Atheism & Secular Humanism
Atheism holds that the physical world is all that exists and denies the existence of a supernatural realm. Since God does not exist within this worldview, people are understood as being responsible for creating meaning, values, and purpose in life.
Secular humanism builds on this perspective by emphasizing ethical living, human dignity, scientific inquiry, personal responsibility, and concern for the greater good without reliance on supernatural authority.
Founder, Sacred Text & Related Worldviews
Atheism has no single founder and cannot be tied to one date or place of origin. It is the belief that neither God nor gods exist and that the physical world is all that exists.
Sacred Texts
Atheism has no sacred texts. However, several works have played important roles in modern atheism and secular humanism, including Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, Humanist Manifesto I, Humanist Manifesto II, the Secular Humanist Declaration, Humanist Manifesto 2000, and Humanist Manifesto III.
Related Worldviews
Atheism may be described through or associated with humanism, secular humanism, naturalism, materialism, rationalism, Darwinism, Neo-Darwinism, and free thought.
Core Beliefs of Atheism & Secular Humanism
Supreme Being
God or gods do not exist. Atheism rejects belief in a divine creator, supernatural ruler, or spiritual authority.
Nature of Man
Humans are understood as highly evolved biological beings capable of reason, creativity, morality, and self-awareness. Humanity is viewed as being in control of its own destiny, apart from events beyond human control.
Reality
Only the physical world exists. Reality consists of time, space, and matter, while spiritual beings and a supernatural realm are denied.
Humanity’s Main Problem
Humanity’s problems are primarily rooted in ignorance, lack of education, lack of resources, irrationality, injustice, and harmful social systems.
Afterlife
Death results in annihilation or oblivion. There is no continued consciousness, recollection of existence, heaven, hell, or reincarnation.
Proposed Solution
Science, technology, education, reason, compassion, human cooperation, and ingenuity are viewed as the means for solving human problems.
Worship, Rituals & Holidays
Place of Worship
Atheism has no prescribed place of worship.
Rituals
Atheism has no required rituals. Individual atheists or secular humanists may participate in personal, cultural, civic, or community observances.
Holidays
There are no holidays associated with atheism.
Key Terms
Atheism
The belief that neither God nor gods exist.
Darwinism
A term commonly associated with Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.
Free Thought
The practice of forming beliefs through reason, evidence, and independent inquiry rather than tradition or authority.
Humanism
A philosophy that emphasizes humanity’s ability and responsibility to lead ethical and meaningful lives.
Materialism
The view that matter and physical processes are all that exist.
Naturalism
The belief that reality is entirely natural and that supernatural explanations are unnecessary.
Neo-Darwinism
A modern understanding of evolution that combines natural selection with genetics.
Rationalism
The view that reason and logic are primary sources of knowledge and understanding.
Secular Humanism
A worldview that emphasizes human reason, science, ethics, dignity, and responsibility without reliance on supernatural beliefs.
Sources
American Humanist Association, Humanist Manifesto III, 2003.
CIA World Factbook, 2010.
Darwin, Charles. On the Origin of Species. 1859.
Kurtz, Paul. Secular Humanist Declaration. 1980.
Noebel, David, Understanding the Times, 2nd ed. Summit Press, 2006.
Pew Research Center, “Nones” on the Rise, 2012.
Sellars, Roy Wood. Humanist Manifesto I. 1933.