History of the foundation of Modern Western Atheistic Theories

Abstract

Atheism is the blight that has spread throughout the world and among the people of different sects and religions. The present study focuses on the definition of atheist theories, their history, origin and the stages of their emergence. The meaning of atheism differs according to each particular believer using the term. This study adopts a general definition of atheism which has been approved in modern age, a meaning which focuses on denying the existence of God (Allah).

When we trace the history of atheism in western society, we find that fragments of skepticism and atheism had found roots in the history of Western society. Some Greek philosophers had some skeptical and atheistic views that denied the existence of creation such as Democritus’ theory of the atom, Epicure’s theory about the non-existence of god, and the sophist skeptical orientation. Then, Gnostic sects started to appear in Christianity, which was followed by the doctrine of agnosticism, and then materialism, atheism and rationalism. This led to atheism in its new apparel in the form of theories adopted by philosophers who have established their own evidence and proofs, as they claim.