National Day of Reason

National Day of Reason is an annual American holiday dedicated to atheists, skeptics, and those who do not believe in a higher power or God. The holiday serves as a counterpoint to the National Day of Prayer and is observed on the first Thursday in May.

History

The history of this holiday traces back to 1952, when President Harry Truman officially approved the National Day of Prayer. The day had strong religious undertones and was primarily aimed at promoting Christian (specifically Catholic) faith in the U.S. However, many Americans at the time were not affiliated with any religion, and thus the holiday did not initially gain widespread popularity. In response, the National Day of Reason was established by atheists and skeptics to provide a secular alternative.

While it’s not necessary to pray or believe in God on this day, the focus is on doing good deeds and supporting others. For example, you could contribute to charitable causes, like helping orphanages, without the expectation of a reward in the afterlife. The idea is that doing good in the present moment benefits society, and that’s all that matters.

Interesting Facts

• Christianity has over 2.5 billion followers worldwide, making it one of the top three religions, along with Buddhism and Islam.
• For believers, prayer is viewed as a way to connect the earthly realm with the divine, linking them directly to God.
• Approximately 15% of the global population identifies as non-religious, while around 4% explicitly identify as atheists.

How to Celebrate

Celebrate the day by wishing a happy holiday to friends or acquaintances who are non-believers. Engage in discussions online with atheists and those who have chosen to step away from religion. Explore their reasons for abandoning faith and share your own views.

When is National Day of Reason in 2025?

National Day of Reason is observed on the first Thursday in May each year.

Observations