"Old" atheism, "New"atheism, atheism 3.0, WTF?

[Eilonnwy]

Greg Epstein is an idiot, the problem is that his apparent conciliatory attitude towards religion makes him likable within the atheist and humanist movement. I haven't read his book but Zach said it's terrible, half the time he talks about "how hard it was to write this book." Also, the whole "Good without God" phrase, well Epstein took it from Zach.

Zach can't stand Epstein. :/ I haven't met the guy but I imagine it's only a matter of time before I do given his new found popularity with the atheist community and that he's local to me.

But yeah, I agree with your reaction, it was my reaction too when Zach explained the atheism 3.0 to me. However, Epstein doesn't call it atheism 3.0, the media does. There is some level of the media misrepresenting Epstein, as we discussed in the podcast. Epstein was characterized as praising Rick Warren when that praise was largely taken out of context, however the fact that Epstein had one small positive thing to say about the homophobic prick is completely repugnant to me.

I believe I made the comment in the podcast that this whole conciliatory attitude of atheists towards religion smells more to me of trying to vie for religions special status of non-criticism instead of trying to tear down that misguided special status.

P.S. Leo, Zach says you should write to us with your opinions.