Ancient Times
Historians including Lucien Febvre agree atheism in its modern sense did not exist before the end of the seventeenth century. However, as governmental authority rested on the notion of divine right, it was threatened by those who denied the existence of the local god. Philosophers such as Plato argued that atheism (as we understand it today) was a danger to society and should be punished as a crime. Those labeled as atheist, which included early Christians and Muslims, were as a result targeted for legal persecution.
Read more about this topic: Discrimination Against Atheists
Famous quotes containing the words ancient and/or times:
“Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Proverbs 22:28.
“When at times the mob is swayed
To carry praise or blame too far,
We may take something like a star
To stay our minds on and be staid.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)