The first explicit atheist was know as Matthias Knutzen, he published three atheist writings in 1674. Atheism is the denial of a God, Gods, and spiritual beings. Atheism rejects religion, as well as religious beliefs. Atheism began to appear in Europe and Asia in the fifth or sixth century. People choose to be atheist due to the lack of proof for Gods existence. The problem with evil in the world assists to the atheists non-belief. Since there is little to no proof of god they see no reason to believe in gods existence.