New Atheism in the UK

[picto90]

Is there a real need for New Atheism in the UK where people are happily coming to their own conclusion with respects to the existence of a God? If so, why?

You have to remember that we're all people. People think it's just the Christians that get pissed off that we Atheists have "turned away from Christ", but we atheists are also pissed off. It's difficult being surrounded by ignorance and stupidity.

So is there a need for this new atheism? Probably not, but I certainly don't see the harm in trying to educate some people.

[mannaka]

You have to remember that we're all people. People think it's just the Christians that get pissed off that we Atheists have "turned away from Christ", but we atheists are also pissed off. It's difficult being surrounded by ignorance and stupidity.

So is there a need for this new atheism? Probably not, but I certainly don't see the harm in trying to educate some people.

I partially agree. However the lack of such ignorant people in the UK might suggest that such efforts would be better spent elsewhere.

[picto90]

You have to remember that we're all people. People think it's just the Christians that get pissed off that we Atheists have "turned away from Christ", but we atheists are also pissed off. It's difficult being surrounded by ignorance and stupidity.

So is there a need for this new atheism? Probably not, but I certainly don't see the harm in trying to educate some people.

I partially agree. However the lack of such ignorant people in the UK might suggest that such efforts would be better spent elsewhere.

It's true, here in the UK we don't seem to have the same fundamental extremist wackos foudn elsewhere ~cough, cough, america, cough cough~, but we do have ignorance. People here in the UK believe for the sake of believing, because there parents did, and because they don't have all the facts. Trying to talk to a fundamental creationist is like talking to a brick wall, nothing you can say will get through that thick skull, regardless of how convincing you are or the evidence you can provide. Here in UK, people far more likely to actually listen to, and understand what you are saying, and therefore more likely to make an informed decision.

[mannaka]

Thanks picto90, I think your views are largely similar to mine.

I'm somewhat surprised that I haven't seen any self-proclaimed New Atheists here. The media, and certain areas of London would have you believe that it is a large movement..

[NoMoreFaith]

It just seems that way because the major institutions like to whinge when they are criticised or blocked from indoctrination or discrimination.

Truth is, they are just being criticised, and people are less willing to respect the pedestal of their religion. "New Atheism" is a convenient handle to play martyr to.

[Chuff]

The survey is too small a sample for any meaningful result, just like a shampoo advert.
I am looking forward to the 2011 census results - I expect a substantial swing.
I don't care for the phrase 'new atheism' how does that differ from normal atheism? As someone previously mentioned, this apparent uprising is purely down to modern communication technology and the spread of ideas across the internet

[mannaka]

NoMoreFaith: Perhaps, though I mostly got this impression from reading media articles of self-proclaimed New Atheists and being pounced upon in person by a university society of the same name.
Rather, I think the media affectionately refers to these types as "militant atheists" when wanting something to play martyr to.

Chuff: Some of those avenues have been explored in past posts (sorry I am too lazy, or rather my computer is too slow and I too impatient, to look for them).