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Salon.com article on "the Rise of the New Atheists"

http://www.salon.com/2012/07/30/should_atheists_make_an_alliance_wi...

i found this morsel of information interesting:

"the researchers also asked more in-depth questions about the respondents’ beliefs. What they found is that whether they choose those words to describe themselves or not, 12 percent of Americans are atheist or agnostic, professing no beli.... This is about as many people as all the mainline Protestant churches — Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and United Church of Christ — combined."

wow. we're growing even more than i thought. the 19% of people described as "nones" is impressive as well. how much longer until the "nones" are 30%? 40%? 50%??? it could happen sooner than any of us thought possible.

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Permalink Reply by Tammy S on July 30, 2012 at 1:31pm

A hopeful piece no doubt! Thanks for sharing!

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Permalink Reply by Pat on July 30, 2012 at 2:44pm

Excellent article Matthew. And, in reading it, I was struck by what I considered a cogent argument made by the author, Mr. Lee. When liberal theists are confronted with religious based misogyny and anti-gay rhetoric, their response is that it isn't God's will. Then, lo and behold, some smart assed atheist (my words) will cite them chapter and verse from Leviticus. Reminiscent of the 19th century abolitionists when confronted with Corinthians saying slaves should obey their masters. Sam Harris was right. All the moderates and liberals do, in professing religious belief, is give the cover of "respectability" to those take their holy books exactly as they're written.

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Permalink Reply by matthew greenberg on July 31, 2012 at 8:19am

here's another Salon article out today about a Creation Museum in California, and a former Evangelical now Atheist's return visit there:

http://www.salon.com/2012/07/31/my_return_to_the_creation_museum/

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Permalink Reply by booklover on July 31, 2012 at 9:16am

Hi Matthew, I've haven't seen you here lately, or maybe I just haven't been on the same threads as you. Hope you are well!

I agree with Tammy, it IS a hopeful piece, and I'm glad you posted it! ~ Melinda

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Permalink Reply by matthew greenberg on July 31, 2012 at 9:23am

Hey Melinda, i've been here but haven't been participating as much lately. i've started a few discussions but they haven't generated much conversation. i guess with the election coming up i've been more focused on politics than in Atheism, although to me they're nearly one in the same. the politics of the Right seem intertwined with religiosity.

i've been reading Dan Barker's book "Godless" which was interesting at first. the story of his conversion from Evangelical soul-winner to Atheist was fascinating, but that was only the first 1/4 of the book. since then he's been rehashing all the proofs of why religion is bunk, which is fine if you haven't encountered these reasonings. since i have it's gotten kinda boring.

how are you doing? anything new? if you have any book suggestion i'm in need :)

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Permalink Reply by booklover on July 31, 2012 at 11:56am

Hey Matthew! Yes, I totallly agree with you about the Right and religiosity. As soon as my "kids" go back to school, I'm going to start volunteering with the Obama Campaign downtown. :) My neighbors will faint when I put Liberal-signs up in my front yard! ;)

I really like Dan Barker, and my Mom is a member of FFRF. I haven't read his book though, but I've read everything on his (and his wife's) site. Neat people. Sorry I don't have any book suggestions for you!

Take care, and here's to hoping "Mittens" loses the election! ;) ~ Melinda