The scientific world is mourning the death of legendary theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who passed away on March 14 aged 76.

As an atheist, the author of the record-breaking bestseller A Brief History of Time was a controversial figure in the eyes of many religious conservatives. One quote attributed to Hawking might explain why some religious communities might have felt at odds with the titan of science:

“There is a fundamental difference between religion, which is based on authority, and science, which is based on observation and reason. Science will win because it works.”

Following the news of his passing, many on social media expressed their sadness that the world had lost one of its brightest minds. Among them was the popular astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson:

However not everyone is expressing their condolences and mourning Hawking’s death. In fact, many religious conservatives have taken to social media to express their joy that upon his death, Hawking will finally have been “proven wrong” about the existence of God. Take a look at some of those comments below:

Some were upset at fellow Muslims mounring his death, with this Twitter user claiming that he was not going to "Rest in Peace":

Others quite openly said that Stephen Hawking was in hell because he didn't repent to Jesus:

This Twitter user says: "To Hell with you and the worst destiny you atheist #Stephen_Hawking"





This one says: "This is what happens to those who don't believe in God. Let him burn over Hell's fire now"



These Facebook users couldn't resist making a comment about Hawking finally finding out whether God exists or not: