The term atheism infers one of three basic definitions. Someone who considers him or herself an atheist may simply lack a belief in the existence of supernatural, divine forces. Some, more narrowly, may outright reject such a belief, and still others, in the strictest sense, take the position that there really is no debate to be had.

At a glance, directly associating Chinese tradition with even the more open-ended definition of atheism (a mere lack of belief) would seem rather forced. While it is true that certain religious beliefs were suppressed by those higher up the ladder throughout Chinese history and that some of China’s brightest and most intellectual voiced vehement suspicion, disregard, and even stark criticism, these actions still fell very far short of what it means to be atheist. The same could also be said for commoners, who took a more pragmatic (as opposed to a theist/atheist) approach when it came to religious observance and practice.