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'''Antitheism''' is active opposition to belief in the existence of God.  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>

'''Antitheism''' is active opposition to belief in the existence of God.  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]].  

  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]].  

 

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 was an example of such a regime.