The Dual Foundations of Modern Atheism

Modern atheists put forward arguments suggesting that the world can be fully explained without invoking supernatural entities. The introduction to this topic begins with an objective approach: many proponents of atheistic thought are convinced that the universe and its complex processes can be understood through natural laws, where matter, motion, and form serve as the fundamental building blocks of existence. Breakthroughs in science and technology have only strengthened the position that everything around us can be explained by material regularities, thereby denying the necessity of a higher intelligence.

The main body of the argument is based on the idea that the rejection of faith arises not only from a rational reassessment of outdated beliefs but also from each individual's personal, moral stance. For some, the unwillingness to take on the responsibility associated with divine judgment becomes a motive for an aggressive denial of God, with a person’s inner world—his moral self-awareness—playing a decisive role in choosing the path of life. In conclusion, atheism brings together two important aspects: an objective understanding of the universe as a creation governed by material laws, and a subjective desire for self-determination in the absence of divine control. This perspective allows everyone to form their stance based on both scientific achievements and personal beliefs, making modern atheism a vibrant and multifaceted phenomenon that merits respectful and thorough analysis.

Why do atheists deny the existence of God, and what are the main reasons for their disbelief?

Atheists deny the existence of God for various reasons, which can be divided into objective changes in the perception of the world and personal, moral motives.

On one hand, many atheists reject the idea of a supernatural intelligence, believing that the entire universe is explained solely by material laws. For example, one source explains that “the essence of the atheists’ teaching lies in the denial of Divinity, in the denial of the possibility of the existence of a perfect Mind, and consequently, its influence on the life of nature and humanity. The entire universe, according to this teaching, consists solely of matter, motion, and form” (source: 193_962.txt). Additionally, according to some, modern scientific and technological achievements have delivered “the final psychological, if not logical, blow to the idea of a literally ‘otherworldly’ existence of God,” rendering the notion of the supernatural outdated and unnecessary (source: 292_1455.txt). From this perspective, the immense complexity of natural processes is not evidence of a divine design but rather an indication of the possibility of matter self-organizing without the involvement of any higher intelligence (source: 1895_9474.txt).

On the other hand, there is the view that the rejection of faith is often motivated less by objective evidence than by personal and moral reasons. Some authors claim that “no one denies God except someone who is interested in Him not existing” (source: 514_2567.txt). In other words, the unwillingness to accept responsibility and to face divine judgment may lead to a conscious or unconscious disbelief. Furthermore, atheism can result from a person’s inner moral state and personal will, where an individual, driven by pride or negative impulses, consciously rejects the idea of God (source: 1484_7417.txt).

Moreover, the aspect of self-determination is significant: among atheists, there is a distinction between those who live as if God and His law do not exist (the so-called practical atheists) and those who consciously deny the existence of God, attempting to justify their disbelief with scientific or philosophical arguments (source: 219_1092.txt).

Thus, it can be said that the main reasons for disbelief among atheists encompass both the rejection of a supernatural interpretation of the world based on a materialistic viewpoint and deep personal, moral motives associated with the unwillingness to accept divine authority and responsibility.

Supporting citation(s):
“The essence of the atheists’ teaching lies in the denial of Divinity, in the denial of the possibility of the existence of a perfect Mind, and consequently, of its influence on the life of nature and humanity. The entire universe, according to this teaching, consists solely of matter, motion and form.” (source: 193_962.txt)

“Modern science and technology have delivered the final psychological, if not logical, blow to the idea of a literally 'otherworldly' existence of God...” (source: 292_1455.txt)

“No one denies God except someone who is interested in Him not existing.” (source: 514_2567.txt)

“… atheists, on the contrary, tend to see in this immense complexity endless possibilities for the self-organization of matter autonomous from God…” (source: 1895_9474.txt)

“Other people, although in principle not denying the existence of God, actually live as if He and His law do not exist for them. ... And those who fundamentally deny the existence of God want to justify their disbelief with scientific or philosophical arguments.” (source: 219_1092.txt)