From the Vault: In Protest of Evangelicalism Part 2: Atheists
July 14, 2008 13 Comments
Before we begin, let me be clear when I say that I firmly believe evangelical atheism is primarily a reactionary movement and the lion’s share of the blame for its genesis lies with evangelical Christianity. In that sense, we can view the rest of this conversation by looking at evangelical atheism as a sort of ‘counter-attack’ even though there are elements of the movement that have nothing to do with combating evangelical Christianity per se. I would also suggest that this is a classic case of two wrongs not making a right.
Atheism was on the rise long before the merging of evangelicals with traditional conservatism. In 1966 Time magazine asked the question, “Is God dead?” based on the huge numbers of humans living under anti-religious governments and also more subtle demographic shifts in Western culture. There were so many factors involved in reaching that point that it is impossible to pinpoint one specific cause for the rise in atheism in the West. What I will say is that the initial spread of atheism in this country cannot be blamed on evangelical Christians.
Atheism in this country began to coalesce as a movement alongside the rise of the Religious Right, gaining speed in the last eight years with the presidency of George W. Bush. This was largely a direct reaction to the infusion of an evangelical agenda within the administration. Although it is impossible to determine if Bush actually caused an increase in the number of atheists, what we can say with a degree of certainty is that the number of ‘evangelical atheists’ rose significantly as atheist, in their frustration, began to seek each other out, largely aided by the internet.
As these disgruntled atheist began to find one another they formed a mvoement. All movements need a cause and Bush gave them one. Atheists began to fight back against what they saw as an attempt to infuse religion into secular aspects of our culture. Sadly, when they were not joined by moderate Christians who also saw this new trend as problematic, it left the appearance that atheist alone were guarding our society against the threat of a non-secular government. Now they not only had a cause, but a noble one at that.
The problem is that rather than atheists fighting evangelical Christians and the de-secularization of the government, they took this as a nod to also preach their disdain for religion in general. They assumed, incorrectly, that the best way to fight the problem of de-secularization was to attack the belief in God itself. At this point, atheists crossed the line and became no better than those they wanted to stop.
What is more unfortunate is that atheists have now claimed science as their own dominion. With a profound affinity for the writings of Richard Dawkins, atheists seek to relegate God to a theory that can be disproved through the careful application of the scientific method. This would be effective if God were a scientific notion, which he certainly is not. What’s even more troubling is that this reliance on science to back up their non-belief has set up the discipline as a battlefield upon which a theological debate is taking place. Both sides could not have chosen more poorly.
Because religion was perceived to be linked with conservatism, it was natural that liberals and atheists would form a counter-alliance. Now we see that while it is not explicitly talked about as a plank of liberalism, atheists are certainly among the most vocal of liberals these days. Even as the power of evangelicals starts to falter within the conservative movement, atheism is growing on the Left. Why? There seems to be a certain ‘fashionable’ element to atheism and if there’s one thing we know about liberals it is that their beliefs are often dictated by popular culture and tend to be much more malleable. I’ve noticed that there seems to be an almost fervor in the blogosphere of liberal bloggers trying to out-atheist each other. It seems that on every liberal blog, a link to Pharyngula is required to prove your liberal street cred.
Like our disdain for the radicalism of the Religious Right, moderates and Centrists have no great affinity for evangelical atheists who foolishly believe their view holds the intellectual high ground. it is foolish because faith is the antithesis of intellectualism and that is not always a bad thing. Many Centrists see the tone of superiority and sympathy for misguided believers as patronizing at best. At the end of the day, evangelical atheists, like evangelical Christians, are just as intrusive, disrespectful and dangerous.
Moderates and centrists realize that evangelical Christians unleashed the beast. We also realize that we should have helped in the fight sooner than we did. But now there is a growing branch of atheism that is no better than the thing it sought to stop. That is what we find most troubling.
I read The Battle for God by Karen Armstrong (an ex-nun) which covered many of the same points. Her assertion was that while there have always been small pockets of fundamentalism, it did not become a large wave til around the 1950′s when it was clear that societies were moving very steadily toward secularism. Was a very good read. She looks not just at Christian fundamentalism, but Islam, Judaism and atheism as well.
http://tinyurl.com/44d9wm
I think there is a very strong link between a rise in ‘fundamentalism’ and the notion that society is moving away from a group’s beliefs. There is some indication that the failure for religion to diminish as technology progressed in the last 50 years has given rise to a more fervent brand of atheism. I still believe the over-reaching of Bush is one of the main culprits but I think there is also a frustration among atheists who can’t figure out why the rest of us are so ‘dumb’.
I think really (and this is purely anecdotal speculation), that attitude mostly comes from “new” atheists. Like most significant life changes, people who become atheist, much like people who “find” religion…tend to be very vocal about it. It’s an epiphany they want to share with the world, and MUST convert everyone to the same way of thinking. Once that belief is no longer a new thing, people generally relax, and it’s just a thing. You may discuss it in the same way you discuss politics or any other hot button issue, but it isn’t necessary to proselytize.
I’m discounting people like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchins because quite frankly, they get paid to be confrontational atheists. It’s like reading or paying attention to Ann Coulter. She gets paid to be a confrontational harpy. Why subject myself?
* Blog Owner’s note: Mr. Skinner, if you aren’t able to post a comment without name calling, please take your comments elsewhere. I welcome any and all opinions, but not insults towards me or anyone else. Just because we have a difference of opinion does not make me an ‘idiot’. Please acquaint yourself with our comments policy. This is your only warning.
Antitheism is rising due to the tide of religion in America AND in Europe. Duh!
I can’t believed you missed Europe by the way- it is a combo of old fashion immigrant fears and the fact that… well, they are causing problems. Like honor killings, terrrorism, suicide bombings, rape and murder- general bad stuff in the name of Allah the merciful.
Antitheism is opposed to ALL forms of religion- Obama as well as McCain. You seem not to understand- antitheism is not tied to liberalism or conservativism- it simply is tied to liberalism in the US because the conservatives are so insane. Antitheists canhave conservatives beliefs- just not the whole package.
God is a scientific notion. You see things that EXIST fall under the domain of science. Have you even read the bible? You know, the part where the Lord God creates the heavens and the Earth? Sounds like a theory to me! For more… abstract versions, logic can simply be brought to bear.
Liberals are atheists? Funny- this doesn’t seem to be reflected in the Democratic party… at all. None of the presidential canidates where atheists and ONE member of congress is. If you think liberals fall easily to trends and this is being picked up as fashionable… well, I won’t insult your intelligence. I’d point out that your belief is 180 degrees out of line with reality- the Democratic party is “finding religion”.
Now it could just be liberals and not democrats. In which case I’d have to point out that reality has a liberal bias.
“Evangelical atheists” are disrepectful because we hurt people’s feeling and don’t play nice? What ever shall we do?
You know what I see? I see someone so mired in mushy wushy feel good philosophy they can’t see their own feet! Look at what you are saying- evangelical atheism is bad because… well, they simply are. You don’t give an example or show them ACTUALLY doing anything. You seem to think belief in God is well supported without realizing what that implies- you know, the fundamentalist are right. The reason antitheists attack ALL religion is because of people like you. People who, as soon as some points out the whole thing is nonsense, immediately cry foul.
Give me ONE piece of actual evidence for God, one solid argument and you have me and the rest of the atheists sold. Give me but one example and I might agree the New Atheists have gone overboard. You can’t. You never will and you never have been able to.
I apologize if you find my tone insulting, but the simple fact is you didn’t think through what you wrote. Faith, by definition, has no objective grounding. You can’t attack evangelicals without attacking their faith- for it is their faith that provides the justification for their actions. But without faith “moderate” religion is so much nonsense too.
If you actually are curious you could go to google, type in atheism and actually read the hits. You see that’s what I do- why do you think I am here?
“sigh” And before you ask, I am interested in posts- It just happens I have heard this particualar topic a thousand times and heard it refuted a thousand more.
You may have a point, but then I have to ask, why has atheism become so popular on the Left? is simply a knee-jerk reaction to evangelical Christianity on the Right or is there more to it?
I’m not sure that it’s necessarily “more popular” on the Left than on the Right. Certainly I’ve met plenty of Libertarian atheists, and they lean Right economically if not socially; many of them on this site.
I can certainly see a backlash against the “Christian right’s” political pressure of the past 8 years, although I’m not convinced that’s entirely atheistic. Personally, I’d like to see fiscal conservatives take their party back from the fundamentalist base. Our country needs good conservatives to bring us back to center when the liberals and progressives push too far to the left, just like a car needs brakes and for much the same reasons. Those checks and balances need to be exercised.
Sorry, got off on a tangent. Is it possible that atheism is, like liberalism, currently seen as a youth movement? The more vocal members are younger and more likely to be open about their atheism.
Is it possible that atheism is, like liberalism, currently seen as a youth movement? The more vocal members are younger and more likely to be open about their atheism.
Could be you are right, though I would also suggest this ‘youth movement’ is lead by some ‘old dogs’.
You’ve given me some good points to think about. My thanks!
@ Samuel Skinner
You never will and you never have been able to.
I get the impression we know each other.
And if you think my complaints about evangelical atheism is one-sided, I suggest you read here.
another thought-provoking post, pc.
i must say i agree with a lot of what leftcoastlibrul has written. i know my move towards atheism was a very personal one that began many moons ago and was not led by the rise of the religious right; though, watching the religious right in action did work to solidify my choice.
in the end, we must remember that atheism is a faith, too. and i don’t read the hitchens’, etc. books either. i cannot and will not challenge anyone’s choice to believe in god, but i will challenge anyone who tries to impose their religious beliefs on me, either one-on-one or through political maneuvering.
again, without a large-scale survey, we don’t know the trends. we only know what we see in our own lives and the crazy, provocative “harpies” (thanks, leftcoast) who get all the face time in the media.
i can tell you that my best friend up here is my next door neighbor, who is a conservative republican and who is very involved in her church and her religion. she knows i am an atheist and a liberal.
we trust each other. we love each other. and the most interesting thing is that we have very similar values and goals and hopes. i guess where we differ is in the means.
@didionsmommy
in the end, we must remember that atheism is a faith, too. and i don’t read the hitchens’, etc. books either. i cannot and will not challenge anyone’s choice to believe in god, but i will challenge anyone who tries to impose their religious beliefs on me, either one-on-one or through political maneuvering.
…
i can tell you that my best friend up here is my next door neighbor, who is a conservative republican and who is very involved in her church and her religion. she knows i am an atheist and a liberal.
we trust each other. we love each other. and the most interesting thing is that we have very similar values and goals and hopes. i guess where we differ is in the means.
I think that’s all we can ask for is to treat each other with respect and accept that we can be different and even celebrate that fact.
‘atheism is a faith too’
I love that! It’s so true. Neither one of us will know who is right until the lights go out. I think that’s why I see the atheists verses believers debate as so pointless.
I’m sorry- I tend to mock people when the say things I find wrong. To be specific people saying something that has huge flawed assumptions- in this case the idea that fundamentalism isn’t the “true” faith and is somehow inherently differant from moderate religion. I’ll calm unless you say something Vox worthy.
Why is atheism popular on the left?
Reality has a liberal bias. That and many conservative ideas can only be supported on relgious grounds.
Youth Movement?
Most likely it is because younger people are more internet savy and use computers more- not sure.
Know each other?
Nope I was talking in the plural you- great… I’m begining to think Spanish’s method is better- they don’t have that problem.
Atheism is a faith
No it isn’t. “A faith” means it is a religion (which it isn’t), while based on faith is absolutely untrue- I myself am entirely faithless.
Tolerance
I don’t tolerate a lot of things. I may respect people, but their opinions? Never. The truth lives and dies on its own merits. It is nice to see you get along with your neighbor… but if she believes that all nonbelievers are going to burn in Hell… well, you should be offended she isn’t trying to convert you.
from Samuel Skinner
To be specific people saying something that has huge flawed assumptions- in this case the idea that fundamentalism isn’t the “true” faith and is somehow inherently differant from moderate religion.
This post was not about fundamentalism…it was about evangelicism. Specifically, it was about certain atheists adopting the unpleasant tactic of those they consider their most-hated enemies i.e. evangelical Christians.
Evangelicalism differs greatly than moderate religion because one has a conversion mission while the other is more introspective.
My blog today on “The Sanctification Ploy” chastises Atheists who take a “holier than thou” approach on their own thinking style. But I do point out what I feel is a major problem with religious thinking – and indeed, with evangelical thinking.