THE RISE OF ATHEISM AND SECULARIZATION: A THEOLOGICALAND CIVILIZATIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The global surge in atheism and secularization
has profound implications for theological discourses and the
civilizational values embedded in religious traditions. This
paper analyzes the historical development, philosophical
underpinnings, and contemporary expressions of atheism and
secular thought, while examining their impacts on societies
that have traditionally been rooted in religious worldviews.
Drawing from theological perspectives, the paper explores
how secular ideologies challenge metaphysical narratives
and reshape sociopolitical and moral frameworks.
Furthermore, the study assesses the responses from religious
institutions and thinkers to the growing influence of
secularism, especially in post-industrial and post-colonial
contexts. By combining theological analysis with
sociocultural insights, the article presents a multidimensional
exploration of the ongoing transformation in belief systems
and cultural paradigms.