Why Tolerate Atheists

Abstract Can atheists and theists transcend their entrenched position and see the positives of the other side? The long eighteenth century with its laws against irreligion seems an unlikely period to look for such understanding but, despite its insistence on persecution, an important insight into the primary function of religion in society was discovered by the theistic writers while atheists were building a position for toleration. Bernard Mandeville combined the strengths of both positions to provide a novel analysis of religion, valuing its benefits for society while not calling for prosecution of those without faith.