The etymology of religion has been done ad nauseum on these boards. Wouldn’t it be much more interesting to just say screw it and get back to the OP?
I think I remember Carl Sagan explaining the “God” of physicists;
Basically, “God” is merely the sum total of the physical laws that govern the mechanics of the universe.
Back to the OP (sort of)
Have there been any Atheist US Presidents? What about Prime Ministers?
Atheists in position of power in the western world?
I’m sure there have–just none dumb enough to admit it.
IIRC, Franklin Pierce, the 14th president, was affirmed into office, as opposed to sworn in. He had recently lost his son in a tragic accident.