antitheism

Antitheism is the stance that belief in gods—theism—should be opposed or rejected because it is false, harmful, or both. It involves critique of religious claims, opposition to religious privilege, or advocacy for secular governance. Antitheism differs from atheism: atheism is simply the absence of belief in gods, while antitheism asserts that theism should be actively opposed. Not all atheists are antitheists, and not all antitheists are non-believers in gods; some reject religion on moral or social grounds even while acknowledging uncertainty about metaphysical questions.

Historically, antitheistic ideas appear in various reform movements and in modern secular discourse. In contemporary debate, some writers argue that religion is harmful and should be scrutinized. Figures often linked to anti-religious critique include Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris, though they typically identify as atheists who critique religion; philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche criticized religion as a social phenomenon; Michel Onfray argues against theology as a cultural force. Antitheistic views are frequently connected to secularism and the aim of reducing religious influence in public life.

Common arguments include claims that religious beliefs lack empirical support, that religion has been linked to coercion or violence, and that religious institutions can perpetuate harmful norms. Antitheists often advocate secular ethics, scientific reasoning, and policy decisions free from religious considerations.

Critics contend that antitheism can foster hostility toward believers, threaten freedom of conscience, or oversimplify social issues. They note that critique of ideas should not stigmatize individuals, and that dialogue can address harms without blanket opposition to religion.