History, Atheism, Philosophy, Religion, Secularism, Humanism, Ancient History, Modern History, Education, World History The History of Atheism: From Ancient Times to the Modern World Atheism, broadly defined as the absence of belief in gods or the rejection of the existence of deities, is not a modern invention. Throughout history, skepticism toward religion has appeared in different civilizations, philosophies, and intellectual traditions. However, organized atheism as a global movement emerged only during the last few centuries. This article explores the historical development of atheism, its major philosophical milestones, and the organizations that have helped promote secularism and non-religious worldviews around the globe. What Is Atheism? The word atheism comes from the Greek word "atheos", meaning "without gods." Modern scholars generally distinguish between: Implicit atheism: Lack of belief in any deity. Explicit atheism: The conscious belief th...