Atheism: GCSE Religious Studies Definition

What is Atheism?

In GCSE Religious Studies, atheism is generally understood as the philosophical position that there is no God or gods. A person who does not believe that there is a deity or God is known as an atheist.

The word atheism comes from the Greek word “theos”, meaning God. A theist believes in the existence of a God, an atheist does not.

Atheists reject the idea that God exists for several reasons:

• There is no compelling evidence for the existence of God.

• The arguments against God’s existence are the more convincing arguments.

• Developments in science contradict much of what has traditionally been believed about God.

Atheism is not a religion. Atheists take a divergent stance from the major world religions in beliefs such as the existence of life after death.

Atheism Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

You can learn more about atheism and how atheists have divergent beliefs from religious believers throughout our GCSE Religious Studies revision notes. You can also use past papers and exam questions to check your knowledge and understanding of all your GCSE Religious Studies revision.

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