Definitions
- Describing a belief system that does not involve the worship or belief in a personal god or gods. - Referring to a philosophy or worldview that does not rely on supernatural explanations or divine intervention. - Talking about a religious or spiritual practice that does not involve the worship of a deity or deities.
- Describing a lack of belief in the existence of any gods or deities. - Referring to a rejection of the concept of a personal god or gods. - Talking about a worldview that denies the existence of supernatural beings or divine intervention.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a lack of belief in a personal god or gods.
- 2Both words reject supernatural explanations or divine intervention.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a philosophy or worldview.
- 4Both words can be used to describe a religious or spiritual practice.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Nontheistic can encompass a wider range of beliefs, including those that do not involve a personal god but may still involve supernatural or mystical elements. Atheistic specifically refers to the lack of belief in any gods or deities.
- 2Belief: Nontheistic does not necessarily imply a disbelief in gods or deities, only a lack of worship or reliance on them. Atheistic specifically implies a disbelief in gods or deities.
- 3Connotation: Nontheistic has a neutral connotation and can be used to describe a variety of beliefs without implying a negative judgment. Atheistic can carry a negative connotation in some contexts, particularly in religious or conservative circles.
- 4Usage: Nontheistic is a less common term than atheistic and may not be familiar to all English speakers.
Remember this!
Nontheistic and atheistic are both terms used to describe a lack of belief in a personal god or gods. However, nontheistic is a broader term that encompasses belief systems that do not involve the worship or belief in a personal god or gods, while atheistic specifically refers to the rejection of the concept of a personal god or gods. Additionally, nontheistic can include supernatural or mystical elements, while atheistic rejects all supernatural explanations.
