Antitheism refers to active opposition to theism and religion. Antitheists view theism, religious faith, and divinity as harmful to society and human development. The term antitheism was coined in the late 18th century and has gained more widespread use in recent years, as debates over the role of religion in society have become increasingly prominent.
Some key things to understand about antitheism:
Antitheists See Religion as Harmful
Unlike atheists who simply lack a belief in God, antitheists view religion and theistic belief as actively harmful. They make moral and epistemological arguments against faith, contending that religious belief fosters authoritarianism, ignorance, dogmatism, and intolerance. Antitheists may argue that humanity would be better off without religion and that society should work to counter the influence of faith and religious institutions.
Antitheism Entails Opposition to Theism
Antitheism goes beyond atheism to an oppositional stance against theism and religious faith. Antitheists contend not just that there is insufficient evidence for God, but that belief in God leads to negative consequences for humanity. They may actively work against faith via critiques, debates, activism, and more.
Distinct from Irreligion and Secularism
While antitheists align with secularists and religious skeptics in their criticisms of faith, antitheism is an active opposition that goes beyond secular values and irreligious perspectives. Many secular humanists and agnostics do not share the antitheist view of religion as something to counteract.
Not Just Anti-Organized Religion
While some focus their criticism on institutional religion, antitheists typically oppose supernatural belief and theism generally. Even personal spirituality detached from organized religion is viewed as irrational and counterproductive to human progress.
Overlaps with but Differs from New Atheism
The New Atheist movement spearheaded by Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and others shares similarities with antitheism in its zealous critiques of religion. However, New Atheists primarily focus on rational arguments against faith, while antitheists emphasize religion’s immorality and actively opposing theism.
Key Figures in Antitheist Thought
While traces of antitheist views appear throughout history, key figures who advanced antitheistic ideas and rhetoric include:
– Baron d’Holbach (18th century French-German philosopher)
– Ludwig Feuerbach (19th century German philosopher)
– Karl Marx (criticized religion as “the opium of the people”)
– Ayn Rand (viewed religion as inherently immoral)
– Christopher Hitchens (prominent New Atheist writer, God Is Not Great)
– Michel Onfray (French philosopher advocating postanarchism)
Antitheist Arguments and Views
Some common arguments made by antitheists include:
– Religious faith undermines reasoning, evidence and science.
– Belief in divine command theory leads to moral relativism.
– Religions often foster tribalism, dogmatism and authoritarianism.
– Religious institutions perpetuate irrationality and ignorance.
– Faith-based belief provides cover for immorality and hatred.
– Religious conflicts and extremism cause violence and suffering.
Many antitheists cite specific harms they attribute to religious belief, from restraints on science and free thought to enabling immoral conduct and divisions between identity groups. They argue eliminating faith-based thinking would advance morality, reason, social progress and human flourishing.
Approaches to Opposing Theism
Antitheists may oppose theism and religion in different ways:
– Rational arguments against the existence of God and the validity of religion.
– Moral indictments of religious texts, doctrines and institutions.
– Activism promoting separation of religion from state/politics.
– Education and philosophical critique of faith and theistic claims.
– Legal efforts to reduce religious influence on society.
– Promotion of atheist, humanist and secular perspectives.
Some are civil and seek reasoned discourse, while others take a more militant activist approach. But in common is active opposition to religious belief and its impact.
Contrast with Accommodationism
Some atheists and secularists argue for accommodating religious beliefs as relatively benign, but antitheists see this as complicity with forces of unreason. Antitheists argue faith must be actively countered, not just politely tolerated. This contrast between confrontation and accommodation is a key debate within the secular community.
Potential Risks and Criticisms
While antitheists contend they are arguing for a rational, ethical, progressive worldview, critics point to potential issues such as:
– Alienating moderate believers who might otherwise be allies.
– Driving people toward religious fundamentalism in reaction to aggressive attacks.
– Undervaluing positive charitable and moral aspects of religious communities.
– Infringing on religious liberty rights in over-zealous efforts to suppress faith.
– Fostering an air of intellectual superiority, arrogance and dismissiveness.
– Alignment with totalitarian anti-religious regimes that restrict liberties.
Conclusion
Antitheism remains a controversial viewpoint. Supporters believe active opposition to theistic belief can positively transform society. Critics argue antitheism risks intolerance while being counterproductive to social progress and understanding between belief systems. The antitheist perspective provides an insightful contrast highlighting the significant tensions between faith and secular values in modern society.