ATHEISM, the disbelief of a deity. See ATHEIST. ATHEIST, a person who does not believe the existence of a Deity. Many people, both ancient and modern, have pretended to atheism, or have been reckoned atheists by the world; but it is justly questioned whether any man seriously adopted such a principle. These pretensions, therefore, must be founded on pride or affectation.
Atheism, as absurd and unreasonable as it is, has had its martyrs. Lucilio Vanini, an Italian, native of Naples, publicly taught atheism in France, about the beginning of the seventeenth century; and, being convicted of it at Toulouse, was condemned to death. Being pressed to make public acknowledgement of his crime, and to ask pardon of God, the king, and justice, he answered, he did not believe there was a God; that he never offended the king; and, as for justice, he wished it to the devil. He confessed that he was one of twelve, who parted in company from Naples, to spread their doctrine in all parts of Europe. His tongue was first cut out, and then his body burnt, April 9. 1619.