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'''Antitheism''' is active opposition to theistic belief.  It is distinguished from simple [[atheism]] in that it is not simply a rejection of belief in God; rather, the antitheist is actively opposed to such belief.<ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Antitheist</ref>  While a particular atheist might be content to deny the existence of God, but leave others to their own faith, the antitheist will actively seek to undermine or eliminate the faith of others.  Thus, all antitheists are [[atheists]], but not all atheists are necessarily antitheists.  Antitheism is also sometimes referred to as [[militant atheism]], and is prominent amongst people who see religion as promoting hatred.

'''Antitheism''' is active opposition to and hatred of theistic belief.  It is distinguished from simple [[atheism]] in that it is not simply a rejection of belief in God; rather, the antitheist is actively opposed to such belief.<ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Antitheist</ref>  While a particular atheist might be content to deny the existence of God, but leave others to their own faith, the antitheist will actively seek to undermine or eliminate the faith of others.  Thus, all antitheists are [[atheists]], but not all atheists are necessarily antitheists.  Antitheism is also sometimes referred to as [[militant atheism]], and is prominent amongst people who see religion as promoting "hatred".

In the United States, a University of Tennessee study estimated that 15% of [[American atheism|American atheists]] were antitheists.<ref>[http://www.alternet.org/belief/6-types-atheists-and-non-believers-america The 6 Types of Atheists and Non-Believers in America] By Amanda Marcotte / AlterNet

In the United States, a University of Tennessee study estimated that 15% of [[American atheism|American atheists]] were antitheists.<ref>[http://www.alternet.org/belief/6-types-atheists-and-non-believers-america The 6 Types of Atheists and Non-Believers in America] By Amanda Marcotte / AlterNet

July 11, 2013</ref>

July 11, 2013</ref>

Historically, antitheism has been a hallmark of repressive totalitarian regimes.  Belief in God is a threat to those who want to make the State the supreme authority; consequently, those who believe in God in such a society are persecuted.  Stalinist Russia was an example of such a regime.

Historically, antitheism has been a hallmark of repressive totalitarian regimes.  Belief in God is a threat to those who want to make the State the supreme authority; consequently, those who believe in God in such a society are persecuted.  Stalinist Russia and the United States under [[Barack Obama]] (who protected atheists and adherents of [[Islam]]<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/01/13/sotu-obama-calls-out-muslim-discrimination-not-a-word-for-persecuted-christians/ SOTU: Obama Defends Muslims, Silence for Persecuted Christians and Jews] at Breitbart.com</ref> while allowing Christians and Jews to be illegally persecuted for their beliefs<ref>Multiple sources:

*[https://wallbuilders.com/americas-biblically-hostile-u-s-president/ America’s Most Biblically-Hostile U. S. President]</ref>) were two examples of such a regime.

Today, antitheists are quite visible; a number of high-profile antitheists spread their message through books and lecture tours.  Well-known antitheist authors include [[Christopher Hitchens]] and [[Richard Dawkins]], both of whom have made substantial sums of money by attacking religion and faith.       

Today, antitheists are quite visible; a number of high-profile antitheists spread their message through books and lecture tours.  Well-known antitheist authors include [[Christopher Hitchens]] and [[Richard Dawkins]], both of whom have made substantial sums of money by attacking religion and faith.       

== Social science research on antitheists ==

== Social science research on antitheists ==

''See also:'' [[Antitheism and antisocial behavior]] and [[Atheism and narcissism]]

''See also:'' [[Antitheism and antisocial behavior]] and [[Atheism and narcissism]]

Social science research indicates that anti-theists score the highest among atheists when it comes to personality traits such as [[narcissism]], dogmatism, and anger.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref><ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref> Furthermore, they scored lowest when it comes to agreeableness and positive relations with others.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref>

Social science research indicates that antitheists score the highest among atheists when it comes to personality traits such as [[narcissism]], dogmatism, and anger.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref><ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref> Furthermore, they scored lowest when it comes to agreeableness and positive relations with others.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref>

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[[Militant atheism]]

*[[Militant atheism]]

*[[Atheism and hatred of God]]

*[[Atheism and hatred of God]]