Antitheist Violence

Violence—physical, psychological, or structural—directed against religious or spiritual individuals by those who actively oppose the very existence of religion. Antitheist violence goes beyond atheist violence in that it targets not just individuals but seeks to eradicate religious practice, often through intimidation, doxxing, harassment campaigns, or legal pressure. It is driven by the belief that religion is inherently harmful and that any religious expression is a threat. Antitheist violence is common in online “new atheist” circles, where coordinated attacks on believers are framed as moral imperatives.

Example: “They published her church’s address and encouraged followers to protest outside during services. Antitheist violence: not just disagreeing, but trying to shut down worship.”

Antitheist Alienation

The state of being made to feel that one’s religious identity is not only unwelcome but an active danger to society, resulting in self‑censorship, withdrawal from public life, and internalized shame. Antitheist alienation occurs in environments where religion is constantly framed as a poison, a delusion, or a source of evil. It leads believers to hide their practices, avoid religious symbols, and distance themselves from their own communities. Unlike mere disagreement, antitheist alienation aims to make belief feel shameful and unsafe.

Example: “She stopped wearing her religious necklace after her coworkers started ‘joking’ about how religion was a mental illness. Antitheist alienation: when hostility makes you hide who you are.”

Antitheist Violence by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal April 16, 2026