non-theism
Without divine belief
Non-theism is a stance that doesn't affirm belief in gods—broader and more neutral than atheism.
Where atheism often actively denies divine existence, non-theism simply operates without god-belief, making no strong claims either way.
The term suits secular philosophies, certain Buddhist traditions, and those who find the theism-atheism debate beside the point.
Doubt about divine existence
- secular humanismNonreligious ethical philosophy
- freethoughtReason-based belief formation
- rationalismReason as knowledge source
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
naturalism · materialism · irreligion · secularism · nonbelief · godlessness · unbelief · epistemic humility
One denying gods exist
- agnosticFlexible across platforms
- secularNonreligious, worldly
- nonbelieverOne lacking religious faith
- humanistEthics-focused secular philosopher
freethinker · none · unaffiliated · spiritual but not religious · irreligious · skeptic · rationalist · bright
Focused attention practice
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- meaning-makingInterpreting life's events personally
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
awe · interconnectedness · reverence · Confucianism · Taoism · Jainism · sangha · dharma
separation of church and state
Constitutional religious neutrality principle
- secularizationReligion losing social significance
- disestablishmentWithdrawal of official status
- religious freedomRight to practice faith
- pluralismCoexistence of differing views
secular state · Enlightenment · anticlericalism · disaffiliation · advocacy · civil rights · secular education
agnosticism
Doubt about divine existence
- secular humanismNonreligious ethical philosophy
- freethoughtReason-based belief formation
- rationalismReason as knowledge source
skepticism · naturalism · materialism · irreligion · secularism · nonbelief · godlessness · unbelief · epistemic humility · suspension of judgment
atheist
One denying gods exist
- agnosticFlexible across platforms
- secularNonreligious, worldly
- nonbelieverOne lacking religious faith
humanist · freethinker · none · unaffiliated · spiritual but not religious · irreligious · skeptic · rationalist · bright · infidel
meditation
Focused attention practice
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- meaning-makingInterpreting life's events personally
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
wonder · awe · interconnectedness · reverence · Confucianism · Taoism · Jainism · sangha · dharma
separation of church and state
Constitutional religious neutrality principle
- secularizationReligion losing social significance
- disestablishmentWithdrawal of official status
- religious freedomRight to practice faith
pluralism · secular state · Enlightenment · anticlericalism · disaffiliation · advocacy · civil rights · secular education
non-theismtheism
Belief in deity
belief in God · monotheism · polytheism · deism · pantheism
non-theismfaith
Trust without proof
worship · piety · devotion · devoutness · religious observance
atheism, theism, pantheism, polytheism, theist, theistic, monotheism, deism, theistically