Changes

The term '''New Atheism''', which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a movement spawned by a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008.  These authors include  [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]] and [[Victor J. Stenger]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>  

The term '''New Atheism''', which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a movement spawned by a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008.  These authors include  [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]] and [[Victor J. Stenger]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>  

Richard Dawkins said about New [[Atheism]], "[O]ur struggle is not so much an intellectual struggle, as a political one: What are we going to do about it?”.<ref>[http://secularismandnonreligion.org/articles/10.5334/snr.al/print/ Faithless: The politics of new atheism] by Steven Kettell</ref> Steven Poole wrote in ''The Guardian'' about New Atheism: "New Atheism’s arguments were never very sophisticated or historically informed."<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jan/31/four-horsemen-review-what-happened-to-new-atheism-dawkins-hitchens ''The Four Horsemen review - whatever happened to ‘New Atheism’?''] by Steven Poole,  Thu 31 Jan 2019 02.30</ref>

Richard Dawkins said about New [[Atheism]], "[O]ur struggle is not so much an intellectual struggle, as a political one: What are we going to do about it?”.<ref>[http://secularismandnonreligion.org/articles/10.5334/snr.al/print/ Faithless: The politics of new atheism] by Steven Kettell</ref> [[Rhetoric|Rhetorically]], new atheists often took a dogmatic, aggressive, intolerant tone (see: [[New Atheism, dogmatism and Jonathon Haidt's study]] and [[Atheism and intolerance]]).

 

Steven Poole wrote in ''The Guardian'' about New Atheism: "New Atheism’s arguments were never very sophisticated or historically informed."<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jan/31/four-horsemen-review-what-happened-to-new-atheism-dawkins-hitchens ''The Four Horsemen review - whatever happened to ‘New Atheism’?''] by Steven Poole,  Thu 31 Jan 2019 02.30</ref>

Commenting on the New Atheism and British/United States politics, Steven Kettell wrote in the journal ''Secularism and Nonreligion'':

Commenting on the New Atheism and British/United States politics, Steven Kettell wrote in the journal ''Secularism and Nonreligion'':

{{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 term never caught on and he was mocked by some fellow atheists such as [[Michael Nugent]].<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>

[[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>  

*[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html Eric Kaufmann: Shall The Religious Inherit The Earth?]

*[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html Eric Kaufmann: Shall The Religious Inherit The Earth?]

*[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics Eric Kaufmann's Atheist Demographic series]

*[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics Eric Kaufmann's Atheist Demographic series]

[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Eric Kaufmann: Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?, Australian Broadcasting Corporation]</ref>  

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwmgFZsgSo0 Eric Kaufmann: Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?, Australian Broadcasting Corporation]</ref>  

See also: [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]] ]]  

See also: [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]] ]]  

== Social science examination of the new atheists and other examinations ==

== Social science examination of the new atheists and other examinations ==

''See also:'' [[Antitheism and antisocial behavior]]

''See also:'' [[Antitheism and antisocial behavior]] and [[New Atheism, dogmatism and Jonathon Haidt's study]]

 

New Atheism is a contemporary form of [[antitheism]].

New Atheism is a contemporary form of [[antitheism]].

Social science research indicates that antitheists score the highest among [[Atheism|atheists]] when it comes to personality traits such as [[narcissism]], dogmatism, and anger.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref><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> Furthermore, they scored lowest when it comes to agreeableness and positive relations with others.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref>  

Social science research indicates that antitheists score the highest among [[Atheism|atheists]] when it comes to personality traits such as [[narcissism]], dogmatism, and anger.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref><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> Furthermore, they scored lowest when it comes to agreeableness and positive relations with others.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</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>

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> See also: [[New Atheism, dogmatism and Jonathon Haidt's study]] and [[Atheism and open-mindedness]]

== New Atheism and its reputation for shallow arguments ==

== New Atheism and its reputation for shallow arguments ==

''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:

Besides the death of Nitchens, another major of factors which caused the decline of New Atheism were: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]] due to his [[Elevatorgate]] scandal and his critical comments toward Islam (see: [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]]).

Besides the death of Nitchens, another major of factors which caused the decline of New Atheism were: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]] due to his [[Elevatorgate]] scandal and his critical comments toward Islam (see: [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]]).

[[File:PZ Myers at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|251px|right|[[PZ Myers]]  ]]

[[File:PZ Myers at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|251px|right|[[PZ Myers]]  ]]

As far as PZ Myers losing influence, in April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger PZ Myers."<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/ Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of Myers, "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref> Myers' also lost favor among his fellow atheists after his inappropriate remarks about the death of the popular comedian [[Robin Williams]].<ref>[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2014/08/on_robin_willia088801.html On Robin Williams's Death, a Revealing Dispute Between Atheist-Evolutionist Spokesmen]</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/08/13/p-z-myers-is-surprise-unmoved-by-suicide-of-wealthy-white-robin-williams/ P.Z. Myers is (Surprise!) Unmoved By Suicide of “Wealthy White” Robin Williams]</ref>  Myers is one of the more prominent bloggers at [[Freethought Blogs]] and the blogging website has been losing a significant amount of web traffic since 2012 according to [[Quantcast]] which directly measures its web traffic.<ref>[https://www.quantcast.com/freethoughtblogs.com?qcLocale=en_US#/trafficCard Freethoughtblogs - Quantcast]</ref>   

As far as [[PZ Myers' loss of influence|PZ Myers losing influence]], in April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger PZ Myers."<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/ Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of Myers, "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref> Myers' also lost favor among his fellow atheists after his inappropriate remarks about the death of the popular comedian [[Robin Williams]].<ref>[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2014/08/on_robin_willia088801.html On Robin Williams's Death, a Revealing Dispute Between Atheist-Evolutionist Spokesmen]</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/08/13/p-z-myers-is-surprise-unmoved-by-suicide-of-wealthy-white-robin-williams/ P.Z. Myers is (Surprise!) Unmoved By Suicide of “Wealthy White” Robin Williams]</ref>  Myers is one of the more prominent bloggers at [[Freethought Blogs]] and the blogging website has been losing a significant amount of web traffic since 2012 according to [[Quantcast]] which directly measures its web traffic.<ref>[https://www.quantcast.com/freethoughtblogs.com?qcLocale=en_US#/trafficCard Freethoughtblogs - Quantcast]</ref>   

In addition, New Atheism's abrasiveness/aggressiveness caused it to wore thin over time in terms of its public relations (see also: [[Atheism and public relations]]).

In addition, New Atheism's abrasiveness/aggressiveness caused it to wore thin over time in terms of its public relations (see also: [[Atheism and public relations]]).

==== Christopher Hitchens' debate against William Lane Craig ====

==== Christopher Hitchens' debate against William Lane Craig ====

Christopher Hitchens debated William Lane Craig at Biola University in 2009 in a videotaped debate.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KBx4vvlbZ8 Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist - 2009].</ref> The atheist Luke Muehlhauser wrote concerning the debate: "The debate went exactly as I expected. Craig was flawless and unstoppable. Hitchens was rambling and incoherent, with the occasional rhetorical jab. Frankly, Craig spanked Hitchens like a foolish child."<ref>[http://commonsenseatheism.com/?p=1230#sthash.mPNNrzlt.dpuf The Craig-Hitchens Debate] by Luke Muehlhauser on April 4, 2009 in Debates,Reviews,William Lane Craig</ref>

Christopher Hitchens debated William Lane Craig at Biola University in 2009 in a videotaped debate.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KBx4vvlbZ8 Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist - 2009].</ref> The atheist [[Luke Muehlhauser]] wrote concerning the debate: "The debate went exactly as I expected. Craig was flawless and unstoppable. Hitchens was rambling and incoherent, with the occasional rhetorical jab. Frankly, Craig spanked Hitchens like a foolish child."<ref>[http://commonsenseatheism.com/?p=1230#sthash.mPNNrzlt.dpuf The Craig-Hitchens Debate] by Luke Muehlhauser on April 4, 2009 in Debates,Reviews,William Lane Craig</ref>

==== Sam Harris vs. William Lane Craig debate ====

==== Sam Harris vs. William Lane Craig debate ====

== 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":

In 2010, it was reported that ''The God Delusion'' sold 2,086,402 copies and 907,161 of those copies were sold in [[North America]].  Contrastly, in 2010, the [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical Christian]] [[Rick Warren]] sold between 25,000,000 and 50,000,000 copies of his book ''The Purpose Driven Life''.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2010/02/03/how-many-copies-of-the-god-delusion-have-been-sold/ How Many Copies of The God Delusion Have Been Sold?]</ref>

In 2010, it was reported that ''The God Delusion'' sold 2,086,402 copies and 907,161 of those copies were sold in [[North America]].  Contrastly, in 2010, the [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical Christian]] [[Rick Warren]] sold between 25,000,000 and 50,000,000 copies of his book ''The Purpose Driven Life''.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2010/02/03/how-many-copies-of-the-god-delusion-have-been-sold/ How Many Copies of The God Delusion Have Been Sold?]</ref>

=== New Atheism movement and American negative views on atheists increasing ===

=== New Atheism movement and American negative views on atheists increasing ===

An April 17, 2011 atheist essay entitled ''Are atheists strengthening religion?'' declared:

An April 17, 2011 atheist essay entitled ''Are atheists strengthening religion?'' declared:

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>}}

== Recommended books ==

== Recommended books ==

*''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

*[[Evangelical atheism]]

*[[Evangelical atheism]]

*[[New Atheism vs. old atheism]]

*[[New Atheism vs. old atheism]]

*[[Village atheist]]

*[[Village atheist]]

*[[British atheism]]

*[[British atheism]]

==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