nonbeliever

Nonbeliever is a general term for a person who does not hold a belief in a deity or in the central tenets of a religion. It is not a formal doctrine, and its meaning can vary by context. In everyday use, nonbeliever covers individuals who do not subscribe to religious faith, including atheists, agnostics, secularists, humanists, freethinkers, and others who identify as nonreligious.

An atheist explicitly disbelieves in gods or lacks belief in deities; an agnostic doubts whether such beliefs can be known. Nonbeliever is broader and descriptive of belief status rather than a stance on knowledge.

In demographic and sociological contexts, surveys may categorize respondents as religious, nonreligious, or nonbeliever. Nonbeliever as label used by individuals to describe their stance.

Cultural and ethical dimensions: Many nonbelievers participate in secular organizations, support freedom of conscience, and pursue ethics independent of religious frameworks.

Misconceptions: Nonbeliever is not synonymous with immoral or anti-religion. Terminology varies; some people prefer "nonreligious" or "not religious." The term can be contested or self-chosen.