New book on religion implies that atheism is dead

[MrE2Me]

I was reading this article today, and was struck by the following sentence:

"The hard-core atheist," Prothero writes, "once a stock figure in American life, has gone the way of the freak show."

Newsweek is wise enough to point out that this sounds outdated, and cites the fact that books by Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett are major bestsellers.

But I wanted to ask you: do you think this - the idea that atheism & atheists are a thing of the past - is a widely held belief?  Or is Prothero just behind the times?  And what do you think of his idea to educate Americans about religion, not to convert them but to help them understand them better and make more informed choices?  I admire the goal, but fear the methods could end up becoming more preaching than teaching.

P.S. The comparison of atheism to a "freak show" is disturbing, IMO.  I realize I'm preaching to the choir in here, but surely believing in a personal God is more "freaky" than thinking rationally about the universe?

[McQ]

I was reading this article today, and was struck by the following sentence:

"The hard-core atheist," Prothero writes, "once a stock figure in American life, has gone the way of the freak show."

Newsweek is wise enough to point out that this sounds outdated, and cites the fact that books by Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett are major bestsellers.

But I wanted to ask you: do you think this - the idea that atheism & atheists are a thing of the past - is a widely held belief?  Or is Prothero just behind the times?  And what do you think of his idea to educate Americans about religion, not to convert them but to help them understand them better and make more informed choices?  I admire the goal, but fear the methods could end up becoming more preaching than teaching.

P.S. The comparison of atheism to a "freak show" is disturbing, IMO.  I realize I'm preaching to the choir in here, but surely believing in a personal God is more "freaky" than thinking rationally about the universe?

Yeah, not real thrilled with the "freak show" comparison. I like the idea immensely of religious studies in the context of comparative religion. I heartily recommend comparative religion classes, as long as they are taught in a normal, non-biased way. I wouldn't want a Jesuit Priest teaching me that all other religions are false while learning about them and then have him turn around and tell me that xtianity was the true religion while learning about it.

[donkeyhoty]

This Prothero sounds like a whiny little nerd, and he looks like one too.

He's so smart, yet he can't figure out why americans are ignorant about religions.  How 'bout because religion breeds ignorance.  There's no point learning about the difference between a sunni and a shiite when you "know" they're wrong.  Who wrote the gospels?  Umm, God, silly.  What's the Mormon holy book?  Uh, they're into bigamy, that's not cool.

Also, for lack of a better word, he's a pussy.  He's an atheist, but can't admit it.  "Confused Christian" my ass, that sounds like the evangelicals that can "cure" homosexuality.  He's confused because he himself is ignorant of his own brainwashing.

Should there be religious studies in public high schools?  Certainly not, people are too whiny for that to ever work.  "Mommy, he said buddhism is better than being a methodist.  -Well I never... I'm calling the principal and school board immediately."

And unfortunately most college students taking religious studies courses do so to reaffirm their faith rather than question it.

[Tom62]

I fully agree with donkeyhoty. Prothero stated in his message that he can't be a buddhist, because he is an american christian. Since he also associates atheists with "freakshow" he made it very clear that he is xenophobic towards anything that is not christian.

[MrE2Me]

The "confused Christian" label made me chuckle as well.  Either you're a Christian or you're not.  Take it like a man.

[Huxley]

I'd like to think that this type of Gobshite opinion is just a symptom of the demise of religion. As if it were in its death throes and lashing out in hopeless anger.

Im not going to hold my breath but it seems the religious are getting more and more militant in opinion as the ever increasing atheist press and figureheads are making palpable hits on believers delusions.

[Huxley]

Are we still breathing?  Thought so.

[Will]

Atheism is on the rise, and they're just jealous.

[Brakefade]

I don't think I have ever seen an Atheist convert to any religion. Once you go Atheist, you never go back. Doesn't rhyme, but it's pretty much true.

[Squid]

I suppose they think if they claim that atheism is disappearing enough that it will happen.  It sounds more like a self-forced delusion than anything - they want it so badly to be that way that they will create this fantasy just to fulfill their want.