Neon Genesis Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 As far as I'm aware, the only "New Atheist" who openly endorses the term has been Victor Stenger with his book "The New Atheism." Dawkins and Harris call themselves just atheists. Daniel Dennet calls himself a bright, Christopher Hitchens calls himself an anti-theist, Julia Sweeney calls herself a naturalist. Micheal Shermer self-identifies himself as a "scientistic" in reference to "scientism," and Dawkins and .co have all embraced the term "The Four Horsemen" before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott_GC Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 I agree with your point about labeling. I should have been more careful with the use of the New Atheist tag. The characteristics I am describing are characteristics of individuals and putting labels on a group is counterproductive. I also agree that friendship would be my starting point, in cases where that is possible. When that is not possible, I am just going for avoidance. I have unfollowed several people on Twitter since starting this thread as I am not comfortable with the abusive style of their rhetoric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick the Nevermet Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 Thanks for calling me on that. Thanks to interactions on another site, I'm a bit too quick to generalize with a certain category, and I really ought to know better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murmsk Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 while we share much the (enter your own label) the biggest issue I have is the aggressiveness which they show toward anyone with a spiritual nature. If you can get them to take a step back and consider they sound just like a fundamentalist, they are just as disrespectful as a fundamentalist they will thank you and you can gain an ally. I think most are well meaning just tired of being bullied. I am to. steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenellYB Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Steve, I think that is an excellent observation, and perhaps the best key to how to handle these kinds of conflicts. Jenell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murmsk Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 This is an interesting commentary. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/the-american-melting-pot-atheists-keep-out/2011/07/20/gIQA3NHwPI_blog.html?wprss=on-faith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I found a pretty good (and fairly recent, just a few months old) article on Sam Harris and the new atheists. It's called, Same Old New Atheism. I'm in general agreement with the author, especially on positivism. I recommend the read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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