Changes

{{Cquote|...both countries have also experienced a rising influence of religion in the public sphere since the turn of the century. In the U.S this has centered on the role of the [[Religious Right|Christian Right]], especially under the administration of [[George W. Bush]]. In Britain, issues of [[multiculturalism]] and faith schools have been particularly prominent. In this context, new atheism can be said to represent something of a defensive rear-guard action, an attempt to push back against the [[Desecularization|encroaching forces of faith]], and a response to a world that, as Aronson (2008) observes, “no longer seems to be going our way”.<ref>[http://secularismandnonreligion.org/articles/10.5334/snr.al/print/ Faithless: The politics of new atheism] by Steven Kettell</ref>}}

{{Cquote|...both countries have also experienced a rising influence of religion in the public sphere since the turn of the century. In the U.S this has centered on the role of the [[Religious Right|Christian Right]], especially under the administration of [[George W. Bush]]. In Britain, issues of [[multiculturalism]] and faith schools have been particularly prominent. In this context, new atheism can be said to represent something of a defensive rear-guard action, an attempt to push back against the [[Desecularization|encroaching forces of faith]], and a response to a world that, as Aronson (2008) observes, “no longer seems to be going our way”.<ref>[http://secularismandnonreligion.org/articles/10.5334/snr.al/print/ Faithless: The politics of new atheism] by Steven Kettell</ref>}}

The four most prominent writers of the New Atheist movement are Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett and they have commonly been called "the four horsemen" of New [[Atheism]]. [[PZ Myers]] dubbed himself the "fifth horseman" of the New [[Atheism]] movement, but the fifth horseman term never caught on and he was mocked by some fellow atheists such as [[Michael Nugent]] (See also: [[PZ Myers loss of influence]]).<ref>

The four most prominent writers of the New Atheist movement are Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett and they have commonly been called "the four horsemen" of New [[Atheism]]. [[PZ Myers]] was a vocal supporter of the New Atheism movement, but in 2017, Myers renounced the New Atheism movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/07/31/the-new-atheism-is-dead-long-live-atheism/ The New Atheism is dead. Long live atheism.]</ref><ref name="Comes a Horseman">[http://thehumanist.com/magazine/november-december-2009/features/comes-a-horseman Comes a Horseman] by PZ Myers • 13 October 2009</ref>  PZ Myers was mocked by atheist [[Michael Nugent]] for self-appointing himself the "fifth horseman" of the New Atheism movement.<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/11/04/chronology-of-misrepresentations-and-smears-in-the-atheist-movement-by-pz-myers-and-others/ Chronology of misrepresentations and smears in the atheist movement by PZ Myers and others] by Michael Nugent on November 4, 2014</ref>

*[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/11/04/chronology-of-misrepresentations-and-smears-in-the-atheist-movement-by-pz-myers-and-others/ Chronology of misrepresentations and smears in the atheist movement by PZ Myers and others] by Michael Nugent on November 4, 2014

*[http://thehumanist.com/magazine/november-december-2009/features/comes-a-horseman Comes a Horseman] by PZ Myers • 13 October 2009

*[http://skeptischism.com/atheismneat/ PZ Myers, Animal Lover], Atheism Neat by Matt Cavanaugh</ref>  In 2017, Myers renounced the New Atheism movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/07/31/the-new-atheism-is-dead-long-live-atheism/ The New Atheism is dead. Long live atheism.]</ref> In 2019, after being mocked for aspiring to the be the fifth horseman of New Atheism movement, PZ Myers denied ever wanting to hold such a position.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2019/04/10/dont-you-just-love-reading-myths-about-yourself/ Don’t you just love reading myths about yourself?] by PZ Myers</ref>

[[A.C. Grayling|A. C. Grayling]], [[Jerry Coyne]], [[Lawrence Krauss]], [[David Silverman]], [[Bill Maher]] and [[Matt Dillahunty]] are also widely seen as being part of the New Atheism [[Schools of atheist thought|school of atheist thought]]. [[Secular Talk|Kyle Kulinski]] is an atheist who describes himself as a new atheist and a [[progressivism|progressive]] atheist.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As67_rhvTVY New Atheists Vs Progressives | Proposing A Ceasefire] by Kyle Kulinski (video)</ref> Kulinski admires [[Richard Dawkins]], but he does not always agree with other New Atheists on particular points.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As67_rhvTVY&utm_content=bufferc3b1d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer New Atheists Vs Progressives]</ref>  

[[A.C. Grayling|A. C. Grayling]], [[Jerry Coyne]], [[Lawrence Krauss]], [[David Silverman]], [[Bill Maher]] and [[Matt Dillahunty]] are also widely seen as being part of the New Atheism [[Schools of atheist thought|school of atheist thought]]. [[Secular Talk|Kyle Kulinski]] is an atheist who describes himself as a new atheist and a [[progressivism|progressive]] atheist.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As67_rhvTVY New Atheists Vs Progressives | Proposing A Ceasefire] by Kyle Kulinski (video)</ref> Kulinski admires [[Richard Dawkins]], but he does not always agree with other New Atheists on particular points.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As67_rhvTVY&utm_content=bufferc3b1d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer New Atheists Vs Progressives]</ref>  

''See also:'' [[New Atheism criticism]]

''See also:'' [[New Atheism criticism]]

Despite the frequent expressions of certainty by new atheists. New Atheism has a reputation for shallow arguments. A frequent occurrence is that the works of new atheists often betray an amateurish knowledge of philosophy/religion.<ref>''The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion'' edited by Graham Oppy, Chapter 4, ''New Atheist Approaches to Religion'' by Trent Dougherty and Logan Paul Cage, page 52, see: [https://books.google.com/books?id=XXdKCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA52&lpg=PA52&dq=new+atheism+amateur+philosophy+religion&source=bl&ots=1aheNZ4o2E&sig=ncZcNcpoGnUgWYmW3wEUXCp08MQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBGoVChMI2d39yrDkyAIVhDI-Ch35fAdR#v=onepage&q=new%20atheism%20amateur%20philosophy%20religion&f=false Google books excerpt]</ref><ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>  For example, atheist philosopher Dr. [[Michael Ruse]] declared concerning new atheist Richard Dawkins' book ''The God Delusion'': "''The God Delusion'' makes me embarrassed to be an atheist."<ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>  [[Vox Day]]'s book ''[http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf The Irrational atheist]'' found multiple errors in reasoning and factual errors when it came to the works of new atheist authors.<ref>[https://creation.com/review-irrational-atheist-by-vox-day Excellent refutation of ‘new atheists’ flawed by heterodox open theism],  A review of The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens by Vox Day, Benbella Books, Dallas, TX, 2008, reviewed by Lita Cosner</ref> See also: [[Atheism and irrationality]]

Despite the frequent expressions of certainty by new atheists. New Atheism has a reputation for shallow arguments. A frequent occurrence is that the works of new atheists often betray an amateurish knowledge of philosophy/religion.<ref>''The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion'' edited by Graham Oppy, Chapter 4, ''New Atheist Approaches to Religion'' by Trent Dougherty and Logan Paul Cage, page 52, see: [https://books.google.com/books?id=XXdKCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA52&lpg=PA52&dq=new+atheism+amateur+philosophy+religion&source=bl&ots=1aheNZ4o2E&sig=ncZcNcpoGnUgWYmW3wEUXCp08MQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBGoVChMI2d39yrDkyAIVhDI-Ch35fAdR#v=onepage&q=new%20atheism%20amateur%20philosophy%20religion&f=false Google books excerpt]</ref><ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>  For example, atheist philosopher Dr. [[Michael Ruse]] declared concerning new atheist Richard Dawkins' book ''The God Delusion'': "''The God Delusion'' makes me embarrassed to be an atheist."<ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>  Vox Day's book ''[http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf The Irrational atheist]'' found multiple errors in reasoning and factual errors when it came to the works of new atheist authors.<ref>[https://creation.com/review-irrational-atheist-by-vox-day Excellent refutation of ‘new atheists’ flawed by heterodox open theism],  A review of The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens by Vox Day, Benbella Books, Dallas, TX, 2008, reviewed by Lita Cosner</ref> See also: [[Atheism and irrationality]]

==  New Atheism and the media ==

==  New Atheism and the media ==

On the other hand, due to their reporting of the [[Elevatorgate]] scandal and the events subsequent to Elevatorgate, the media helped cause a marked decline in the New Atheism movement (see: [[Causes of the New Atheism movement#The rise and decline of New Atheism and the role of the media|Decline of New Atheism and the media]]).

On the other hand, due to their reporting of the [[Elevatorgate]] scandal and the events subsequent to Elevatorgate, the media helped cause a marked decline in the New Atheism movement (see: [[Causes of the New Atheism movement#The rise and decline of New Atheism and the role of the media|Decline of New Atheism and the media]]).

== New Atheism movement and contention between atheist men and women ==

== New Atheism movement and contention between atheist men and women ==

</ref>

</ref>

Prior to Elevatorgate, [[Monica Shores]]' ''Ms. Magazine'' article titled ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women?'' criticized the New Atheism movement for being [[sexism|sexist]].<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women''] by Monica Shores, ''Ms. Magazine''</ref>  She also cited [[Conservapedia]] in her article and indicated: "The lack of lady presence is so visible that Conservapedia commented on it by noting that [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science website|Dawkins’ website]] overwhelmingly attracts male visitors."<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women''] by Monica Shores, ''Ms. Magazine''</ref>  

Prior to Elevatorgate, [[Monica Shores]]' ''Ms. Magazine'' article titled ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women?'' criticized the New Atheism movement for being [[sexism|sexist]].<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women''] by Monica Shores, ''Ms. Magazine''</ref>  She also cited [[Conservapedia]] in her article and indicated: "The lack of lady presence is so visible that Conservapedia commented on it by noting that [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science website|Dawkins’ website]] overwhelmingly attracts male visitors."<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women''] by Monica Shores, ''Ms. Magazine''</ref> See: [[Demographic makeup of web visitors to the website Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]] and [[Richard Dawkins and women]]

Subsequently, Richard Dawkins was widely criticized within the [[Atheist movement|atheist community]] and in various press outlets for his insensitive comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson about the incident which occurred in an elevator (see: [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments|Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments]]).<ref>

Subsequently, Richard Dawkins was widely criticized within the [[Atheist movement|atheist community]] and in various press outlets for his insensitive comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson about the incident which occurred in an elevator (see: [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments|Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments]]).<ref>

See also: [[Internet atheism|Decline of internet atheism]]

See also: [[Internet atheism|Decline of internet atheism]]

=== Sam Harris and charges of misogny ===

=== Sam Harris and charges of misogny ===

 

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and sexism]]  

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and sexism]]  

''See also:'' [[Atheism is a religion]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and anger]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism is a religion]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and anger]]

[[File:Richard Dawkins - March 2005.jpg|thumbnail|250px|left|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]

[[File:Richard Dawkins - March 2005.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]

Using special text analysis software, the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt found that New Atheists very often wrote in dogmatic terms in their major works using words such as  “always,” “never,” “certainly,” “every,” and “undeniable.”<ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref>  Of the 75,000 words in Sam Harris's ''The End of Faith'', 2.24% of them connote or are associated with certainty.<ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref>   

Using special text analysis software, the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt found that New Atheists very often wrote in dogmatic terms in their major works using words such as  “always,” “never,” “certainly,” “every,” and “undeniable.”<ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref>  Of the 75,000 words in Sam Harris's ''The End of Faith'', 2.24% of them connote or are associated with certainty.<ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref>   

In a 2014 ''New Republic'' article entitled ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins: His atheism is its own kind of narrow religion'', the atheist philosopher [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]] wrote:

In a 2014 ''New Republic'' article entitled ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins: His atheism is its own kind of narrow religion'', the atheist philosopher [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]] wrote:

== Impact of the New Atheism ==

== Impact of the New Atheism ==

''See also:'' [[Desecularization]] and [[Decline of the atheist movement]]

''See also:'' [[Desecularization]] and [[Decline of the atheist movement]] and [[Internet evangelism: Christians vs. atheists]]

[[File:Richard Dawkins Stockholm.JPG|thumbnail|250px|left|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]

[[File:Richard Dawkins Stockholm.JPG|thumbnail|250px|left|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]

The New Atheism has not had much of an impact in terms of gaining new adherents to atheism.  In a March 10, 2008 [[USA Today]] article Stephen Prothero stated the following regarding the impact of the "New Atheism":

The New Atheism has not had much of an impact in terms of gaining new adherents to atheism.  In a March 10, 2008 [[USA Today]] article Stephen Prothero stated the following regarding the impact of the "New Atheism":

Christopher Loring Knowles wrote:

Christopher Loring Knowles wrote:

{{cquote|Nü Atheism is an adolescent movement. The adults who follow it have adolescent (or pre-adolescent) temperaments and personalities (Maher, Dawkins, [[Ricky Gervais|Gervais]], Myers etc) and it's grown in popularity since you have a large generational cohort reaching young adulthood and seeking to set themselves apart from their parents. But it's reactionary and petulant. A pose, not a philosophy.<ref>[http://secretsun.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-church-and-black-swan.html "The Church and the Black Swan"], ''The Secret Sun'' 3.28.15.</ref>}}

{{cquote|Nü Atheism is an adolescent movement. The adults who follow it have adolescent (or pre-adolescent) temperaments and personalities (Maher, Dawkins, [[Ricky Gervais|Gervais]], Myers etc) and it's grown in popularity since you have a large generational cohort reaching young adulthood and seeking to set themselves apart from their parents. But it's reactionary and petulant. A pose, not a philosophy.<ref>[http://secretsun.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-church-and-black-swan.html "The Church and the Black Swan"], ''The Secret Sun'' 3.28.15.</ref>}}

== New Atheism and veganism ==

== New Atheism and veganism ==

*''True Reason: Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism'', Tom Gilson (Editor), Carson Weitnauer (Editor), Publisher: Kregel Publications; Reprint edition (February 1, 2014). ISBN 0825443385. ISBN 978-0825443381

*''True Reason: Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism'', Tom Gilson (Editor), Carson Weitnauer (Editor), Publisher: Kregel Publications; Reprint edition (February 1, 2014). ISBN 0825443385. ISBN 978-0825443381

* ''The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, And Hitchens'' by [[Vox Day]], 2014 ([http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf Free sample PDF copy])

* ''The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, And Hitchens'' by Vox Day, 2014 ([http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf Free sample PDF copy])

*''New Atheism: A Survival Guide'' by Graham Veale, Publisher: Christian Focus, 2014. ISBN 1781913161. ISBN 978-1781913161

*''New Atheism: A Survival Guide'' by Graham Veale, Publisher: Christian Focus, 2014. ISBN 1781913161. ISBN 978-1781913161

==External links==

==External links==

*[https://stream.org/the-death-of-new-atheism/ The Death of ‘New Atheism’], ''The Stream''

*[https://stream.org/the-death-of-new-atheism/ The Death of ‘New Atheism’], ''The Stream''

*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/new-atheisms-obituary/ New Atheism’s Obituary]

*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/new-atheisms-obituary/ New Atheism’s Obituary]

*[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/what-scares-the-new-atheists What scares the new atheists] by [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]]

*[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/what-scares-the-new-atheists What scares the new atheists] by [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]], 2015

*[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2014/11/what_the_new_at091491.html What the New Atheism's Gender Gap Tells You] by David Klinghoffer

*[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2014/11/what_the_new_at091491.html What the New Atheism's Gender Gap Tells You] by David Klinghoffer

*[http://www.city-journal.org/html/what-new-atheists-don%E2%80%99t-see-13058.html What the new atheists don't see] by Theodore Dalrymple, ''City Journal''

*[http://www.city-journal.org/html/what-new-atheists-don%E2%80%99t-see-13058.html What the new atheists don't see] by Theodore Dalrymple, ''City Journal''

*[http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/02/07/the-new-atheism-and-the-dogma-of-darwinism/ The New Atheism and the Dogma of Darwinism] by Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr.

*[http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/02/07/the-new-atheism-and-the-dogma-of-darwinism/ The New Atheism and the Dogma of Darwinism] by Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., 2011

*[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/if_nature_abhorred_a_vacuum_ne039891.html New Atheist atheology] by Michael Egnor  

*[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/if_nature_abhorred_a_vacuum_ne039891.html New Atheist atheology] by Michael Egnor, 2010

*[http://www.rzim.org/GlobalElements/GFV/tabid/449/ArticleID/10020/CBModuleId/881/Default.aspx The New Atheism and Morality] by J.M. Njoroge at Ravi Zacharias Ministries

*[http://www.rzim.org/GlobalElements/GFV/tabid/449/ArticleID/10020/CBModuleId/881/Default.aspx The New Atheism and Morality] by J.M. Njoroge at Ravi Zacharias Ministries

*[http://www.firstthings.com/article/2010/04/believe-it-or-not New Atheists] - by David B. Hart, First things

*[http://www.firstthings.com/article/2010/04/believe-it-or-not New Atheists] - by David B. Hart, First Things, 2010

*[http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010341 The New Atheism] ''Wall Street Journal'', Peter Berkowitz, June 16, 2007

*[http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010341 The New Atheism] ''Wall Street Journal'', Peter Berkowitz, June 16, 2007

*[http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/161157 The “New Atheism” Shtick The “New Atheism” Shtick]  by Tim Whitmarsh, History News Network

*[http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/161157 The “New Atheism” Shtick The “New Atheism” Shtick]  by Tim Whitmarsh, History News Network