It is a common assumption amongst believers on this site that Christianity preceded atheism in Western culture and that modern secularism is just a curious anomaly in the long tradition of that culture. In this post I am going to argue that, on the contrary, not only did atheism precede Christianity, but that there is a direct link between the atheistic philosophy of Epicurus and the birth of modern secularism.
I'm not sure where you get this idea that believers think Christianity preceded atheism. Even the Bible acknowledges that there are atheists: "The fool has said in his heart there is no God" -- (Psalms 14:1, 53:1).
But maybe you are right to the extent that my picture of what preceded Christianity in the west was a variety of paganisms, rather than atheism -- but my focus has been more on the beliefs of the many tribes of heathen Europe before they were converted to Christianity than on the Greeks and Romans. However, even Epicurus according to your quotes, acknowledged "gods" even if he regarded them as uninvolved in human life. But I have no reason to dispute your connection of atheism back to the Greeks. Carry on.
Edited by Faith, : No reason given.
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