Who is defined as an atheist?

The definition of an atheist is someone who denies the existence of a god or gods. This position is characterized by a lack of belief in any deity. It is important to note that atheism encompasses a wide range of perspectives, from active denial of theism to simply not holding belief in any gods. The key aspect of atheism is the absence of belief in a god rather than simply being unconvinced or questioning.

In contrast, a person who believes in multiple deities clearly aligns with polytheism, which is the acceptance of multiple gods. Someone who is unsure about the existence of a god would be classified as an agnostic, who maintains a position of uncertainty regarding the knowledge of divine existence. Meanwhile, an individual who actively practices a religion would typically identify as religious or theistic, not atheist. This clarity helps to reinforce the precise meaning of atheism in both philosophical and practical discussions about belief systems.