What historical movement is identified as a product contributing to the rise of atheism?

The Enlightenment movement in the 17th century significantly contributed to the rise of atheism through its emphasis on reason, science, and individualism. During this period, thinkers such as Voltaire, John Locke, and David Hume challenged traditional beliefs and questioned the authority of religious institutions. The Enlightenment encouraged a focus on rational thought and empirical evidence, giving rise to ideas that supported secularism and diminished the reliance on religious explanations for natural phenomena and human existence.

This intellectual shift laid the groundwork for critical examination of religion and increased the appeal of atheism. The movement promoted the idea that human beings could understand the world through reason and scientific inquiry, leading to a decline in the acceptance of faith-based explanations. In this context, many Enlightenment thinkers began to advocate for a secular approach to governance and society, which further eroded the influence of theology.

While other movements, such as the Reformation and the Industrial Revolution, played significant roles in shaping religious landscapes, the Enlightenment's focus on rationalism directly fostered an environment where atheistic thought could thrive and gain traction in society.