...since the title suggests that atheism offers a 'better faith' than religion.
From Merriam-Webster:
Definition of FAITH
1
a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty
b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2
a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion
b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3
: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs <the Protestant faith>
— on faith
: without question <took everything he said on faith>
The word 'faith' only occurs twice in the body of the article, both falling under definitions 2 or 3:
1). "the terrorist attacks of 9/11 wouldn't have happened if it weren't for
blind faith in the concept of a rewarding afterlife"
2). "Many books written by New Atheists provide excellent guidance out of the mazes and away from the
traps of faith in its pure form."
Atheism does not require any concept of 'faith'. Certainly loyalty, fidelity, and sincerity can be personality attributes of anyone. I like Bob Dylan's use of the word 'faithful' in this sense, from
Love Minus Zero/No Limit:
My love she speaks like silence
Without ideals or violence
She doesn't have to say she's faithful
Yet she's true, like ice, like fire
I don't think the
New Atheist writers are particularly obligated to lay "
the foundations of a fulfilling atheist life". Our genetics, development, brains, and upbringing give us the tools to live our lives. We can learn from history, sociology, psychology, art, music, poetry, and literature about the behaviors of individuals, cultures, and societies the lead to contentment and fulfillment.
And, yes, religious texts and teachings can be among the sources of our knowledge, but deities and unsupported beliefs are not essential components of a fulfilling life.
= new reply since forum marked as read