The key difference between atheist and anti-theist is that atheist is someone who doesn’t believe in the existence of god whereas anti-theist is someone who opposes theism.
Atheists and anti-theists are basically people who do not believe in god. Atheism and anti-theism are the two states corresponding two them. Although the two terms atheists and anti-theists are closely related, there is a distinct difference between atheist and anti-theist. It is also important to note that anti-theists are atheists, but not all atheists are anti-theists.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Who is an Atheist
3. Who is an Anti-theist
4. Relationship Between Atheist and Anti-theist
5. Side by Side Comparison – Atheist vs Anti-theist in Tabular Form
6. Summary
Who is an Atheist?
Atheists are the people who don’t believe in the existence of god(s). Similarly, atheism is the disbelief in the existence of gods. Most of the major religions in the world such as Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism are based on the existence of god. Thus, the followers of these religions believe in the existence of god(s). Atheists are not followers of religions. They may not care about religion or even think that religion is beneficial. For them, their non-belief in god is personal; they don’t feel the need to express their views to others. Nor do they feel the need to criticize believers or religions.
The disbelief in god may be a result of the inherent inability to believe incredulous religious teachings. Therefore, atheism can also be a deliberate choice.
Who is an Anti-theist?
Before looking at the word anti-theist, it is important to know the meanings of the words theist and theism. Theism is the belief in the existence of the Supreme Being or deities. A theist is a person who believes in the existence of god or gods, specifically a god who intervenes in human affairs. However, an anti-theist is a person who opposes theism. Likewise, antitheism is the opposition of theism. That is more than just a disbelief in god. Anti-theists believe that belief in god is harmful and that it can negatively affect individuals and society. Therefore, they actively work against it.
What is the Relationship Between Atheist and an Anti-theist?
- Atheism and anti-theism are both related to the disbelief in the existence of god(s).
- Besides, anti-theists are atheists, but not all atheists are anti-theists.
What is the Difference Between Atheist and Anti-theist?
Aethist is someone who doesn’t believe in the existence of god or gods whereas anti-theist is someone who opposes theism. Although both these definitions sound the same, there is a distinct difference between atheist and anti-theist. That is; the aethists do not believe in god, but they also do not feel the need to oppose gods or those who believe in god. They may be indifferent to religion or may even feel that religion is beneficial to individuals and society. In contrast, anti-theism is just more than a disbelief in the existence of god. Anti-theists believe that religion negatively affects individuals and society. So, this is the key difference between atheist and anti-theist.
Below infographic summarizes the difference between atheist and anti-theist.
Summary – Atheist vs Anti-theist
Aethists do not believe in god, but they also do not feel a need to oppose gods or those who believe in god. They may be indifferent to religion or may even feel that religion is beneficial to individuals and society. In contrast, anti-theism is just more than a disbelief in the existence of god. Anti-theists believe that religion negatively affects individuals and society. Thus, this is the difference between athist and anti-theist.
Reference:
1. “No god” By Bartimaeus at English Wikipedia – Later versions were uploaded by Yuyudevil at en.wikipedia. – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
Image Courtesy:
1. “Atheism.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Apr. 2019, Available here.