Many Qs & As here seem to compare contemporary God of Christianity and other religions with gods recorded throughout history: Greek gods, Roman gods, etc. Does anyone know if there is any evidence of atheism back then? How far back does atheism go? Is it something relatively new?
2007-09-06 08:25:59 · 6 answers · asked by Fu Quan 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Some of the ancient Greek philosophers were self-professed atheists.
Atheism must be about as old as religion, because many religions contain warnings of the consequence for disbelief. That wouldn't be an issue if everyone believed.
2007-09-06 08:34:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am sure that since there has been religion there has been at least one person who didn't buy into it. It is part of our nature to question things.
I agree with most answers though. We do know that some Greek philosophers were atheists, but I don't know if it was as wide spread as it seems to be today.
2007-09-06 09:25:04 · answer #2 · answered by alana 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aristotle (384 - 322) was critical of Greek polytheism. He was not known as a true believer, and was criticized for this.
I'm sure there were atheists long before him.
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2007-09-06 08:40:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Complicated question.
In the past, and even still today, many people who believe differently than the dominant religion are sometimes called atheists.
It really depends on how you define it.
2007-09-06 08:32:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Greeks started it all I believe.
2007-09-06 08:30:15 · answer #5 · answered by The Return Of Sexy Thor 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
5th century BC
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagoras
2007-09-06 08:36:47 · answer #6 · answered by Simon T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋