Atheist state is a concept of a nation where the government (the state) don't believe in the existence of God and of no other deity or spiritual entity.
There are many controversies surrounding the correct definition of the atheist state.
Some social politicians and members of religious doctrines say that the atheist state would be one that would not allow the citizen's worship or participation in any kind of religious cult. Churches and temples would be prohibited and closed, with no space for discussions on topics related to religion, whatever the type (Catholic, Evangelical, Spiritist, etc.).
This line of thinking believes in the definition of atheism based on doctrinal molds, that is, as if it were a model of "religion" in itself. A doctrine that does not believe in deities and actively imposes it on the rest of the population.
atheist state and secular state
Another meaning for the concept of the atheist state would work as if it were similar to laic State or agnostic state. In other words, the atheist state would be understood only as a
denial of religious rules or norms within the functioning of the nation's laws and norms, that is, religious doctrines could not interfere with the functioning of the laws of life in society.just like in the laic State, religions would have the right to exercise their practices, but without the direct participation of the government.
THE big difference between the atheist state it's the laic State it is, respectively, in the inexistence of God or other spiritual deity and the freedom of any kind of religious practice, based on the impartiality of the State.
See too:
- Agnostic
- Laic State
- Atheist