Evangelical atheism
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Recent activism
Paul Kurtz, editor in chief of Free Inquiry and the founder of Prometheus Books, has written about the criticism by religionists of outspoken critics of religion like Dawkins and Harris, where the critics use the term "evangelical" in a disparaging context, to reduce atheism to the level of religious belief and dogma.[1]
What disturbs us is the preposterous outcry that atheists are “evangelical” and that they have gone too far in their criticism of religion. Really? The public has been bombarded by pro-religious propaganda from time immemorial—today it comes from pulpits across the land, TV ministries, political hucksters, and best-selling books. Indeed, at the present moment, the apocalyptic Left Behind series, coauthored by evangelist Tim LaHaye, is an all-time blockbuster. Other best-sellers include The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren and a slew of books attacking liberal secularists and humanists by religious conservatives such as Ann Coulter and Bill O’Reilly.
Let’s be fair: Until now, it has been virtually impossible to get a fair hearing for critical comment upon uncontested religious claims. It was considered impolite, in bad taste, and it threatened to raise doubts about God’s existence or hegemony. I have often said that it is as if an “iron curtain” had descended within America, for skeptics have discovered that the critical examination of religion has been virtually verboten. What is often overlooked by the critics of “evangelical atheism” is that skepticism about the existence of God does not by itself define who and what we are. For there is a commitment to the realization of human freedom and happiness in this life here and now and to a life of excellence, creativity, and fulfillment. [...] To label us “evangelical atheists” without recognizing our affirmative commitment to secular humanist morality is an egregious error.
- Segal, David, Atheist Evangelist, article in the Washington Post Thursday, October 26, 2006; Page C01
- Wolff, Gary, in The New Atheism, The Church of the Non-Believers reprinted in Wired Magazine, November 2006
- ^ Kurtz, Paul. "Religion in Conflict: Are 'Evangelical Atheists' Too Outspoken?". Retrieved 2007-03-28.