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Line 74: − Atheism is an ancient point of view -- neither "modern" or "revolutionary." In fact, atheism is older than both [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]. − − Many people have been called atheists throughout history -- in fact, Christians were alleged to be atheists in the first century, because of their denial of the Greek pantheon. However, while Christians denied the existence of the ''Greek'' gods, they ''acknowledged'' the existence of the ''Christian'' God. Athenagoras, A Plea for the Christians, 2nd century b.c. Similarly, [[Socrates]] was accused of atheism because he denied the pantheon, despite his myriad references to God throughout the writings about him. Therefore, atheists must be understood with reference to ''which'' gods they disbelieved. − Line 89:
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→Proponents of atheism: removed uncited material
== Proponents of atheism ==
== Proponents of atheism ==
Prominent atheists and atheist schools of thought include:
Prominent atheists and atheist schools of thought include:
* Carvaka school: an atheistic and materialistic offshoot of [[Hinduism]] in the 6th century b.c.
* Carvaka school: an atheistic and materialistic offshoot of [[Hinduism]] in the 6th century b.c.
* [[Mao Zedong]]: Chinese Communist leader;
* [[Mao Zedong]]: Chinese Communist leader;
* Paul Kurtz: founder of the Council of [[Secular Humanism]]
* Paul Kurtz: founder of the Council of [[Secular Humanism]]
== Atheist population as a percentage of various countries' populations==
== Atheist population as a percentage of various countries' populations==