antireligious

Antireligious refers to the stance or philosophy that is opposed to religion or seeks to undermine its influence in society. Individuals who hold antireligious views may see religion as unnecessary, oppressive, or counterproductive to human progress. Antireligious sentiment can manifest in a variety of ways, from outright hostility towards religious institutions to a more nuanced critique of religious beliefs and practices.

In some cases, antireligious individuals may view themselves as atheists, agnostics, or secular humanists. They may argue that religion is based on superstition, myth, or dogma, and that its influence can lead to intolerance, division, and conflict. Some antireligious thinkers and activists have also sought to promote science and reason as more reliable and effective approaches to understanding the world.

Antireligious views have a long and complex history, with examples found in ancient Greek philosophy (e.g., Epicureanism, Stoicism) and in modern critiques of organized religion (e.g., Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx). In the 20th century, antireligious sentiment was often associated with socialist and communist movements, which sought to secularize society and promote scientific materialism.

It is worth noting that antireligious views are not necessarily synonymous with anti-theism. While some antireligious individuals may reject the existence of a deity altogether, others may simply argue that religious institutions and practices are unnecessary or detrimental to human society.