Strong/Positive Atheism

Strong or positive atheism is a position that asserts the non-existence of gods or deities. It goes beyond a mere lack of belief in gods and actively claims that gods do not exist. Strong atheists hold a positive belief that there is no evidence or convincing arguments to support the existence of gods, and they assert this position confidently. Here are some key points about strong or positive atheism:

1. Affirmative Position: Strong atheism takes an affirmative stance by asserting that gods or deities do not exist. It makes a positive claim about the non-existence of gods and holds this position as a matter of belief.
2. Burden of Proof: Strong atheists argue that the burden of proof lies with those who assert the existence of gods. They believe that since there is no empirical evidence or logical arguments in favor of the existence of gods, the default position should be to reject the claim until sufficient evidence is presented.
3. Rejection of Theistic Claims: Strong atheism directly challenges the claims made by theists, who assert the existence of gods or deities. It is often a response to theistic arguments and religious beliefs that propose the existence of supernatural beings.
4. Epistemic Certainty: Strong atheists may assert a high degree of certainty in their position and claim that the evidence and arguments in favor of atheism are compelling enough to confidently assert that gods do not exist. They may argue that the lack of evidence for gods is sufficient justification for rejecting their existence.
5. Criticism of Religious Beliefs: Strong atheism often involves criticism of religious beliefs and practices. Strong atheists may argue against the logical coherence, empirical support, or moral implications of religious doctrines, and they may actively engage in debates and discussions challenging religious claims.

It’s important to note that strong atheism represents a subset of atheism and is not the only position held by atheists. Atheism encompasses a broader range of beliefs, from strong atheism to weaker positions such as agnostic atheism, which lacks belief in gods but does not assert their non-existence. It is also possible for someone to hold strong atheistic beliefs in relation to specific conceptions of gods while being agnostic or uncertain about the possibility of other types of deities.

It is worth emphasizing that atheism, including strong atheism, is a personal belief or position on the question of gods’ existence and does not necessarily entail a complete worldview or moral framework. Atheists can have diverse perspectives on various aspects of life, ethics, and meaning outside of their disbelief in gods.