Atheism and Doubt in the Middle Ages: A New Approach to a Difficult Subject

The article outlines the form and distribution of the phenomenon in the Middle Ages known today as 'atheism', i.e. not to believe in the existence of a god. Texts are analysed to isolate terms and concepts for this phenomenon. The translation of the term 'unbelief/infidelitas' with 'atheism' is criticised as misleading as it denoted only non-christian, disloyal or impious individuals, not 'atheists'. The study of legal, inquisitorial and spiritual sources also yields that ecclesiastical and secular powers were not interested to persecute non-believers. There was hardly any rational discussion about it. On the other hand, spiritual care addressed situations of doubt, non-belief and protest by means of exhortation and admonition.