KS3 atheism - having a non-belief in god or the supernatural

Religious Education Quiz - Atheism 01 (Questions)

This KS3 Religious Education quiz explores atheism, the belief that there is no god, and compares it with religious belief, personal choice, and questions about meaning.

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Fascinating Fact:

In the UK, freedom of religion includes freedom not to follow a religion. Atheists have legal protection from discrimination, like religious believers.

In KS3 Religious Education, pupils study both religious and non-religious worldviews. Learning about atheism helps students understand why some people reject belief in any god and how this shapes moral decisions.

Key Terms

Atheism: The belief that there is no god or gods.
Theism: The belief that there is at least one god who has some role in the universe.
Agnosticism: The view that we cannot know for certain whether any god exists or not.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What does atheism mean in KS3 Religious Education?

In KS3 Religious Education, atheism means believing that there is no god or gods. It is studied alongside religions to show a range of responses to questions about life and purpose.

How is atheism different from agnosticism?

Atheism states that there is no god, while agnosticism says we cannot know for sure whether any god exists. Agnostics suspend judgement, atheists reject belief in gods.

Can atheism be discussed in school RE lessons?

Yes, RE lessons often include atheism and other non-religious views. This supports understanding, respect, and awareness of the different beliefs and non-beliefs found in modern society.

Try These Related Quizzes

Atheists are people who .....

[ ]	Don't believe in supernatural beings
[ ]	Believe in superhuman beings
[ ]	Believe in supernatural beings
[ ]	Believe in Superman

Another group that reject the idea of supernaturalism is which one of the following?

[ ]	Activists
[ ]	Capitalists
[ ]	Humanists
[ ]	Revivalists

Is it possible to be both an atheist and religious?

[ ]	No
[ ]	Yes
[ ]	Only on Sundays
[ ]	Only on weekdays and Saturdays

Which one of these is true of atheists?

[ ]	They often follow the same moral code as religious people
[ ]	They have no morals
[ ]	They have few morals
[ ]	They have highly developed morals

A person who strongly believes that religion should be excluded from government is best described as .....

[ ]	An atheist
[ ]	An agriculturalist
[ ]	A secularist
[ ]	A structuralist

Which well-known modern writer is a supporter of atheism and also the author of The Selfish Gene?

[ ]	John Sawkins
[ ]	Kevin Lawkins
[ ]	Richard Dawkins
[ ]	Stephen Hawking

Atheists give many reasons for their beliefs but which one of the following is NOT used as an argument against religion?

[ ]	Religion is only for the rich
[ ]	Religion stops people thinking in a rational way
[ ]	Religions obstruct scientific research
[ ]	Religions waste time and money

Some atheists concede that there are good aspects to religion - which one of the following is in that category?

[ ]	Religious charities and good works
[ ]	Religious festivals that give meaning to life
[ ]	Religious rituals that explain the world and people's place in it
[ ]	Religious history of Christian leaders

Voltaire said "Those who believe absurdities will commit ..... "

[ ]	Activities
[ ]	Amenities
[ ]	Annuities
[ ]	Atrocities

10.

As with most religions there are different groups within atheism. Which of these is NOT a recognised group?

[ ]	Negative
[ ]	Positive
[ ]	Weak
[ ]	Premier

Religious Education Quiz - Atheism 01 (Answers)

Atheists are people who .....

[x]	Don't believe in supernatural beings
[ ]	Believe in superhuman beings
[ ]	Believe in supernatural beings
[ ]	Believe in Superman

"Supernatural" means "transcending nature". A supernatural being would therefore not be an observable part of nature. "Superhuman", on the other hand, means a human being with exceptional powers. Atheists are defined by not believing in any supernatural beings

Another group that reject the idea of supernaturalism is which one of the following?

[ ]	Activists
[ ]	Capitalists
[x]	Humanists
[ ]	Revivalists

Without the capital H, humanists are people who hold a higher view of humanity -- these humanists do not necessarily reject belief in the divine. Humanists (with the capital H) are often called "Secular Humanists" to emphasise a lack of religious belief

Is it possible to be both an atheist and religious?

[x]	No
[ ]	Yes
[ ]	Only on Sundays
[ ]	Only on weekdays and Saturdays

Some religions do not believe in a God or gods, but rather in supernatural beings such as spirits. Buddhists are sometimes said to be "atheist" because Buddhism does not worship a creator; they do, however, recognise a spiritual, supernatural world. Although "atheism" technically means "without (a belief in) god", atheists do not believe in any supernatural beings, and therefore are not religious believers. Sometimes those without religious belief still enjoy taking part in religious rituals

Which one of these is true of atheists?

[x]	They often follow the same moral code as religious people
[ ]	They have no morals
[ ]	They have few morals
[ ]	They have highly developed morals

While each religion has its own moral code, ethical behaviour and religious practice are not the same concept

A person who strongly believes that religion should be excluded from government is best described as .....

[ ]	An atheist
[ ]	An agriculturalist
[x]	A secularist
[ ]	A structuralist

A secularist is opposed to religious practice being mandated by a government, especially in its laws

Which well-known modern writer is a supporter of atheism and also the author of The Selfish Gene?

[ ]	John Sawkins
[ ]	Kevin Lawkins
[x]	Richard Dawkins
[ ]	Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking was a famous scientist who researches and writes about physics and cosmology, rather than biology

Atheists give many reasons for their beliefs but which one of the following is NOT used as an argument against religion?

[x]	Religion is only for the rich
[ ]	Religion stops people thinking in a rational way
[ ]	Religions obstruct scientific research
[ ]	Religions waste time and money

The idea that religion distracts people from poverty with the promise of justice to come in an afterlife has been used as a criticism, however

Some atheists concede that there are good aspects to religion - which one of the following is in that category?

[x]	Religious charities and good works
[ ]	Religious festivals that give meaning to life
[ ]	Religious rituals that explain the world and people's place in it
[ ]	Religious history of Christian leaders

Charity is not always recognised as an unalloyed good