Quote:There really was no such thing as "atheism" during ancient Greek and Roman times. At most, some may have believed the gods didn't give a rat's behind about humans. But even then, everyone still took it as a fact that the gods did exist. To believe otherwise would be like saying there was no such thing as gravity. Atheism is much more of a modern concept. Also, in a world surrounded by magic and monsters...it kinda makes little sense to be atheist.Going to have to correct you on this. It's not that there weren't any atheists... it's just that in the last few decades atheists haven't been persecuted (although...) for their lack of belief in the US. For example, back in the day, if you didn't believe openly, you'd be murdered.
That's not to say there weren't any atheists. Religious persecution has barely stopped in Europe/US allowing atheists could come out of the closet XD Back in the day, if you were suspicious... didn't come to church often enough or w/e, you were a witch or a blasphemer, or w/e else. There is no way to prove everyone believed in a god/gods since you can't have every persons inner thoughts on the record, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that there was non-belief for as long as religion was around. Also agnostic- lack of knowledge, atheist- lack of belief. They aren't exclusive. A 'moderate' Christian can say he/she is an agnostic theist- meaning they believe in god but they do not claim to know he exists. A gnostic position, imo, is dogmatic no matter if it's coupled with theism or atheism.
I can talk about this all day XD My close friend assumed I was a Religion major for a very long time until I corrected him hehe, so I'll just stop here.
But yeah, in Eorzia if gods are simply out there, they should be considered factual. Thus an atheist character would seem silly/delirious. If it's the same as in RL, then I guess a character can be an atheist but it's rather unlikely. Assuming the setting (era) isn't too far off from XI, in which case, common people explained everything they didn't completely understand with god or gods in mind (if we allow ourselves to equate it to our history from medieval times or so). There would have to be good reason behind it.
I’m the bullies you hate, that you became.
