U.S. Atheist Day 2023: Date, history and significance of this day

 U.S. Atheist Day 2023: Date, history and significance of this day

Atheist Day observed annually on March 23, is a day that focuses on those who do not believe in god. The term ‘atheism’ first emerged in medieval Europe more than 400 years ago and was used to describe those who rejected the thought of a higher power.

In the present day, there are said to be over 4,000 religions in this world, and almost every one of them has associated festivals and observances. Although atheists do not believe in a God, they, too, chose a special day to be set aside, hence the creation of Atheist Day.

History of the Atheist Day 

The concept of atheism is said to be as old as religion itself. There have been records and writings suggesting that even in Judaism during 550 B.C. Some people did not believe in the existence of Gods. There has also been evidence suggesting the same in Christianity and Islam later on.

Lokayata was a school in India during the sixth century B.C. which was openly atheistic.

However, in those times, being an atheist was frowned upon. Being called an atheist was taken as an insult. Even stories suggest that people with such beliefs were executed and treated as outcasts in societies.

In the Middle Ages, many freethinkers like Al-Ma’arri in Persia and Nicholas of Cusa from ancient Germany further spread the concept of atheism. During the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli challenged the views of the Church and religion.

With communism rising in Eastern Europe and Asia, the concept of atheism became more acceptable. Though the term atheist was simply used as an umbrella term to refer to someone who didn’t believe in God, there existed different levels of atheism in society.

Some people were skeptical about beliefs in general. Some didn’t believe in a God but felt that it could be tolerated, and then there were some like the ‘New Atheists’ who believed in not just tolerating it but rather opposing it. Agnosticism was a concept that stemmed from this belief.

It suggested that the existence or non-existence of God cannot be proved.

Atheist Day Timeline

Atheism is Prevalent (500 B.C.)

Atheism is seen in Judaism and the writings of Xenophanes.

Atheism is Seen in Christianity (330 A.D.)

Atheism spreads in Christianity and Islam amongst freethinkers.

The Renaissance and Atheism (1520 A.D.)

Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli challenge the beliefs of the Church.

The First Observation (2019)

Atheist Day is observed for the first time, and provides a safe space for non-believers.