Atheist Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Atheism

Annually observed on March 23, Atheist Day is a celebration of those who do not believe in deity. More than 400 years ago, the term “atheism” arose in medieval Europe to describe those who rejected the concept of a higher power.

There are reportedly over 4,000 religions in the world today, and nearly all of them have associated festivals and observances. Despite the fact that atheists do not believe in God, they also desired a special day to be observed, thus the establishment of Atheist Day.

The background of Atheist Day

It is believed that atheism is as ancient as religion itself. 550 B.C. records and writings indicate that even within Judaism, some individuals did not believe in the existence of gods. Subsequently, there have been indications of the same in Christianity and Islam.

Lokayata was an overtly atheistic school in India during the sixth century BCE.
However, being an atheist was disapproved upon in those days. Atheist was considered a derogatory term. Even legends imply that people who held such beliefs were executed and treated as social outcasts.

During the Middle Ages, a number of freethinkers, such as Al-Ma’arri in Persia and Nicholas of Cusa from ancient Germany, helped propagate atheism. During the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci and Niccol Machiavelli questioned the Church’s and religion’s beliefs.

With the rise of communism in Eastern Europe and Asia, secularism became more acceptable. There were varying degrees of atheism in society, despite the fact that the term “atheist” was commonly used as a catch-all for those who did not believe in God.

Some individuals were skeptical of all beliefs. Some did not believe in God but believed that it could be tolerated, while others, such as the ‘New Atheists,’ believed that it should be opposed rather than merely tolerated. The concept of agnosticism originated from this belief.

It was suggested that neither the existence nor nonexistence of God could be demonstrated.

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5 Atheism Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

It is estimated that approximately 7 percent of the global population is agnostic.

Seven out of ten atheists in the United States are male.

A common misconception is that the Soviet Union was a secular nation.

Atheists were tortured and executed during the Middle Ages, including the Italian philosopher Giulio Vanini.

The Nazi army prohibited atheists from joining the Schutzstaffel. (S.S.).

ATHEIST DAY DATES