STATE ATHEISM Meaning and
Definition
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State atheism refers to the official endorsement, support, or promotion of atheism by a government or ruling authority within a given country or state. It is a form of governance where religion, specifically belief in a higher power or divinity, is actively discouraged or suppressed by the state.
Under a state atheism regime, the government may enforce policies targeting religious institutions, practices, or individuals who identify with a particular faith. This can include restrictions, regulations, or prohibitions on religious ceremonies, public displays of religious symbols, or the dissemination of religious materials. State atheism often goes beyond religious neutrality or secularism, as it seeks to eliminate or significantly diminish religious influence on society through state-sponsored initiatives.
The motivations driving state atheism can vary, but often involve ideological or political reasons. Historically, some governments have adopted state atheism as part of a broader effort to establish and enforce an atheistic worldview as the dominant ideology, while also suppressing potential dissent or opposition to their rule. In certain cases, state atheism can be connected with broader movements or political systems, such as communism, where religion is seen as a threat to the central authority's control and ideology.
It is important to note that state atheism should not be confused with atheism as a personal belief or philosophy. State atheism primarily refers to the actions and policies of a governing body regarding religion and does not necessarily reflect the beliefs or lack thereof of individual citizens within the state.
Etymology of STATE ATHEISM
The word "state atheism" is a compound phrase composed of the noun "state" and the noun "atheism". Here is a breakdown of the etymology of each component:
1. State:
The word "state" comes from the Latin word "status", which means "position" or "condition". It entered English through Old French and Middle English. The term emerged in the 13th century and originally had a connotation of political governance. It referred to a sovereign governing body in a particular territory.
2. Atheism:
The word "atheism" is derived from the Greek word "atheos", which is a combination of "a-" (meaning "without" or "not") and "theos" (meaning "god" or "deity"). Thus, "atheism" literally means "without god". It entered English through the French "athéisme" during the 16th century.
