Changes

On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported:

On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported:

{{cquote|Atheism is in decline worldwide, with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass."<ref>Chapman, Michael W. (July 24, 2013). [http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 "Global study: atheists in decline, only 1.8% of world population by 2020"]. Cnsnews.com.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>}}  

{{cquote|Atheism is in decline worldwide, with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass."<ref>Chapman, Michael W. (July 24, 2013). [http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 "Global study: atheists in decline, only 1.8% of world population by 2020"]. Cnsnews.com. </ref>}}  

   

   

=== Sub-replacement levels of fertility of atheistic populations. High fertility of religious conservatives ===

=== Sub-replacement levels of fertility of atheistic populations. High fertility of religious conservatives ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriage]] and [[Atheist marriages]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriage]] and [[Atheist marriages]]

On December 23, 2012, Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]] who teaches at Birbeck College, [[University of London]] wrote:  "I argue that 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/97-of-worlds-population-growth-is.html "97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious"] (April 30, 2013).  Question Evolution Campaign.  Retrieved on October 29, 2014.</ref>

On December 23, 2012, Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]] who teaches at Birbeck College, [[University of London]] wrote:  "I argue that 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/97-of-worlds-population-growth-is.html "97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious"] (April 30, 2013).  Question Evolution Campaign.</ref>

Michael Blume, a researcher at the University of Jena in Germany, wrote about the sub-replacement level of fertility among [[Atheist Population|atheistic populations]]: "Most societies or communities that have espoused atheistic beliefs have not survived more than a century."<ref name=leake>Leake, Jonathan (January 2, 2011).  [http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Society/article496716.ece "Atheists a dying breed as nature 'favours faithful'"].  London Times website. Retrieved on April 23, 2015.</ref> Blume also indicated concerning concerning his research on this matter: "What I found was the complete lack of a single case of a secular population, community or movement that would just manage to retain replacement level."<ref name=leake/>

Michael Blume, a researcher at the University of Jena in Germany, wrote about the sub-replacement level of fertility among [[Atheist Population|atheistic populations]]: "Most societies or communities that have espoused atheistic beliefs have not survived more than a century."<ref name=leake>Leake, Jonathan (January 2, 2011).  [http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Society/article496716.ece "Atheists a dying breed as nature 'favours faithful'"].  London Times website.</ref> Blume also indicated concerning concerning his research on this matter: "What I found was the complete lack of a single case of a secular population, community or movement that would just manage to retain replacement level."<ref name=leake/>

[[File:Europe map CIA 2005.jpg|thumbnail|right|175px|In 2014, the Pew Research Forum indicated that [[Europe]] will go from 11% of the world's population to 7% of the world's population by 2050.<ref name="PewProj">Kochhar, Rakesh (February 3, 2014).  [http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/02/03/10-projections-for-the-global-population-in-2050/ "10 projections for the global population in 2050"].  FactTank/Pew Research Center website.  Retrieved on January 3, 2015.</ref> See: [[Secular Europe]] ]]

[[File:Europe map CIA 2005.jpg|thumbnail|right|175px|In 2014, the Pew Research Forum indicated that [[Europe]] will go from 11% of the world's population to 7% of the world's population by 2050.<ref name="PewProj">Kochhar, Rakesh (February 3, 2014).  [http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/02/03/10-projections-for-the-global-population-in-2050/ "10 projections for the global population in 2050"].  FactTank/Pew Research Center website.</ref> See: [[Secular Europe]] ]]

=== Expected religious and racial demographic changes in the Western World ===

=== Expected religious and racial demographic changes in the Western World ===

See also: [[Secular Europe|Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century]]

See also: [[Secular Europe|Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century]]

In the [[United Kingdom]], by the year 2050, 30 percent of the population is expected to be non-white.<ref>Kirkup, James (May 5, 2014).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10809481/Non-white-people-almost-30-per-cent-of-population-by-2050.html "Non-white people almost 30 per cent of population by 2050"].  The Telegraph.  Retrieved on January 14, 2015.</ref> In the United States, the Hispanic population is expected to triple by the year 2050 and become 30% of the United States population.<ref>Nasser, Haya El (February 12, 2008).  "U.S. Hispanic population to triple by 2050".  USA Today website.  Retrieved from various websites ("The U.S. population will soar to 438 million...") on January 14, 2015.</ref> ''[[Yale University|Yale]] Daily News'' reported in an article entitled "White Europeans: An endangered species?" that "Without a major shift in the current fertility trends, industrialized Europe will see its native population decline by about three-fourths over the 21st century."<ref>Wagener, Trevor (February 27, 2008).  [http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2008/02/27/white-europeans-an-endangered-species/ "White Europeans: an endangered species?"] ''Yale Daily News''.  Retrieved on January 3, 2014.</ref>

In the [[United Kingdom]], by the year 2050, 30 percent of the population is expected to be non-white.<ref>Kirkup, James (May 5, 2014).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10809481/Non-white-people-almost-30-per-cent-of-population-by-2050.html "Non-white people almost 30 per cent of population by 2050"].  The Telegraph.</ref> In the United States, the Hispanic population is expected to triple by the year 2050 and become 30% of the United States population.<ref>Nasser, Haya El (February 12, 2008).  "U.S. Hispanic population to triple by 2050".  USA Today website.  Obtained from various websites ("The U.S. population will soar to 438 million...") on January 14, 2015.</ref> ''[[Yale University|Yale]] Daily News'' reported in an article entitled "White Europeans: An endangered species?" that "Without a major shift in the current fertility trends, industrialized Europe will see its native population decline by about three-fourths over the 21st century."<ref>Wagener, Trevor (February 27, 2008).  [http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2008/02/27/white-europeans-an-endangered-species/ "White Europeans: an endangered species?"] ''Yale Daily News''.</ref>

For information on the projected growth of [[Evangelical Christianity|Evangelical Christianity]] and [[Islam]] in Europe, please see:

For information on the projected growth of [[Evangelical Christianity|Evangelical Christianity]] and [[Islam]] in Europe, please see:

As alluded to earlier, prior to [[Charles Darwin]] publishing his [[evolution|evolutionist]] work ''On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life'', Darwin wrote in his private notebooks that he was a [[materialism|materialist]], which is a type of atheist.(see: [http://www.conservapedia.com/Charles_Darwin#Religious_Views_of_Charles_Darwin Religious views of Charles Darwin])<ref name="Wieland"/>  Charles Darwin’s casual mentioning of a ‘creator’ in earlier editions of ''The Origin of Species'' appears to have been a merely a [[deceit|deceitful]] ploy to downplay the implications of his [[materialism|materialistic]] theory. <ref name="Wieland"/>

As alluded to earlier, prior to [[Charles Darwin]] publishing his [[evolution|evolutionist]] work ''On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life'', Darwin wrote in his private notebooks that he was a [[materialism|materialist]], which is a type of atheist.(see: [http://www.conservapedia.com/Charles_Darwin#Religious_Views_of_Charles_Darwin Religious views of Charles Darwin])<ref name="Wieland"/>  Charles Darwin’s casual mentioning of a ‘creator’ in earlier editions of ''The Origin of Species'' appears to have been a merely a [[deceit|deceitful]] ploy to downplay the implications of his [[materialism|materialistic]] theory. <ref name="Wieland"/>

German scientist [[Ernst Haeckel]] was a very influential proponent of the evolutionary position and Haeckel was an advocate of atheism.<ref name="nytimes2">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C03EFDD123EE033A2575AC0A9659C946697D6CF "Kaiser honors Haeckel"] (March 9, 1907).  ''New York Times'', p. 1.  Retrieved from Nytimes.com on July 28, 2014.</ref>  Ernst Haeckel attempted to portray himself as an ethical proponent of atheism, however, history shows he was a deceitful individual.<ref>Multiple references:

German scientist [[Ernst Haeckel]] was a very influential proponent of the evolutionary position and Haeckel was an advocate of atheism.<ref name="nytimes2">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C03EFDD123EE033A2575AC0A9659C946697D6CF "Kaiser honors Haeckel"] (March 9, 1907).  ''New York Times'', p. 1.  Nytimes.com/ref>  Ernst Haeckel attempted to portray himself as an ethical proponent of atheism, however, history shows he was a deceitful individual.<ref>Multiple references:

*Wakefield, Gerard (2002).  [http://www.creationism.org/wakefield/haeckel.htm "Investigating Genesis series: 'Another evolution fraud exposed'".]  www.creationism.org.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.

*Wakefield, Gerard (2002).  [http://www.creationism.org/wakefield/haeckel.htm "Investigating Genesis series: 'Another evolution fraud exposed'".]  www.creationism.org.   

*[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C03EFDD123EE033A2575AC0A9659C946697D6CF "Kaiser honors Haeckel"] (March 9, 1907).  ''New York Times'', p. 1.  Retrieved from Nytimes.com on July 28, 2014.

*[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C03EFDD123EE033A2575AC0A9659C946697D6CF "Kaiser honors Haeckel"] (March 9, 1907).  ''New York Times'', p. 1

*Wells, Jonathan (June 12, 2002).  [http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=1180 "Critics rave over ''Icons of Evolution'': a response to published reviews"].  Discovery Institute Center for Science and Culture.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.

*Wells, Jonathan (June 12, 2002).  [http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=1180 "Critics rave over ''Icons of Evolution'': a response to published reviews"].  Discovery Institute Center for Science and Culture.   

*Wells, Jonathan (January 2001).  [http://www.discovery.org/articleFiles/PDFs/survivalOfTheFakest.pdf "Survival of the fakest"].  ''The American Spectator''.  Retrieved from the Discovery Institute Center for Science and Culture:  essential readings on July 29, 2014.</ref>

*Wells, Jonathan (January 2001).  [http://www.discovery.org/articleFiles/PDFs/survivalOfTheFakest.pdf "Survival of the fakest"].  ''The American Spectator''.  Discovery Institute Center for Science and Culture:  essential readings</ref>

The March 9, 1907 edition of the ''New York Times'' refers to Ernst Haeckel as the "celebrated Darwinian and founder of the Association for the Propagation of Ethical Atheism."<ref name="nytimes2"/>

The March 9, 1907 edition of the ''New York Times'' refers to Ernst Haeckel as the "celebrated Darwinian and founder of the Association for the Propagation of Ethical Atheism."<ref name="nytimes2"/>

== Irreligion and superstition==

== Irreligion and superstition==

[[Image:2384975035_230a0eac30.jpg‎‎|thumb|right|170px|The [[Wall Street Journal]] reported: "A comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows ...that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to [[superstition]], tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in [[pseudoscience]] than evangelical Christians."<ref name="paranormal">Hemingway, Molly Ziegler (September 19, 2008). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178219865054585.html "Look who's irrational now"].  The Wall Street Journal website.  Retrieved on July 29, 2014.</ref>]]

[[Image:2384975035_230a0eac30.jpg‎‎|thumb|right|170px|The [[Wall Street Journal]] reported: "A comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows ...that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to [[superstition]], tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in [[pseudoscience]] than evangelical Christians."<ref name="paranormal">Hemingway, Molly Ziegler (September 19, 2008). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178219865054585.html "Look who's irrational now"].  The Wall Street Journal website.</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]] and [[Theory of Evolution, Liberalism, Atheism, and Irrationality]] and [[Atheist cults]]

''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]] and [[Theory of Evolution, Liberalism, Atheism, and Irrationality]] and [[Atheist cults]]

==Intellectuals increasingly rejecting atheistic ideology ==

==Intellectuals increasingly rejecting atheistic ideology ==

According to Munich theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg "Atheism as a theoretical position is in decline worldwide." (see: [[Global atheism]]).<ref name="wt">Siemon-Netto, Uwe (March 3, 2005). [http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/05/breaking2453432.91875.html "God not so dead:  atheism in decline worldwide"].  UPI.  Retrieved from World Tribune.com on July 29, 2014.</ref> Given that the evolutionary position is a often cited component of the ideology of atheism in the [[Western world]], the gradual loss of public support of the evolutionary position is one of the many factors which are eroding the ideology of atheism.  [[Oxford]] scholar [[Alister McGrath]] cites a number of additional factors in regards to the decline of atheism as an intellectual position.<ref>Multiple references:

According to Munich theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg "Atheism as a theoretical position is in decline worldwide." (see: [[Global atheism]]).<ref name="wt">Siemon-Netto, Uwe (March 3, 2005). [http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/05/breaking2453432.91875.html "God not so dead:  atheism in decline worldwide"].  UPI.  World Tribune.com</ref> Given that the evolutionary position is a often cited component of the ideology of atheism in the [[Western world]], the gradual loss of public support of the evolutionary position is one of the many factors which are eroding the ideology of atheism.  [[Oxford]] scholar [[Alister McGrath]] cites a number of additional factors in regards to the decline of atheism as an intellectual position.<ref>Multiple references:

*McGrath, Alister (February 28, 2005).  [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/march/21.36.html "The twilight of atheism" [preview&#93;].  Christianity Today website. Preview retrieved on July 29, 2014.  Subscription required for full access.

*McGrath, Alister (February 28, 2005).  [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/march/21.36.html "The twilight of atheism" [preview&#93;].  Christianity Today website. Subscription required for full access.

*Holst, Wayne (2004).  [http://www.s8int.com/Godless.html "''Twilight of the Godless'' by Alister McGrath"].  ''The Toronto Star''.  Retreived from s8int.com on July 29, 2014.</ref>

*Holst, Wayne (2004).  [http://www.s8int.com/Godless.html "''Twilight of the Godless'' by Alister McGrath"].  ''The Toronto Star''.  Retreived from s8int.com on July 29, 2014.</ref>

Given the many factors which are eroding atheistic ideology McGrath states:

Given the many factors which are eroding atheistic ideology McGrath states:

{{cquote|...Atheism is in trouble. Its future seems increasingly to lie in the private beliefs of individuals rather than in the great public domain it once regarded as its natural habitat.<ref>McGrath, Alister (February 28, 2005).  [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/march/21.36.html "The twilight of atheism" [preview&#93;].  Christianity Today website.  Preview retrieved on July 29, 2014.  Subscription required for full access.</ref>}}

{{cquote|...Atheism is in trouble. Its future seems increasingly to lie in the private beliefs of individuals rather than in the great public domain it once regarded as its natural habitat.<ref>McGrath, Alister (February 28, 2005).  [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/march/21.36.html "The twilight of atheism" [preview&#93;].  Christianity Today website.  Subscription required for complete access.</ref>}}

== Christian websites and other resources with a large focus on the topic of atheism  ==

== Christian websites and other resources with a large focus on the topic of atheism  ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and the media]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and the media]]

The Media Research Center released a study in 2008 reporting pro-atheism bias by major press outlets in the [[United States]].<ref name=mrc>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTxORumTarg "Smoking gun proof that there is an atheist media bias"] (July 17, 2008).  YouTube video, 2:56, posted by Atheism Sucks! Retrieved on July 25, 2014.</ref>  The study found that 80% of mainstream media coverage of atheism was positive and that 71% of Christian-themed stories had an atheist counterpoint or were written from an atheist perspective.<ref name=mrc/>  The study is not surprising given the [[Liberal bias|liberal bias that commonly exists in the major media outlets]].

The Media Research Center released a study in 2008 reporting pro-atheism bias by major press outlets in the [[United States]].<ref name=mrc>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTxORumTarg "Smoking gun proof that there is an atheist media bias"] (July 17, 2008).  YouTube video, 2:56, posted by Atheism Sucks!</ref>  The study found that 80% of mainstream media coverage of atheism was positive and that 71% of Christian-themed stories had an atheist counterpoint or were written from an atheist perspective.<ref name=mrc/>  The study is not surprising given the [[Liberal bias|liberal bias that commonly exists in the major media outlets]].

=== Atheism and public relations ===

=== Atheism and public relations ===

''See also:'' [[Christianity and science]]

''See also:'' [[Christianity and science]]

The birth of modern [[science]] occurred in Christianized [[Europe]].<ref>Bumbulis, Michael, Ph. D. (November 24, 1996). [http://www.ldolphin.org/bumbulis/#anchor5343749 "Christianity and the birth of science; The evidence; Clue #1. The founders/fathers of modern science were shaped by a culture that was predominantly Christian."]  Lambert Dolphin's Library.  Archived at Internet Archive on July 20, 2014.  Retrieved from archive on July 29, 2014.

The birth of modern [[science]] occurred in Christianized [[Europe]].<ref>Bumbulis, Michael, Ph. D. (November 24, 1996). [http://www.ldolphin.org/bumbulis/#anchor5343749 "Christianity and the birth of science; The evidence; Clue #1. The founders/fathers of modern science were shaped by a culture that was predominantly Christian."]  Lambert Dolphin's Library.  Archived at Internet Archive on July 20, 2014.   

</ref>

</ref>

[[Sociology|Sociologist]] [[Rodney Stark]] investigated the individuals who made the most significant scientific contributions between 1543 and 1680 A.D., the time of the [[Scientific Revolution]].

[[Sociology|Sociologist]] [[Rodney Stark]] investigated the individuals who made the most significant scientific contributions between 1543 and 1680 A.D., the time of the [[Scientific Revolution]].

In Stark's list of 52 top scientific contributors,<ref name="Origins">Williams, Alex (August 2004).  [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1581/ "The biblical origins of science; a review of ''For The Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-hunts and the End of Slavery'' by Rodney Stark"], ''Journal of Creation'', vol. 18:2, pp. 49–52.  Retrieved from Creation Ministries International on July 30, 2014.</ref> only one ([[Edmund Halley]]) was a skeptic and another ([[Paracelsus]]) was a [[pantheism|pantheist]].

In Stark's list of 52 top scientific contributors,<ref name="Origins">Williams, Alex (August 2004).  [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1581/ "The biblical origins of science; a review of ''For The Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-hunts and the End of Slavery'' by Rodney Stark"], ''Journal of Creation'', vol. 18:2, pp. 49–52.</ref> only one ([[Edmund Halley]]) was a skeptic and another ([[Paracelsus]]) was a [[pantheism|pantheist]].

The other 50 were Christians, 30 of whom could be characterized as being devout Christians.<ref name="Origins" />

The other 50 were Christians, 30 of whom could be characterized as being devout Christians.<ref name="Origins" />

Sir [[Francis Bacon]], sometimes referred to as "the Father of Modern Science", wrote in his essay entitled ''Of Atheism'' the following: "I had rather believe all the fables in the Legend, and the [[Talmud]], and the [[Koran|Alcoran]], than that this universal frame is without a mind."<ref name="bacon">Bacon, Francis (1601).  [http://www.authorama.com/essays-of-francis-bacon-17.html ''The Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral, of Francis Ld. Verulam Viscount St. Albans''; "Of atheism"].  Authorama.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>

Sir [[Francis Bacon]], sometimes referred to as "the Father of Modern Science", wrote in his essay entitled ''Of Atheism'' the following: "I had rather believe all the fables in the Legend, and the [[Talmud]], and the [[Koran|Alcoran]], than that this universal frame is without a mind."<ref name="bacon">Bacon, Francis (1601).  [http://www.authorama.com/essays-of-francis-bacon-17.html ''The Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral, of Francis Ld. Verulam Viscount St. Albans''; "Of atheism"].  Authorama.</ref>

‎

‎

[[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as the man atheists fear most due to [[Michael Martin]]'s cancellation of their scheduled debate. See: [[Greg Bahnsen and debate]] ]]

[[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as the man atheists fear most due to [[Michael Martin]]'s cancellation of their scheduled debate. See: [[Greg Bahnsen and debate]] ]]

Historically speaking, atheism has [[Atheism debates|fared very poorly in debates]]. In addition, due to prominent atheists dodging debates, the cowardice associated with atheism has become so obvious that it is making newspaper headlines (For more information please see: [[Atheism and cowardice]]).<ref>Multiple references:

Historically speaking, atheism has [[Atheism debates|fared very poorly in debates]]. In addition, due to prominent atheists dodging debates, the cowardice associated with atheism has become so obvious that it is making newspaper headlines (For more information please see: [[Atheism and cowardice]]).<ref>Multiple references:

*Green, Lauren (August 19, 2011).  [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates/?test=latestnews "Christian philosopher William Lane Craig is ready to debate, but finds few challengers"].  FoxNews.com.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.

*Green, Lauren (August 19, 2011).  [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates/?test=latestnews "Christian philosopher William Lane Craig is ready to debate, but finds few challengers"].  FoxNews.com

*Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"].  The Daily Telegraph website.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.  See [[The Daily Telegraph]].</ref>  

*Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"].  The Daily Telegraph website.  See [[The Daily Telegraph]].</ref>  

[[Richard Dawkins]], who flip-flops between being an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] and an atheist as far as his public persona (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]),  has [[Instances of Richard Dawkins ducking debates|established a reputation of avoiding his strongest debate opponents]]. On May 14, 2011, the [[Great Britain|British]] newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published a news story entitled ''Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God''.<ref name=refuse>Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"].  The Daily Telegraph website. Retrieved on July 30, 2014.  See [[The Daily Telegraph]].</ref>  

[[Richard Dawkins]], who flip-flops between being an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] and an atheist as far as his public persona (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]),  has [[Instances of Richard Dawkins ducking debates|established a reputation of avoiding his strongest debate opponents]]. On May 14, 2011, the [[Great Britain|British]] newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published a news story entitled ''Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God''.<ref name=refuse>Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"].  The Daily Telegraph website. See [[The Daily Telegraph]].</ref>  

In [[The Daily Telegraph]] article Dr. [[Daniel Came]], a  a member of the Faculty of [[Philosophy]] at [[Oxford University]] was quoted as writing to fellow atheist Richard Dawkins concerning his refusal to debate Dr. [[William Lane Craig]], "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref name=refuse/>  Also, atheists [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates|tend to dodge creation vs. evolution debates.]]  

In [[The Daily Telegraph]] article Dr. [[Daniel Came]], a  a member of the Faculty of [[Philosophy]] at [[Oxford University]] was quoted as writing to fellow atheist Richard Dawkins concerning his refusal to debate Dr. [[William Lane Craig]], "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref name=refuse/>  Also, atheists [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates|tend to dodge creation vs. evolution debates.]]  

See also: [[Creation scientists tend to win debates with evolutionists]]

See also: [[Creation scientists tend to win debates with evolutionists]]

The worldwide atheist community was challenged to a debate by [[Creation Ministries International]] as prominent atheists were speaking at a 2010 global atheist convention in [[Australia]].<ref name="truefree">Ammi, Ken (May 2010).  [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown "Richard Dawkins, the cowardly clown"].  True Freethinker.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists refused to debate Creation Ministries International.<ref name="truefree"/> Generally speaking, creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates (see: [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates]].

The worldwide atheist community was challenged to a debate by [[Creation Ministries International]] as prominent atheists were speaking at a 2010 global atheist convention in [[Australia]].<ref name="truefree">Ammi, Ken (May 2010).  [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown "Richard Dawkins, the cowardly clown"].  True Freethinker. </ref> [[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists refused to debate Creation Ministries International.<ref name="truefree"/> Generally speaking, creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates (see: [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates]].

== Atheist philosopher Michael Martin and the state of atheist apologetics ==

== Atheist philosopher Michael Martin and the state of atheist apologetics ==

<br />

<br />

<small>(photo obtained from [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sam_Harris_01.jpg Wikimedia commons], see [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sam_Harris_01.jpg license agreement])</small> ]]

<small>(photo obtained from [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sam_Harris_01.jpg Wikimedia commons], see [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sam_Harris_01.jpg license agreement])</small> ]]

Concerning various [[Views on Atheists|views on atheists]], research in the American Sociological Review finds that among several groups listed, those who hold the position of atheism are the group that Americans relate least to in terms of their vision of American society and are the group most likely to be mentioned as one that Americans would not want to have marry into their family.<ref>Edgell, Penny, et al. (April 2006).  [http://asr.sagepub.com/content/71/2/211.abstract "Atheists as 'other': moral boundaries and cultural membership in American society" [abstract&#93;].  ''American Sociological Review'', vol. 71, pp. 211-234.  Abstract retrieved at American Sociological Review website on July 30, 2014.  Subscription or fee required for full article.</ref>Dr. [[Sam Harris]], a founder of the [[New Atheism]] movement, is well aware of the stigma surrounding atheism and has advocated that atheists no longer call themselves atheists.<ref name="Harris">Roberts, Jessica, et al. (June 19, 2007).  [http://news21.com/story/2007/06/19/interview_with_an_atheist "Interview with an atheist"].  News21.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref> In fact, Dr. Harris has said concerning the label of atheist, "It's right next to child molester as a designation."<ref name="Harris"/>

Concerning various [[Views on Atheists|views on atheists]], research in the American Sociological Review finds that among several groups listed, those who hold the position of atheism are the group that Americans relate least to in terms of their vision of American society and are the group most likely to be mentioned as one that Americans would not want to have marry into their family.<ref>Edgell, Penny, et al. (April 2006).  [http://asr.sagepub.com/content/71/2/211.abstract "Atheists as 'other': moral boundaries and cultural membership in American society" [abstract&#93;].  ''American Sociological Review'', vol. 71, pp. 211-234.  Abstract: American Sociological Review website.  Subscription or fee required for full article.</ref>Dr. [[Sam Harris]], a founder of the [[New Atheism]] movement, is well aware of the stigma surrounding atheism and has advocated that atheists no longer call themselves atheists.<ref name="Harris">Roberts, Jessica, et al. (June 19, 2007).  [http://news21.com/story/2007/06/19/interview_with_an_atheist "Interview with an atheist"].  News21.</ref> In fact, Dr. Harris has said concerning the label of atheist, "It's right next to child molester as a designation."<ref name="Harris"/>

=== Americans and Canadians distrust atheists as much as rapists ===

=== Americans and Canadians distrust atheists as much as rapists ===

The study is part of an attempt to understand what needs religion fulfills in people. Among the conclusions is a sense of trust in others.

The study is part of an attempt to understand what needs religion fulfills in people. Among the conclusions is a sense of trust in others.

"People find atheists very suspect," Shariff said. "They don't fear God so we should distrust them; they do not have the same moral obligations of others. This is a common refrain against atheists. People fear them as a group."<ref>Winston, Kimberly, Religion News Service (December 10, 2011).  [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-12-10/religion-atheism/51777612/1 "Study: atheists distrusted as much as rapists"].  USA Today website.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>}}

"People find atheists very suspect," Shariff said. "They don't fear God so we should distrust them; they do not have the same moral obligations of others. This is a common refrain against atheists. People fear them as a group."<ref>Winston, Kimberly, Religion News Service (December 10, 2011).  [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-12-10/religion-atheism/51777612/1 "Study: atheists distrusted as much as rapists"].  USA Today website.</ref>}}

=== Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists ===

=== Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists ===

[[Atheophobia]] is a fear and/or hatred of atheism/atheists.<ref>Multiple references:

[[Atheophobia]] is a fear and/or hatred of atheism/atheists.<ref>Multiple references:

*Wiktionary contributors (June 16, 2014). [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/atheophobia "atheophobia"].  Wiktionary.  Retrieved on January 2, 2015.

*Wiktionary contributors (June 16, 2014). [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/atheophobia "atheophobia"].  Wiktionary.   

*Wiktionary contributors (2014). [http://www.allwords.com/word-atheophobia.html?PageSpeed=noscript "Definition of atheophobia"]. Allwords.com.  Retrieved on January 2, 2015.</ref>  For a [[Atheophobia|number of]] moral/practical reasons, fear of atheism/atheists is unwarranted. For more information, please see: [[Atheophobia]].

*Wiktionary contributors (2014). [http://www.allwords.com/word-atheophobia.html?PageSpeed=noscript "Definition of atheophobia"]. Allwords.com.</ref>  For a [[Atheophobia|number of]] moral/practical reasons, fear of atheism/atheists is unwarranted. For more information, please see: [[Atheophobia]].

==New Atheism==

==New Atheism==

[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎ |left|thumb|200px|[[Christopher Hitchens]] ]]

[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎ |left|thumb|200px|[[Christopher Hitchens]] ]]

Dissent Magazine stated the following about the "[[New Atheism]]":

Dissent Magazine stated the following about the "[[New Atheism]]":

{{cquote|A number of prominent authors and scientists have published books in the past year that advocate a "New Atheism." The books, which include <big>^{[[Daniel Dennett]]'s ''Breaking the Spell''}</big>, <big>^{[[Richard Dawkins]]}</big>'s ''<big>^{[[The God Delusion]]}</big>'', and <big>^{[[Christopher Hitchens]]' ''God is Not Great''}</big>, have sparked considerable public controversy across the political spectrum.<ref>Cohen, Mitchell (August 5, 2007).  [http://www.dissentmagazine.org/online_articles/the-new-atheism "The new atheism"].  Dissent magazine website.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>}}

{{cquote|A number of prominent authors and scientists have published books in the past year that advocate a "New Atheism." The books, which include <big>^{[[Daniel Dennett]]'s ''Breaking the Spell''}</big>, <big>^{[[Richard Dawkins]]}</big>'s ''<big>^{[[The God Delusion]]}</big>'', and <big>^{[[Christopher Hitchens]]' ''God is Not Great''}</big>, have sparked considerable public controversy across the political spectrum.<ref>Cohen, Mitchell (August 5, 2007).  [http://www.dissentmagazine.org/online_articles/the-new-atheism "The new atheism"].  Dissent magazine website.</ref>}}

Dr. Albert Mohler Jr. describes some of the key attributes of the "New Atheism":

Dr. Albert Mohler Jr. describes some of the key attributes of the "New Atheism":

Wolf accomplishes a great deal in his article, thoughtfully introducing the work of [[Militant atheism|militant atheists]] such as Dawkins, Harris, and Dennett. At the same time, he probes more deeply into the actual meaning of the New Atheism as a movement and a message.  

Wolf accomplishes a great deal in his article, thoughtfully introducing the work of [[Militant atheism|militant atheists]] such as Dawkins, Harris, and Dennett. At the same time, he probes more deeply into the actual meaning of the New Atheism as a movement and a message.  

At the beginning of his article, he gets right to the point: "The New Atheists will not let us off the hook simply because we are not doctrinaire believers. They condemn not just belief in God but respect for belief in God. Religion is not only wrong; it's evil. Now that the battle has been joined, there's no excuse for shirking."<ref>Mohler, Dr. R. Albert, Jr. (November 21, 2006).  [http://www.albertmohler.com/2006/11/21/the-new-atheism "The new atheism?"] AlbertMohler.com.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>}}

At the beginning of his article, he gets right to the point: "The New Atheists will not let us off the hook simply because we are not doctrinaire believers. They condemn not just belief in God but respect for belief in God. Religion is not only wrong; it's evil. Now that the battle has been joined, there's no excuse for shirking."<ref>Mohler, Dr. R. Albert, Jr. (November 21, 2006).  [http://www.albertmohler.com/2006/11/21/the-new-atheism "The new atheism?"] AlbertMohler.com.</ref>}}

=== Impact of the New Atheism ===

=== Impact of the New Atheism ===

:''See main article: [[Atheist Population]]''

:''See main article: [[Atheist Population]]''

Specific research on the worldwide [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France. A survey published in the 2005 ''[[Encyclopedia Britannica]]'' declared that 2.3% of the world's population consists of individuals who profess "atheism, skepticism, disbelief, or irreligion, including the militantly antireligious." Concerning the 2.3% figure just mentioned, the 2005 survey cited by ''Encyclopedia Britannica'' survey did not include [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] in regards to the 2.3% figure and Buddhism can be [[Theism|theistic]] or atheistic.<ref>Anonymous (July 17, 2013). [http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/atheism.htm "Is Buddhism atheistic?"]  ReligionFacts.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>

Specific research on the worldwide [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France. A survey published in the 2005 ''[[Encyclopedia Britannica]]'' declared that 2.3% of the world's population consists of individuals who profess "atheism, skepticism, disbelief, or irreligion, including the militantly antireligious." Concerning the 2.3% figure just mentioned, the 2005 survey cited by ''Encyclopedia Britannica'' survey did not include [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] in regards to the 2.3% figure and Buddhism can be [[Theism|theistic]] or atheistic.<ref>Anonymous (July 17, 2013). [http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/atheism.htm "Is Buddhism atheistic?"]  ReligionFacts.</ref>

[[Ipsos]], a major global market research company, published a report on report on religious belief/skepticism from a worlwide perspective and the report provides [http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=10670 various statistics gained from survey results].

[[Ipsos]], a major global market research company, published a report on report on religious belief/skepticism from a worlwide perspective and the report provides [http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=10670 various statistics gained from survey results].