History
Most Atheists say that their history is most likely tied to three philosophers: Epicurus, Democritus, and Lucretius. None of these philosophers actually said that they did not think there was a God, but they all wrote at some time that they didn't think that a god was involved in human history. When people read these writings, they started developing the idea of Atheism. These people, including a man named Ludwig Feuerbach, also said that God didn't exist, but was actually invented in the minds of humans. Some writers around this same time agreed by saying that the Bible contained too much hostility. Atheism can also be traced to Ancient Greece, where they believed that gods existed, but weren't concerned with humans. Modern atheism did not start until the era of the Enlightenment, which was the 18'th century movement where people became interested in reason and science.
A portrait portraying the Enlightenment era of history, emphasizing reason, analysis, and individualism.
"I distrust those people who
know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always
coincides with their own desires."
-Susan B. Anthony (Anthony did not identify as an Atheist, but did not hide her opposition to religion. She was also a huge activists for women's suffrage, and may be the most famous face of the temperance movement. Even though she was opposed to Christianity, she worked with many Christian women to get her word out, and did not hesitate to use Christian churches as meeting places to speak about her cause.)
-Susan B. Anthony (Anthony did not identify as an Atheist, but did not hide her opposition to religion. She was also a huge activists for women's suffrage, and may be the most famous face of the temperance movement. Even though she was opposed to Christianity, she worked with many Christian women to get her word out, and did not hesitate to use Christian churches as meeting places to speak about her cause.)