Atheism vs. Theism — What's the Difference?

Atheism, in the broadest sense, is an absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is a rejection of the belief that any deities exist.

Theism is broadly defined as the belief in the existence of a supreme being or deities. In common parlance, or when contrasted with deism, the term often describes the classical conception of God that is found in monotheism (also referred to as classical theism) – or gods found in polytheistic religions—a belief in God or in gods without the rejection of revelation as is characteristic of deism.Atheism is commonly understood as non-acceptance or rejection of theism in the broadest sense of theism, i.e.

Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.

Belief in the existence of a god or gods, especially belief in a personal God as creator and ruler of the world.

Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods.

Belief in the existence of at least one deity.

(narrowly) Belief that no deities exist (sometimes including rejection of other religious beliefs).

(narrowly) Belief in the existence of a personal creator god, goddess, gods and/or goddesses present and active in the governance and organization of the world and the universe. The God may be known by or through revelation.

(broadly) Rejection of belief that any deities exist (with or without a belief that no deities exist).

A morbid condition resulting from excessive consumption of tea.

(very broadly) Absence of belief that any deities exist (including absence of the concept of deities).

The belief or acknowledgment of the existence of a God, as opposed to atheism, pantheism, or polytheism.

(historical) Absence of belief in a particular deity, pantheon, or religious doctrine (notwithstanding belief in other deities).

The morbid condition resulting from the excessive use of tea.

The disbelief or denial of the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being.

The doctrine or belief in the existence of a God or gods

Godlessness.

The doctrine or belief that there is no God

A lack of belief in the existence of God or gods