Atheism Across Abrahamic Faiths: A Theoretical Analysis into Islamic, Jewish and Christian Perspectives

This article examines how atheism is understood and theologically assessed within the three main Abrahamic religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Although all three affirm belief in a transcendent, personal God and normatively reject atheism, their approaches to unbelief are shaped by distinct doctrinal structures, historical trajectories and socio-cultural contexts. Using a qualitative, comparative-theological design, the study employs textual and conceptual analysis of scriptural, classical and contemporary theological sources from each tradition. The findings suggest that Islamic discourse usually frames atheism in terms of tauhid, kufr, and ilhad. These terms are used to characterise a broad denial of God, prophecy, revelation, and the unseen, with significant doctrinal, legal and communal consequences. Jewish perspectives, by contrast, often locate atheism within a covenantal and communal matrix, employing notions such as kofer be’ikkar, min and apikoros to describe various forms of unbelief, while allowing for the persistence of Jewish identity alongside explicit non-belief. Historically, Christian thought has addressed atheism under the rubrics of heresy and apostasy, and, in modernity, has engaged with it intensively through philosophical apologetics, ethical critique, and reflection on the problem of evil. The study concludes that atheism functions as a revealing point of contrast across the Abrahamic faiths, exposing shared concerns about truth, morality and salvation. In addition, it highlights divergent theological logics and response strategies. The article offers a structured comparative framework that can guide further interfaith dialogue and modern discussions between religious and atheistic worldviews.

Islam, Judaism, Jewish, Christian

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