Atheism+ - Has Anyone Heard Of This?
I came across an article in the British on-line version of The Guardian, describing a new group called "Atheism+". And, not a very flattering article at that. The Guardian describes the group, in the sub-title to the article, as "A new movement, Atheism+, has prompted non-believers to spit venom at one another rather than at true believers."
I was curious, so I dug a little further. It's reported that the members describe themselves as the Third Wave of atheism, rejecting the New Atheists (Dawkins, Dennett, Harris and Hitchens) as a group. Purportedly based upon humanist ideas, PZ Meyers, in promoting Atheism+, clearly stated that if you don't agree with the groups goals,
...then you’re an asshole. I suggest you form your own label, “Asshole Atheists” and own it, proudly. I promise not to resent it or cry about joining it.
I just had a thought: maybe the anti-atheist+ people are sad because they don’t have a cool logo. So I made one for the asshole atheists.
A*
Part of the rejection of the New Atheists comes from a founder, one Jennifer McCreight, who stated her critique of the atheist movement is because it includes groups of old, white, men.
Noted atheist Thunderf00t did an article that eviscerates Atheism+, entitled A+ (atheism plus), For A Third Glorious Age of Total Agreement
As to myself, I can't say that I really know that much about it. Maybe what I've read so far is nothing more than unfavorable bias. And, am just wondering if anyone else has heard of this, or knows anything about it.
This is the link to go to Atheism+.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Napoleon Bonaparte on -
Les règlements sont faits pour les médiocres et les indécis ; rien de grand ne se fait sans l'imagination.
Napoleon Bonaparte
-
Permalink Reply by Dr. Terence Meaden on -
"La faute est dans les moyens bien plus que dans les principes"
Napoleon Bonaparte
-
Permalink Reply by Loren Miller on -
Yeah, I've heard of it and I'm not much encouraged by it. This guy is presuming to promote HIS values as "Atheism+," and if you don't agree with him, you're an "asshole," which is to say suspect, a non-conformist, not going with the program.
It's been said that organizing atheists is like herding cats, because we all tend to go our own way. Certainly many of us would agree with the list of "virtues" which are spelled out in Atheism+, but I don't think any of us want to have our values dictated to us. Most of us already went through that trip when we were involved in religions, and my suspicion is that going from one form of superimposed dogma to another isn't our cup of orange pekoe.
I'm in favor of human rights, critical thinking, personal responsibility and a lot of other stuff. Do not let that imply in any fashion that I therefore endorse Atheism+.
I don't.
-
Permalink Reply by Asa Watcher on -
There is an endless list of what humans don’t “believe” in (have faith in), and as far as I can see, there aren’t any organizations of any consequence built around any of those “disbeliefs”.
Humans don’t rally behind not believing in something. It’s just not human nature. Why should atheists be any different??
That being said, then, I can understand the frustration of the wanna be “activist atheist”, but their silly arguments are unseemly, at least to me, and I consider myself somewhat intelligent.
Right now, I’m into “Deep Atheism”.
-
Permalink Reply by Pat on -
To be honest, I was more than "turned off" by the comment of PZ Meyers, though I don't know that he represents that group as a whole. And not because of the use of the term "asshole." I've used worse.
What bothers me is his apparent stance that "if you don't agree with me, get the f%(k out." Some much for diversity of thought, viewpoint, and consideration of an idea that, while in conflict with your own, may actually have value, if for no other reason than to shed light on and strengthen your own viewpoint.
..."if you don't agree with me, get the f%(k out" sounds wayyyy too much like dogma for my tastes.
-
Permalink Reply by jay H on -
I have seen a tendency for people to assume certain political positions as part of being a 'true atheist'' even though many of those positions have nothing whatsoever to do with atheism. Frequently it is to my annoyance because I certainly don't fit that mold (I'm liberal in the historic classic sense, I won't be voting for either Obama or Mittens).
-
Permalink Reply by Matthew B. on
-
Atheism + is a supposed to be a new movement within the bigger atheism label, one that actively tries to promote things other than strict atheism. Generally I would agree with them, but from what I've read in the blogs, I'm pretty turned off by it. It's basically the dregs of elevatorgate come back to haunt us. They claim to not want misogynists and privilege denying white folks, but then they apply that label to everyone that doesn't agree with their opinions.
-
Permalink Reply by Steph S. on -
Well I'm not a conformist so I don't like being told that I have to agree with everything said.
That kinda reminds me of religion and how they tell you to believe what they tell you to believe and you cannot question them. So I don't think I like this.
-
Permalink Reply by Matthew B. on
-
For me the general idea is good, focusing on how atheism can complement other movements, but the execution has been all wrong. Rather than have a mission statement and ignoring the naysayers they're sitting there feeding the trolls. When a potential member reads things like what PZ or Greta has said about it they don't want to join. So the atheism + guys say that they don't need them. They place no value on potential converts because they have a us or them mentality.
-
Permalink Reply by Nerdlass on -
I heard of Atheism+ first over youtube, and generally, people in the YT community are poopooing the premise.I can kind of see where they're trying to go with this, but they aren't allowing room for discussion or empathy for opposing views. Treat it like a debate issue and open the forum to discussion, PZ; don't start mudslinging out the gate.I personally don't see the necessity of it and I don't see that there are logical reasons for it. That said, I have done a little bit of reading and come across a nice article on a blog that prettymuch sums it up for me. Please check it out.
http://krissthesexyatheist.blogspot.jp/2012/08/my-thoughts-on-athei...
-
Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on -
Interesting link. My favorite line was actually in the comments:
"PoodlesAugust 27, 2012 12:40 PM
I think some people need and thrive on drama, and if it doesn't come to them, they create it. It's all petty and sad."
Succinct.
That "Some people" is a term that could encompass PZ, Greta, McCreight, and others. So, I don't read them.
Members
-
Doctor Online
-
Summer Brashear Online
-
Sentient Biped Online
-
G Online
-
Loren Miller Online
-
Two Cult Survivor Online
-
-
-
Daniel B Online
Blog Posts
Death of a family member
Posted by Larry Taylor on May 20, 2013 at 8:15pm 5 Comments 1 Like
OK. I am venting. My mother died two weeks ago. She was a “god fearing christian.” Before her death she refused all medical treatment. She wanted to be left alone. She even refused to speak with my brother who is a methodist minister. He is a pip, let me tell you! I suspect she did not believe, but a woman born in her time could not and did not state her actual beliefs. This is the opening salvo to all christians; FUCK YOU! I had so many people come and tell…
Continue
Unbelievable!!!!!!!!
Posted by Christy Stewart on May 20, 2013 at 2:17pm 6 Comments 0 Likes
This probably should not have shocked me as much as it did (especially since I am in Texas). I actually thought my coworkers were playing a joke on me because they know I am an atheist. Sadly, this was no joke. This actually happened.
I work in a psychiatric hospital. The doctors who admit patients are general MDs. (Psychiatrists see patients after admission) Yesterday evening we received several calls from irate parents. A new doctor who was doing admissions yesterday actually…
Continue anti-atheist rant from an Orthodox Mormon part 2
Posted by Debra Stevenson on May 20, 2013 at 1:09pm 3 Comments 0 Likes
What do you think of this,
Nathan Young,
No Jason Torpy it is you that should be banned for promoting atheism, a belief that has no foundation in reality and zero proof behind it. The letter was a mockery of your atheist beliefs. I request to the board here that they remove Jason for his unverifiable beliefs in atheism for which he has no proof other than his arrogance. The letter was a mockery of atheism. Atheism is stupid and it should be mocked and it…
Continue Anti-atheist post from an Orthdox Mormon
Posted by Debra Stevenson on May 20, 2013 at 12:42pm 4 Comments 0 Likes
What do you think of this Facebook comment?
Nathan Young to Jason Torpy,
for once you and I can agree on something. We should disrespect beliefs that are untenable such as the belief that there is no God. Indeed for me to respect you Jason, I cannot respect your belief in non-belief in atheism. Your atheism comes across as arrogrance, smugness, and self righteous. Indeed after reading "An Open Letter to My Religious Friends" I penned one…
ContinueEvents
© 2013 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Richard Haynes.
