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An End to Arrogant Atheism [View all]
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roy-speckhardt/an-end-to-arrogant-atheis_b_4602404.htmlRoy Speckhardt
Executive Director, American Humanist Association
Posted: 01/15/2014 1:55 pm
As an atheist who is also a humanist, I find that in our efforts to point out the dangers and failings inherent in religion, we sometimes fall into the language of arrogance. I read a recent quote from famed evolutionary biologist and past Humanist of the Year awardee, Richard Dawkins, which, upon reflection, showed that even he can fall prey to this tendency. He stated that "religion is an organized license to be acceptably stupid." While Dawkins certainly has a valid point regarding mainstream religion's frequent opposition to critical thinking and empiricism, he makes his point in such a way that is likely to leave religious people offended by, instead of interested in atheism and rational thinking.
Dawkins did something similar when he stated that the combined number of Nobel Prizes won by Muslims was less than that won by a single English university, implying that the notoriously nonreligious achievements of academia are superior to those of adherents of an entire religion. Yet again, Dawkins has a valid point -- that the anti-science mentality of many religions has limited its adherents from learning about science and working in the scientific field, but by saying it in such a way, he is less likely to inspire mainstream religious people to care about science, and more likely to offend and antagonize them.
I know Richard Dawkins to be a self-effacing and warm person, but when he says things like that above, it harms more than helps. Unfortunately, he is not the only atheist to make these kinds of statements, as our movement has a history of sometimes blatant elitism. Past American Humanist Association Honorary President Gore Vidal once said, "There is not one human problem that could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise." Clearly, even humanists aren't immune from such arrogant behavior.
It's important to note that the subset of atheism I think is a problem isn't the so-called "militant atheism" that encourages evangelizing disbelief; there's nothing inherently wrong with promoting one's position to others. And I'm definitely not talking about the so-called "angry atheism," because the nonreligious should be mad about abuses by religious organizations and discrimination against religious and irreligious minorities. What's often holding us back is "arrogant atheism," which is seen when atheists speak as if their view is infallible, and act as if their unwavering non-belief makes them superior to those who do believe.
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I will accept no thanks from Duck Dynasty and will actively oppose their bigotry,
cbayer
Jan 2014
#17
I disagree. Critics of religion were all-too-polite for centuries; that allowed delusions to thrive
Brettongarcia
Jan 2014
#7
Well there's one notable person who consistently refuses to listen to a growing list of people...
trotsky
Jan 2014
#18
I realize that, but the way you express yourself and treat others is "moderated", not
cbayer
Jan 2014
#20
Context helps, not that it matters when everyone's favorite atheist boogeyman is involved.
trotsky
Jan 2014
#15
Catholic doctrine has definitely exacerbated HIV transmission, yet it's a multi-factorial picture.
pinto
Jan 2014
#46
Your attitude is the same old disgusting refrain. I'm no apologist. I recognize the RCC's role
pinto
Jan 2014
#57
I feel I ought to reply one time. I'm not going to hold any discussions with you.
pinto
Jan 2014
#63
I'm wondering if your message above is an example of the sort of tolerance you are advocating in
Warren Stupidity
Jan 2014
#69
At the end of the season, which teams go to the bowls? The teams where the players thought
dimbear
Jan 2014
#33
The teams that are 100% convinced they are number 1. But let's look at it another way.
cbayer
Jan 2014
#36
Perhaps we could arrange interviews with the religions which came in second place, the
dimbear
Jan 2014
#37
There are many possible comparisons. In America, sports metaphors are the most readily grasped.
dimbear
Jan 2014
#40
The history of the world is strewn with conflicts, most of which are resolved by complete victory.
dimbear
Jan 2014
#47
I'm satisfied to see the board reflect the changes that are coming to the world.
dimbear
Jan 2014
#49