Jeff Sparrow on the need to save ourselves from the sickishness of the New Atheists

[Whateverist]

Yep. I say we give them death with dignity. Let them stay in their own house (o'the lord) until they croak.

Not to say I won't be happy for any who get away for their own reasons.

[Minimalist]

Now, this is probably a bit over the top.....

http://www.rawstory.com/2016/03/atheist-...onist-ark/

Atheist group plans ‘Genocide and Incest Park’ billboard campaign to troll creationist ‘Ark’

but it wouldn't be necessary if creatards weren't such stupid fucks to begin with.

[Cephus]

Here's the difference they don't like:

[Whateverist]

Except, it there is anything to the article, the first panel should show a church representative decked out from the time of the inquisition with the power to throw its weight around without fear of reprisal. The second panel should show a theist with his hands over his kids ears pleading with the a mob of college aged atheists to stay quiet while his kids can hear.

[KevinM1]

Why does the author of the article imply that theists don't currently hold 'considerable institutional power'?  Has he not paid attention to US politics for the last, oh, 40 years or so?  The current, frothing evangelical wing of the GOP?  Outside of a few exceptions, you can't hold public office as an atheist.  Not just at the national level, but local as well.  And these people are trying (and succeeding in many cases) to put their ancient goat fucker ideals in stone via legislation.

So, no, the fight isn't over just because academics are predominantly atheist.  Academics aren't the ones trying to put religion in public schools, or trying to remove a woman's right to choose, or be allowed to not pay for certain kinds of medical coverage, or a myriad of other things that ultimately harm us all.

[Whateverist]

Why does the author of the article imply that theists don't currently hold 'considerable institutional power'?  Has he not paid attention to US politics for the last, oh, 40 years or so?  The current, frothing evangelical wing of the GOP?  Outside of a few exceptions, you can't hold public office as an atheist.  Not just at the national level, but local as well.

I've been making exactly that case at Craig's site. You'd be surprised how not satisfied they are with that. Instead they bemoan the lack of respect they get in academia. Perhaps they're just finding it hard to keep the next generation down on the farm in the face of the prevalence of secular values in the media and among the more respectable markets for ideas. Their brand seems to only sell to the closed market of the home schooled and even then they lose, I've heard, as many as half to the wider culture.

Makes me wonder how soon it will be before an open atheist could be elected to public office with an equal chance. Seems like perhaps they're suffering from post inflation depression.

So, no, the fight isn't over just because academics are predominantly atheist.  Academics aren't the ones trying to put religion in public schools, or trying to remove a woman's right to choose, or be allowed to not pay for certain kinds of medical coverage, or a myriad of other things that ultimately harm us all.

No, it certainly isn't. It is the theist fighting to keep their market share .. especially where their own kids are concerned. Can't blame them but I'm not sure what more I can do for them except not to gloat.

[Jackalope]

Instead they bemoan the lack of respect they get in academia.

This is what happens when your ideas do not comport with reality.

[JesusHChrist]

Instead they bemoan the lack of respect they get in academia.

This is what happens when your ideas do not comport with reality.

Nor do astrologists, angel therapists, crystal healers and every other assorted variant of woo. The religious woo-sters may have a vague understanding that they too fall into the same camp and really don't like it much.

All hope for any respectability has long since left the station. Theology shouldn't even be offered as a college degree. Comparative religion? Sure. Religious history? Absolutely. But Theology? That's the study of nothing.

[Minimalist]

Instead they bemoan the lack of respect they get in academia.

That's the natural result of blabbering about superstitious drivel.

Fuck 'em.  It's the 21st century.   Time to grow up.

[abaris]

Here's the difference they don't like:

Yeah, but that isn't the reality. The ones being called New Atheists are often missionaries. And I for one don't care for missionaries, regardless if they're spewing shit in favor of religion or for any other cause.

Simplistic, far removed from reality and ultimately not what this is about. Show me one atheist staying quiet when challenged. The difference being if you're riding Rosinante into the ban all religions challenge and want to force atheism down everyone's throat without consent. It also presents the false image of an organised community. I for one have nothing in common with many atheists, aside from not believing.