Atheist vs. Infidel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
Atheist refers to someone who disbelieves in the existence of deities, while infidel is a term used, often pejoratively, to describe someone who does not adhere to one's own religion.
Difference Between Atheist and Infidel
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Key Differences
An atheist explicitly lacks belief in gods or deities, focusing solely on secular and humanistic philosophies. Whereas, infidel is a broader, more historical term often used in religious contexts to describe those outside of or opposing a particular faith.
Atheism is a specific term that applies regardless of religious context, indicating someone who denies or lacks belief in any divine being. On the other hand, infidel is a term historically used in Christian and Islamic traditions, typically to denote someone who does not accept a particular religious faith or doctrine.
The term atheist is derived from the Greek word 'atheos', meaning "without gods," emphasizing a philosophical stance. Whereas, infidel originates from the Latin 'infidelis', meaning "unfaithful," and is often used to emphasize a betrayal or deviation from religious faith.
Atheists often identify as such in a variety of philosophical or non-religious contexts, asserting a clear stance on the nonexistence of deities. Conversely, the label infidel is frequently ascribed by members of a religion to those they perceive as external or hostile to their beliefs.
While atheism is generally regarded as a personal belief system or the absence thereof, centered on skepticism about religion, infidel is more commonly used in interreligious dialogue or conflict, often carrying a negative connotation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Disbelief in deities
Non-adherence to a religion
Origin
Greek 'atheos'
Latin 'infidelis'
Context
Philosophical, secular
Religious, pejorative
Usage
Self-identification
Ascribed by others
Connotation
Neutral or positive
Generally negative
Compare with Definitions
Atheist
A person who does not believe in the existence of a god or gods.
He identifies as an atheist and often debates on religious topics.
Infidel
A person not adhering to the predominant religion of a society.
The historical novel describes the plight of infidels during the crusades.
Atheist
An individual who prefers rational and empirical evidence over faith.
Being an atheist, he requires evidence for all claims.
Infidel
A non-believer in the context of specific religious discourse.
Missionaries often aimed to convert infidels.
Atheist
Someone who denies theism in any form.
As an atheist, she questions any supernatural explanations for life.
Infidel
One who is accused of unbelief in the fundamental tenets of a particular religion.
In medieval times, being labeled an infidel could be perilous.
Atheist
A philosophical stance that rejects the concept of divine beings.
His atheist viewpoint influences his scientific inquiries.
Infidel
A term used derogatorily against people with different religious beliefs.
The term infidel is often used pejoratively in religious debates.
Atheist
A person with no religious affiliation due to their disbelief in deities.
The atheist community often gathers to discuss secularism.
Infidel
Someone viewed as betraying religious traditions.
The community ostracized him, considering him an infidel.
Atheist
Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods.
Infidel
Infidel (literally "unfaithful") is a term used in certain religions for those accused of unbelief in the central tenets of their own religion, for members of another religion, or for the irreligious.Infidel is an ecclesiastical term in Christianity around which the Church developed a body of theology that deals with the concept of infidelity, which makes a clear differentiation between those who were baptized and followed the teachings of the Church versus those who are outside the faith. The term infidel was used by Christians to describe those perceived as the enemies of Christianity.
Atheist
(religion) A person who does not believe in deities.
Infidel
A person who has no religion or whose religion is not that of the majority
A crusade against infidels and heretics
Atheist
(narrowly) A person who believes that no deities exist one who has no other religious belief.
Infidel
Adhering to a religion other than that of the majority
The infidel foe
Atheist
(broadly) A person who rejects belief that any deities exist (whether or not that person believes that deities do not exist).
Infidel
Often Offensive An unbeliever with respect to a particular religion, especially Christianity or Islam.
Atheist
(loosely) A person who has no belief in any deities, such as a person who has no concept of deities.
Infidel
One who has no religious beliefs.
Atheist
(uncommon) A person who does not believe in a particular deity (or any deity in a particular pantheon), notwithstanding that they may believe in another deity.
Infidel
One who doubts or rejects a particular doctrine, system, or principle.
Atheist
(proscribed) A person who does not believe in any religion (not even a religion without gods)
Infidel
Rejecting a specific religion.
Atheist
Of or relating to atheists or atheism; atheistic.
Infidel
Of, characteristic of, or relating to unbelievers or unbelief.
Atheist
To make someone an atheist.
Infidel
One who does not believe in a certain religion.
Atheist
One who disbelieves or denies the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being.
Infidel
One who does not believe in a certain principle.
Atheist
A godless person.
Infidel
One with no religious beliefs.
Atheist
Someone who denies the existence of god
Infidel
Not holding the faith; - applied by Christians to one who does not believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures, and the supernatural origin of Christianity; used by Mohammedans to refer to those who do not believe in Islam.
The infidel writer is a great enemy to society.
Atheist
Related to or characterized by or given to atheism;
Atheist leanings
Infidel
One who does not believe in the prevailing religious faith; a heathen; a freethinker; - used especially by Christians and Mohammedans.
Infidel
A person who does not acknowledge your God
Common Curiosities
Can atheists be religious in other ways?
Atheists are not religious concerning deities, but they might participate in cultural or philosophical practices that are secular.
Is 'infidel' an offensive term?
'Infidel' can be seen as offensive when used to disparagingly describe someone's religious beliefs or lack thereof.
Who is considered an infidel?
An infidel is typically someone who does not conform to the religious beliefs considered orthodox in a given context.
Can someone be both an atheist and an infidel?
Yes, someone can be both if they do not believe in deities and are also viewed as outside a specific religious faith.
What is an atheist?
An atheist is someone who does not believe in any gods or deities.
How prevalent is atheism compared to being labeled an infidel?
Atheism is a widely acknowledged identity, especially in secular societies, whereas being labeled an infidel is less common and often context-specific.
What legal rights do atheists and infidels have?
In many countries, both groups are protected under laws that ensure freedom of belief and religion.
How do atheists and infidels handle religious events?
Both may participate out of cultural or social interest but typically do not engage in religious practices.
Is atheism based on science?
While not exclusively based on science, atheism often aligns with a scientific understanding of the universe.
Do atheists identify as infidels?
Atheists usually do not identify as infidels; 'infidel' is often a label imposed by others, whereas atheism is a self-chosen identity.
How do atheists and infidels view religious texts?
Atheists might view religious texts as literary or historical documents, while infidels may respect them but do not follow them as divine law.
How does society view atheists and infidels?
Views vary widely, but atheists are often seen in a secular light, whereas infidels may be viewed negatively in religious contexts.
Do atheists celebrate religious holidays?
Some atheists might participate in cultural aspects of religious holidays without religious intent.
Are there atheist communities?
Yes, there are many atheist communities worldwide that offer support and discourse on secular living.
What challenges do infidels face?
Infidels may face discrimination or hostility in highly religious societies.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
