheism varies by culture. Atheism in the US is not the same, for example, as it is in Egypt or Saudi Arabia. As well, atheism takes a distinct color in a Christian-heritage context as opposed to a Muslim-heritage context or a Hindu-heritage context. We also consider the importance of atheism for thinking about questions, challenges, even clashes around religion today. Does atheism offer insight in terms of where religion is going today?