Atheism: Definition, Causes, and Treatment

Atheism: Understanding the Issue, Its Causes, and Solutions

Wait. Please don’t rush to judge the content of this page titled “Addressing Atheism.” We understand that discussing atheism can be highly sensitive and challenging, especially given the long history of scepticism surrounding whether atheism can be effectively addressed at all. Some people even deny that atheism is a condition and reject the notion of diagnosing or addressing it.

At Estenarh, we aim to engage in a thoughtful conversation about atheism, exploring its definition, causes, and potential for addressing it. We offer support to those who are exploring atheism and seeking guidance.

Would you like to embark on this journey safely and confidentially while ensuring your privacy and data security with licensed healthcare practitioners and experts?

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Definition of Atheism – An In-Depth Look

What is atheism? In the Arabic language, atheism is defined in multiple ways. According to the Lisan al-Arab dictionary, "ilhad" means "deviation from the intended path," implying denial or concealment. Meanwhile, the Oxford Dictionary defines atheism as the belief that no God exists.

However, when examining this issue in real life, placing an absolute judgment on an atheist may not help offer support. Atheistic beliefs exist on a broad spectrum, ranging from complete denial of the existence of God to partial atheism, where a person believes in God but holds some doubtful thoughts.

Therefore, gaining a deep and comprehensive understanding of an atheist's perspectives is essential to determine the best way to engage in dialogue and explore the possibility of addressing atheism.

Atheism and Psychological Treatment

According to a research paper published online by Cambridge University Press in 2018, there has been a long-standing misconception among psychiatrists that religious beliefs and practices have a pathological basis. This assumption persisted for centuries, reducing the likelihood of addressing atheism as a treatable condition among many doctors and therapists. As a result, patients seeking help to overcome atheistic thoughts were often met with misinformation.

The study also highlights that recent research suggests religion can serve as a coping mechanism for some patients dealing with illness or difficult life circumstances. Studies conducted on psychiatrists in the UK, Canada, and the US indicate widespread bias against religion, with limited integration of religious aspects into patient evaluation or care.

Therefore, it is now evident that addressing atheism through psychological treatment is possible under the guidance of specialists. Rejecting this idea outright is illogical and contradicts scientific reasoning itself!

Reasons for Atheism

The reasons for atheism vary from person to person, depending on their thinking, research methods, and analytical approach. These factors also influence the psychological approach used to address atheism individually.

Below are some common reasons behind the emergence of atheism:

• Religious Extremism and Rigidity: Atheism is often a reaction to religious extremism, which can lead to alienation from faith or even a deeper attempt to understand religion correctly. Thus, religious fanaticism is one of the key causes of atheism.
• Exclusion of Thinkers and Questioners: Rejecting and sidelining those who question major religious and existential issues can contribute to atheism. It is natural for people to have unanswered questions, and seeking answers to these profound existential inquiries has been a fundamental human pursuit since the dawn of civilisation. Instead of dismissing or reprimanding those who ask such questions, open discussions and dialogue should be encouraged to help them find clarity rather than turning to atheism.
• Influence of a Persuasive Atheist: Another cause of atheism is when a young person with a weak personality associates with a persuasive atheist who has strong psychological confidence and eloquence. This influence can mislead them away from their faith. Young people and teenagers must seek opinions from multiple sources, including experts, rather than relying solely on one individual for all their information.
• Atheism by Upbringing: Many people are atheists simply because of the way they were raised or educated or because they naturally adopted the beliefs of the culture in which they grew up. A person raised in an atheist environment is more likely to embrace atheism.

In addition to these reasons, some individuals see atheism as an absolute truth without discussion, study, or inquiry. Others adopt atheistic ideas to align with peers or friends who embrace Western culture, often disregarding the values and traditions of their societies.

Atheism and Other Psychological Issues

Certain psychological manifestations of atheism may become evident in an atheist, such as social isolation, a sense of spiritual emptiness, doubt, hesitation, and a continuous search for meaning. It is important to recognise that these psychological aspects of atheism can sometimes resemble symptoms of other mental health issues. Understanding these similarities and differences is crucial for accurately diagnosing an individual's condition—whether it stems from atheistic beliefs or an underlying psychological disorder.

Atheism and Personality Disorders

In some cases, atheism may be influenced by underlying psychological disorders. For example, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterised by an excessive focus on oneself, surpassing typical levels of self-centred behaviour. This condition can sometimes intertwine with atheism, where the denial of a higher power may stem from an inflated sense of self-importance and a desire for complete control, rejecting the idea of a superior force.

Atheism and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common and chronic condition characterized by repetitive and intrusive thoughts, along with obsessive fears that drive the affected person to engage in compulsive behaviours repeatedly. The person finds themselves compelled to engage in these behaviours, unable to control or ignore them, leading to a vicious cycle of anxiety and compulsive actions. If we examine this disorder, we find that such behaviour may merge with recurring atheistic thoughts that the person does not know how to eliminate on their own, as some individuals with obsessive compulsions also experience religious obsessions.

Atheism and Depression

Depression is a profound psychological disorder that affects both the soul and body, causing a deep state of persistent sadness and distress. It leads to fundamental changes in how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, impacting all aspects of life. Based on this definition, we may find that some individuals with existential thoughts and unanswered questions experience episodes of depression and deep sorrow due to their inability to correctly understand religion, in addition to falling into a state of depression as a result of social incompatibility with their surroundings as atheists.

Treatment of Atheism and Recovery Plan

We must recognise that recovery is a personal journey that each experiences in their own way and that setbacks are a natural part of the recovery process. The most important aspect of treating atheism is perseverance and learning from each experience, as every step holds a lesson that brings us closer to complete recovery.

For a consultation on atheism treatment, you can contact a team of experienced healthcare practitioners through our online platform today. The Estenarh app allows you to book sessions with a single click while ensuring your privacy and confidentiality through the highest security protocols.