JP Holding

2022-08-19T17:04:52Z

Wisdomcriesout: spelling fixed

JP Holding

2022-08-19T17:02:12Z

Wisdomcriesout: added italics

[[File:JP Holding.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|JP Holding]]
James Patrick Holding, commonly referred to as '''JP Holding''', is a Florida-based [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] and oversees Tekton Education and Apologetics Ministry which provides answers to questions which are often posed regarding the [[Christianity|Christian]] faith. Tekton Apologetics Ministries is one of the leading apologetics ministries on the Internet with over 17,000 articles. The site was initially created in 1998 as a spinoff from an earlier website which which Holding was associated, the Christian Apologetics Bookshelf. <ref>https://www.amazon.com/Impossible-Faith-James-Patrick-Holding/dp/1602660840/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/102-5806907-7615321</ref> JP Holding holds a master's degree in Library Science.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0970906307/</ref>

JP Holding is the author of multiple books. Two of the leading titles are ''The Impossible Faith'' and ''The Mormon Defenders''.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Impossible-Faith-James-Patrick-Holding/dp/1602660840/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/102-5806907-7615321</ref><ref>https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0970906307/</ref>

Holding's book ''The Impossible Faith'' affirms that [[Christianity]] could not have succeeded without indisputable proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Impossible-Faith-James-Patrick-Holding/dp/1602660840/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/102-5806907-7615321</ref> Holding's book ''The Impossible Faith'' originally started out as an essay and can be found on his website.<ref>http://www.tektonics.org/lp/nowayjose.html</ref> An [[Atheism|atheist]] paid $5,000 to have [[Richard Carrier]] write a work which argued against Holding's essay ''The Impossible Faith''.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Impossible-Faith-James-Patrick-Holding/dp/1602660840/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/102-5806907-7615321</ref><ref>http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43795</ref> JP Holding states in his essay ''The Impossible Faith'' that he:
{{cquote|...put together a comprehensive list of issues that we assert that critics must deal with in explaining why Christianity succeeded where it should have clearly failed or died out as did these others. Merely saying it was "lucky" where Sevi, et al. were not will not be an adequate answer -- and in fact, is the least likely answer of all as we shall see.

Below I offer a list of 17 factors to be considered -- places where Christianity "did the wrong thing" in order to be a successful religion. It is my contention that the only way Christianity did succeed is because it was a truly revealed faith -- and because it had the irrefutable witness of the resurrection.<ref>http://www.tektonics.org/lp/nowayjose.html</ref>}}

''The Mormon Defenders'' argues that the case for a Biblical [[Mormon]]ism is rooted in misinterpretations of the Bible.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0970906307/</ref>

Other books authored by Holding include:

''Hitler's Christianity'' examines the religious beliefs of leading figures in the German Nazi regime and responds to claims that they they were Christians. <ref>https://www.amazon.com/Hitlers-Christianity-J-P-Holding-ebook/dp/B00EXPBEVW</ref>

''Scripture and Slavery'' explains Biblical passages related to slavery and responds to critics who believe that the Bible endorses slavery. <ref>https://www.amazon.com/Scripture-Slavery-J-P-Holding-ebook/dp/B00QAUND44/</ref>

''Jesus Was a Mushroom and Other Lies You Won't Believe'' discusses and responds to various conspiracy theories. <ref>https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Was-Mushroom-Believe-Bricks-ebook/dp/B00I3NTJM6/</ref>

Among other things, Mr. Holding's website Tekton Apologetics Ministries offers many articles which defend the doctrine of Bible inerrancy concerning various [[Bible]] verses.<ref>http://www.tektonics.org/index2.html</ref> In addition, JP Holding has written articles for the Christian Research Journal and the Creation Ex Nihilo Technical Journal.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0970906307/</ref>

He holds to the belief that Biblical literalism or fundamentalism is a corrupt form of faith born of ignorance. This can be seen in many of his Tektonics YouTube videos where "fundies" as he calls them are given the same disdain as atheists.

Holding has also created a YouTube channel, TektonTV, which hosts over 1000 videos, most of them animated and humorous expositions of Holding's website articles. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/user/tektontv</ref> One of the typical offerings is ''Storage Wars Jerusalem'', a parody of the well-known ''Storage Wars'' television series, in which Holding depicts fringe theorists as buying storage lockers in search of artifacts which they believe will disprove Christianity. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJU8P-VXNBo</ref>

== See also ==

*[[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.tektonics.org/ Tekton Education and Apologetics Ministry]
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/tektontv TektonTV] - JP Holding [[YouTube]] channel
*[http://tektonticker.blogspot.com/ JP Ticker blog]
*[http://tektonforge.blogspot.com/ Tekton Forge blog]

Topic pages:

*[http://www.tektonics.org/jesusexisthub.html The historicity of Jesus]
*[http://www.tektonics.org/lp/nowayjose.php The Impossible Faith: A Defense of the Resurrection] (scroll down the page)

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Holding, JP}}
[[Category:Religious People]]
[[Category:Christian Apologists]]
[[Category:Christian Authors]]
[[Category:American Authors]]
[[Category:Christians]]

2019-09-19T16:08:42Z

Wisdomcriesout:

Erica Jong

2019-09-19T16:08:10Z

Wisdomcriesout:

Erica Jong

2019-09-19T16:07:23Z

Wisdomcriesout:

Erica Jong

2019-09-19T16:06:22Z

Wisdomcriesout:

Erica Jong

2019-09-19T16:06:01Z

Wisdomcriesout:

[[File:Eric Jong There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes.jpg|thumbnail|200px|center|Eric Jong wrote: "There are no [[atheism|atheists]] on turbulent [[airplane]]s."<ref name="no atheists on turbulent planes - Google books">[https://books.google.com/books?id=2VyLAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA265&lpg=PA265&dq=there+are+no+atheists+in+turbulent+airplanes&source=bl&ots=XktkulEn5j&sig=ACfU3U09pwGA3_T5ByVryQVAHENA-3oBzQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcp427-qrkAhUuuVkKHWjNDq04ChDoATADegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=there%20are%20no%20atheists%20in%20turbulent%20airplanes&f=false Quote: "There are no atheists on turbulent planes], Erica Jong, ''Fear of Flying'', Google books</ref>]]
'''Erica Jong''' is an American novelist, feminist, satirist, and poet. She is especially known for her 1973 novel ''Fear of Flying''.

Erica Jong

2019-09-19T16:04:53Z

Wisdomcriesout: Created page with "'''Erica Jong''' is an American novelist, feminist, satirist, and poet. She is especially known for her 1973 novel ''Fear of Flying''."

'''Erica Jong''' is an American novelist, feminist, satirist, and poet. She is especially known for her 1973 novel ''Fear of Flying''.

There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes

2019-09-19T16:04:26Z

Wisdomcriesout:

[[Erica Jong]] is an American novelist, feminist, satirist, and poet. She is especially known for her 1973 novel ''Fear of Flying''.

Eric Jong wrote in her novel ''Fear of Flying'': "'''There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes'''".<ref name="no atheists on turbulent planes - Google books"/>
[[File:Eric Jong There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes.jpg|thumbnail|200px|center|Eric Jong wrote: "There are no [[atheism|atheists]] on turbulent [[airplane]]s."<ref name="no atheists on turbulent planes - Google books">[https://books.google.com/books?id=2VyLAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA265&lpg=PA265&dq=there+are+no+atheists+in+turbulent+airplanes&source=bl&ots=XktkulEn5j&sig=ACfU3U09pwGA3_T5ByVryQVAHENA-3oBzQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcp427-qrkAhUuuVkKHWjNDq04ChDoATADegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=there%20are%20no%20atheists%20in%20turbulent%20airplanes&f=false Quote: "There are no atheists on turbulent planes], Erica Jong, ''Fear of Flying'', Google books</ref>]]
{{clear}}

== Similar quote to "There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes" ==
[[File:There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes.jpg|thumbnail|400px|center|"[[Communism|Communist]] until you get rich, [[feminism|feminist]] until you get married, [[atheism|atheist]] until the airplane starts falling.” - ''Hypocrite Diaries''<ref>[https://loveforquotes.com/i/communist-until-you-get-rich-feminist-until-you-get-married-9462909 "Communist until you get rich, feminist until you get married, atheist until the airplane starts falling.” - Hypocrite Diaries quote]</ref> See also: [[Atheist hypocrisy]] ]]
{{Clear}}
== Atheist Tom Keugler prays to God on a turbulent airplane ==

''See also:'' [[Atheists' fear of death]] and [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]] and [[Denials that atheists exist]] and [[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]
[[File:Airplane turbulence.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Turbulence in the tip vortex caused by an airplane wing]]
Tom Keugler wrote in his essay ''I Don’t Believe In God Anymore, Do I?'':
{{Cquote|...even though I considered myself a straight-up [[atheism|atheist]] at that point.

Yes, atheist.

I always thought there was only one [[God]] — one true religion that was “right” — but that movie showed me that may not be true...

...it’s hard for me to shake the idea of God completely.

The romantic part of me wants to believe it. The romantic part of me who sometimes notices crazy coincidences in everyday life tries to convince the logical part of me that [[Atheism and purpose|it was actually divine providence]], not just a crazy coincidence.

A few years back I found myself praying when my plane hit major turbulence from [[Maryland]] to [[Las Vegas]]. Hows that for self-preservation [[hypocrisy]]?

I just can’t convince myself, though...

I guess my ego is too large.<ref>[https://medium.com/publishous/i-dont-believe-in-god-anymore-do-i-c8520437236d I Don’t Believe In God Anymore, Do I?] by Tom Keugler, ''Medium''</ref>}}

== An agnostic woman on a turbulent airplane asking a Catholic priest to pray ==

Below is an account of an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] woman on a turbulent airplane asking a Catholic priest to pray:

"I remember being on a turbulent flight not too long ago coming from California actually. And a woman sat next to me and proclaimed very happily that 'I am an agnostic'. And we wound up having a very nice conversation. And it turned out to be one of the bumpiest, craziest flights of all time... It was very interesting and she was surprised herself. As we dropped about 500 feet suddenly she grabbed my hand and she said, 'Would you mind praying?'"- Jonathan Morris (author, former Catholic priest, commentator on religious matters in the media who has been a [[Fox News]] contributor).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWh3GzPwBRY Fox News: Airplane Turbulence Proves God Exists], video on [[Secular Talk]] YouTube channel with an audio recording of Jonathon Morris</ref>

== Atheists, fear of death and other fears ==

*[[Atheists' fear of death]]

*[[Atheism and anxiety]]

*[[Atheism and death]]

*[[Atheism and cowardice]]

=== Dr. Nathan Heflick on death anxiety increasing atheists' unconscious belief in God ===

Due to research showing that death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God, Dr. Nathan Heflick declared in a ''Psychology Today'' article, "But, at a less conscious (or pre-conscious) level, this research suggests that there might be less atheism in foxholes than atheists in foxholes report."<ref>[http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-big-questions/201205/atheists-death-and-belief-in-god Atheists, Death and Belief in God The Effects of Death Reminders on Atheists' Supernatural Beliefs], ''Psychology Today'', Published on May 25, 2012 by Nathan A. Heflick, Ph.D. in The Big Questions</ref> For more information, please see: [[Atheists' fear of death|Atheism and death anxiety]]

== Comedian Andrew Schulz on atheists and airplanes ==
[[File:Andrew Schulz.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|"I quit atheism. I fly too much...". - Comedian Andrew Schulz on atheists and airplanes<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK-tlHowAcc There are NO successful atheists - Andrew Schulz - Stand Up Comedy]</ref>]]
"I quit atheism. I fly too much...". - Comedian Andrew Schulz on atheists and airplanes<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK-tlHowAcc There are NO successful atheists - Andrew Schulz - Stand Up Comedy]</ref>

== Newsweek: Airplane turbulence and praying passengers ==

''Newsweek'' reported: "A video of the incident showed a flight attendant and a drinks cart picked up and thrown towards the ceiling by the turbulence. The cart then came crashing back to the floor as drinks covered terrified passengers. Travelers could be seen screaming and even praying amid the chaos."<ref>[https://www.newsweek.com/viral-video-passengers-praying-flight-attendant-turbulence-alk-airlines-euroairport-1444495 VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS PETRIFIED PASSENGERS PRAYING AS SEVERE TURBULENCE SENDS FLIGHT ATTENDANT FLYING], Newsweek</ref>

Video:

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs09ekuLpWY Extreme turbulence sends flight attendant flying through the cabin]

== Airplane captain twice asks passengers to pray on a shaking plane ==

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UF4z56l2VQ Pilot of shaking plane asks passengers to pray], CNN
*[https://www.theepochtimes.com/pilot-asks-passengers-to-pray-as-plane-shakes-for-2-hours-straight_2817681.html Pilot Twice Asks Passengers to Pray as Plane Shakes for 2 Hours Straight], ''Epoch Times''

== Erica Jong: "There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes" - fuller quote from her novel Fear of Flying ==

Fuller quote from Erica Jong's novel ''Fear of Flying'': "'[[Unitarianism|Unitarian]]' kept me avidly praying throughout the flight. There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes. Amazingly enough, the storm subsided (or we left it behind) by the time we flew over [[Cyprus]]."
<ref name="no atheists on turbulent planes - Google books"/>

== Author Thisbe Nissen quoting Eric Jong's novel Fear of Flying ==

Author Thisbe Nissen in her novel ''Our Lady of the Prairie'' wrote: "We got spit from the clouds and the plane banked so sharply I thought we were nosediving. I closed my eyes and prayed and I thought of Eric Jong, 'There are no atheists on turbulent planes'."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=yPpFDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA216&lpg=PA216&dq=There+are+no+atheists+on+turbulent+airplanes&source=bl&ots=ZcTDOOhZ6J&sig=ACfU3U16Ex4TVdAFx8UvRT4A5IMBhjahMQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwitydPuhKvkAhXS1FkKHefrA5g4ChDoATAAegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=There%20are%20no%20atheists%20on%20turbulent%20airplanes&f=false Quote from Thisbe Nissen's novel ''Our Lady of the Prairie''], Google books</ref>

== Atheist and Airplanes rock band ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and meaninglessness]] and [[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]]

[[Image:nietzsche2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Friedrich Nietzsche]] ]]
[[Friedrich Nietzsche]] (1844-1900) was a [[Germany|German]] atheistic, [[nihilism|nihilistic]] [[philosopher]] whose work set a foundation for the [[existentialism|existentialist]] movement of the 1900s.<ref>[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/nietzsche/ Stanford's Biography on Nietzsche].</ref>

According to the Atheist and Airplanes rock band website:
{{Cquote|Atheists and Airplanes is a indie garage [[Rock (music)|rock band]] based in [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]]. Formed in 2016, the band combines influences from classic and garage rock, [[blues]], lo-fi, [[grunge]] and existentialist philosophy to create music that is part noise, part [[Nietzsche]].

The trio combines elements from classic, [[punk]] grunge and [[alternative rock]] with an irreverant sensibility and occasional dark humor. The band name comes from the 1973 novel "Fear of Flying" by feminist author Erica Jong ("there are no atheists on turbulent airplanes"). The three members include Emily "Knieval" (vocals, guitar and bass), "Calamity" Jen (vocals, guitar and bass) and Beth "Leppard" (drums).<ref>[http://www.atheistsandairplanes.com/ Atheist and Airplanes website]</ref>}}

== See also ==

*[[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]
*[[Communist until you get rich, feminist until you get married, atheist until the airplane starts falling]]
*[[There are no atheists on a sinking ship]]
*[[Atheism Quotes|Atheism quotes]]
*[[Endurance of the saying "There are no atheists in foxholes"]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|1}}

[[Category: Atheism]]
[[Category: Idioms]]

Irreligion in Australia

2017-11-11T05:38:52Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Convention */

[[File:Flag of Australia.png|thumbnail|200px|[[Australia]]'s national IQ is 98.<ref name="CountryIQ">[https://iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country WORLD RANKING OF COUNTRIES BY THEIR AVERAGE]</ref> The ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>]]
After [[WWII]], [[Australia]] has become a very [[secular]] country.<ref>Stephanie Painter, Vivienne Ryan and Bethany Hiatt, (15 June 2010). "[https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/7399215/australians-losing-the-faith/ Australians losing the faith]". Newspaper. West Australian Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 15 June 2010</ref>

According to the ''Sydney Morning Herald'':
{{Cquote|Australia is one of the least devout countries in the Western world, although two-thirds of its population identifies itself as Christian, an international survey comparing religious expression in 21 countries has found.

Religion does not play a central part in the lives of many Australians: 48 per cent of Australians surveyed said they did not partake in personal prayer and 52 per cent said they rarely attended a place of worship for religious reasons.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/world-youth-day/gods-ok-its-just-the-religion-bit-we-dont-like/2008/07/10/1215658037568.html God's OK, it's just the religion bit we don't like]</ref>}}

== Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Convention ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Atheist movement|Atheist movement]] [[Decline of the atheist movement]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref> According to Martin, fragmentation within today's atheist movement in Australia is a key reason that the convention may have been difficult to sell (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== See also ==

*[[Irreligious Australia and loneliness]]
*[[Irreligious Australia and alcoholism]]
*[[Irreligious Australia and intelligence]]
== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category: Australia]]

Decline of the atheist movement

2017-11-11T05:31:01Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference */

[[File:Jacques Berlinerblau.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>]]
A number of [[Atheism|atheists]] have declared that the "[[atheist movement]] is dead".<ref>
*[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blogs]]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/10/now-that-that-poseur-atheist-aron-ra.html Atheist Aron Ra indicates the atheist movement is dead. Now that that Aron Ra has surrendered....], ''[[Examining Atheism]]''
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

After the [[Elevatorgate]] controversy in 2011 (a controversy involving [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[feminism|feminist]] [[Rebecca Watson]]), which caused a significant rift with the atheism movement, atheist [[Jen McCreight]] and the website Atheist Revolution indicated that the atheist movement was essentially dead/destroyed.<ref>
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

In 2017, atheist [[David Smalley]] has indicated that [[leftism|leftist]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] atheists were "killing the atheist movement" through being contentious and divisive (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Smalley indicated that the atheist movement was disintegrating.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Former [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], who subscribes to progressive politics, says he is no longer a member of the atheist movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>

The [[atheist activist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] argues that there never was an atheist movement and that people who wanted their to be an atheist movement wrongly assumed "there’s some list of beliefs everyone has to subscribe to." (See also: [[Schools of atheist thought]])<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/11/01/the-atheist-movement-isnt-dead-because-there-never-was-one/ The Atheist “Movement” Isn’t Dead Because There Never Was One] by HEMANT MEHTA</ref> Similarly, a blogger at [[Freethought Blogs]] indicates: "To be honest, I never saw "atheism” as much of a “movement” as an uneasy coalition, which may, in fact, now be unraveling."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blog]]</ref>

The atheist movement saw a number of setbacks during the latter portion of the 20th century and beyond in terms of historical events/trends (See: [[Causes of desecularization]]). As a result, it has lost a considerable amount of confidence (see also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

[[Atheist organizations]] have experienced large drops in donations to their organizations (see: [[Atheist organizations and fundraising]]).

== Decline of New Atheism ==

''See also:'' [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism]] and [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]

[[Image:Th2-full.jpg‎|right|thumbnail|left|150px|In 2007, Dr. Theo Hobson wrote that [[atheism]] is "pretentious and cowardly".<ref>[http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/theo_hobson/2007/06/atheism_is_pretentious_and_cow.html Atheism is pretentious and cowardly] by Dr. Theo Hobson</ref> See also: [[Atheism and cowardice]]]]
[[New Atheism]] is a form of [[militant atheism]] in terms of its [[rhetoric]].

The term New Atheism, which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a movement spawned by a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008. These authors include [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]] and [[Victor J. Stenger]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>

[[Theo Hobson]] wrote in ''The Spectator'' in 2013:
{{Cquote|The [[Atheism|atheist]] spring that began just over a decade ago is over, thank [[God]]. Richard Dawkins is now seen by many, even many non-believers, as a joke figure...

Atheism is still with us. But the movement that threatened to form has petered out. Crucially, atheism’s younger advocates are reluctant to compete for the role of Dawkins’s disciple. They are more likely to bemoan the new atheist approach and call for large injections of nuance. A good example is the pop-philosopher Julian Baggini. He is a stalwart atheist who likes a bit of a scrap with believers, but he’s also able to admit that religion has its virtues, that humanism needs to learn from it. For example, he has observed that a sense of gratitude is problematically lacking in secular culture, and suggested that humanists should consider ritual practices such as fasting.<ref>[http://www.spectator.co.uk/2013/04/after-the-new-atheism/ Richard Dawkins has lost: meet the new new atheists] by Theo Hobson</ref>}}

== Decline of the secular left ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of the secular left]] and [[Atheism and politics]]

[[Atheism|Atheist]] Dr. [[Gordon Stein]] wrote:
{{cquote|Atheism has long ceased to be a rare and oft-ignored philosophical outlook...It has transformed itself into an active political programme with clear objectives which, though they vary from state to state, unequivocally include the elimination of state religion, religious education, and the enshrinement of [[scientism]]."<ref>Gordon Stein, ''Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion,'' 74.</ref>}}

Atheists commonly use the political realm to advance their atheistic ideology (see: [[Atheist agenda|Political activities of atheists]]).

Historically, atheists have screwed towards the [[Leftism|left]] side of the political aisle (see: [[Secular left]]).<ref>[http://atheism.about.com/od/Atheist-Agnostic-Belief-Survey/a/Atheists-Agnostics-America-Politically-Liberal.htm Atheists & Agnostics in America Tend to be Politically Liberal]</ref><ref name="Marxism-Leninsim">{{cite web|url = http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title =Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 [[Russian Revolution]], which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="Guillotine">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=bf3m7IVAa9gC&pg=PA461&dq=France+atheism+guillotine++Christians+executed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=l4lUUaTRBufG0QGe0IHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=France%20atheism%20guillotine%20%20Christians%20executed&f=false|title =Christianity|author=James Adair|publisher = JBE Online Books|year=2007|quote=Although the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes toAlthough the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a ist of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rosseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Teror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|page=461|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="France">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=9WkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =Memoirs of the reign of George III. to the session of parliament ending A.D. 1793, Volume 5|page=105|author=William Belsham|publisher = G.G. & J. Robinson|year=1801|quote=Reign of this portentous period, it has been eloquently tenor, and energetically observed, " that the reign of atheism in France was avowed the reign of terror. In the full madness of their career, in the highest climax of their horrors, they shut up the temples of God, abolished His worship, and proclaimed death to be an eternal sleep:-in the very centre of Christendom, Revelation underwent a total eclipse, while atheism, performing on a darkened theatre its strange and fearful tragedy, confounded the first elements of society, blended every age, rank, and sex ,indiscriminate proscription and massacre, and convulsed all Europe to its centre, that the imperishable memorial of these events might teach the last generations of mankind to consider religion as the pillar of society, the parent of social order, and the safe-guard of nations." It is wonderful that, amid the horrors of this dismal period, while "the death dance of democratic revolution" was still in rapid movement, among the tears of affliction, and the cries of despair, "the masque, the song, the theatric scene, the buffoon laughter, went on as regularly as in the gay hour of festive peace."|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="Reign of Terror">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Tt5rqiCP1p8C&pg=PA57&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West|author=William Kilpatrick|publisher = [[Ignatius Press]]|year=2012|quote=Actually, it's helpful to think in terms of two Enlightenments: the Enlightenment that cut itself off from God. The former led to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. The latter led to the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the suppression of church by state, and the godless philosophies of Marx and Nietzsche and their offspring-National Socialism and communism. More recently the abandonment of God has led to the regime of cultural relativism that regards rights as arbitrary constructions. It's this second Enlightenment tradition that Cardinal Ratzinger referred to when he wrote, "The radical detachment of the Enlightenment philosophy from its roots ultimately leads it to dispense with man." Actually this transition happened no "ultimately" but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract "reason" and "liberty" degenearated quickly into the mass murders committed during the antireligious Reign of Terror in France. "Liberty, what crimes are committed in your name", said Madam Rolande as she faced the statue of Liberty in the Place de la Revolution movements before her death at the guillotine. She was one of the early victims of a succession of secular systems based on rootless notions of "liberty", "equality", and "reason". As many historians have pointed out, the atheist regimes of modern times are guilty of far more crimes than any committed in the name of religion. Communist governments alone were guilty of more than one hundred million murders, most of them committed against their own people.|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref> However, the [[secular right]] has been growing within the atheist population and this is partly due to the [[alt-right]] movement.

Within [[Europe]] and [[China]], there is a growing threat to [[secular left]]ism (see: [[Decline of the secular left]]). In addition, within the atheist movement there is increased friction due to political polarization with the [[atheist population]] (see: [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]).
[[File:PZ Myers at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[PZ Myers]] ]]
In 2017, the [[American atheism|American atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], quoting fellow [[leftism|leftist]] Alex Nichols, wrote:
{{Cquote|...the growing popularity of jibes associating outspoken atheists with fedoras, neckbeards, and virginity, led to an exodus of [[liberal]]s and [[leftism|leftists]] from the “atheist” tent. Those who remained for the most part [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|lacked in social skills and self-awareness]], and the results were disastrous.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/10/17/poisoning-of-a-movement/ Poisoning of a movement] by PZ Myers</ref>}}

At the same time, Myers has been criticized for his divisiveness and poor social skills.
In April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger PZ Myers."<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/ Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of Myers, "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref>

According to an international study done by William Bainbridge, [[atheism]] is frequent among people whose interpersonal social obligations are weak and is also linked to lower fertility rates in advanced industrial nations (See also: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]).<ref> Bainbridge, William (2005). "[http://www.religjournal.com/pdf/ijrr01002.pdf Atheism]" (PDF). Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. 1 (Article 2): 1–26.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

=== Donald Trump's election and the secular left ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]] and [[United States, irreligion vs. religion and demographics]]
[[File:Donald Trump official photo.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|[[Donald Trump]] ]]
The election of President [[Donald Trump]] in 2016 was a significant blow to secular leftists.

The ''Religion News Service'' reported:
{{Cquote|For the last decade, atheists, [[Secular humanism|humanists]] and others secularists have worked hard to organize a “secular vote” that would counter the political clout of the [[religious right]].

President-elect [[Donald J. Trump]]’s victory dealt that movement a body blow when he garnered 81 percent of the white [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]] vote and 60 percent of the white [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] vote. [[Mormonism|Mormons]], too, voted overwhelmingly for Trump.

Despite Trump’s not being a particularly religious person, his platform was seen as anti-secular in many atheist and humanist circles. He said he would appoint religiously conservative Supreme Court justices, ban [[Islam|Muslim]] immigrants, favor [[Christianity]] and repeal the [[Johnson Amendment]], which prohibits certain tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political candidates — issues antithetical to organized atheism and [[Secular humanism|humanism]].<ref>[http://religionnews.com/2016/11/09/dealt-a-body-blow-atheists-and-humanists-regroup/ Dealt a body blow, atheists and humanists regroup] by Kimberly Winston, ''Religion News Service'', November 9, 2016</ref>}}

== World's religious population gaining in global market share ==
[[File: Blue Marble.jpg|right|180px|thumbnail|[[Atheism]] is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Global atheism statistics]] and [[Global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]]

On December 23, 2012, Kaufmann wrote:
{{cquote|I argue that 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious.

On the other hand, the secular West and East Asia has very low fertility and a rapidly aging population... In the coming decades, the developed world's demand for workers to pay its pensions and work in its service sector will soar alongside the booming supply of young people in the third world. Ergo, we can expect significant immigration to the secular West which will import religious revival on the back of ethnic change. In addition, those with religious beliefs tend to have higher birth rates than the secular population, with fundamentalists having far larger families. The epicentre of these trends will be in immigration gateway cities like New York (a third white), Amsterdam (half Dutch), Los Angeles (28% white), and London, 45% white British.
<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/97-of-worlds-population-growth-is.html 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious], Tuesday, April 30, 2013</ref>}}

Kaufmann told a secular audience in [[Australia]]: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Shall the religious inherit the earth]</ref>

Atheism is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref> See: [[Global atheism statistics]] and [[Desecularization]]

In 2012, the CSGC reported that every day there are 800 less [[atheism|atheists]] per day, 1,100 less non-religious ([[agnosticism|agnostic]]) people per day and 83,000 more people professing to be Christians per day.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/05/globally-worldviews-of-atheism-and-non.html Globally the worldviews of atheism and non-religious (agnostic) are declining while global Christianity is exploding in adherents]</ref><ref>[http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/StatusOfGlobalMission.pdf Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Status of Global Missions]</ref>

In 2011, the ''American Spectator'' declared:
{{cquote|The report estimates about 80,000 new [[Christianity|Christians]] every day, 79,000 new [[Islam|Muslims]] every day, and 300 fewer atheists every day. These atheists are presumably disproportionately represented in the [[Western World|West]], while religion is thriving in the Global South, where [[Charismatic movement|charismatic Christianity]] is exploding."<ref>[http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/28/thriving-christianity Thriving Christianity]</ref>}}

== Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates ==

''See also:'' [[Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates]]

A significant problem [[atheist activist]]s as far as the propagation of atheism is that secularization rates are now zero in a significant amount of Western developed countries (see: [[Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates]].

=== United States ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

In June 2016, ''American Interest'' reported about [[American atheism]]:
{{Cquote|First of all, religious belief is still very powerful and widespread, and there is nothing inevitable about its decline. In fact, the proportion of people who say they believe in God actually ticked modestly upward, from 86 percent to 89 percent, since [[Gallup Poll|Gallup]] last asked the question in 2014.<ref>[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/06/30/atheism-is-rising-but/ Atheism is Rising, But…], American Interest</ref>}}

=== British atheism/nonreligion ===

''See also:'' [[British atheism]]

''The Guardian'' published an article in 2017 entitled ''Nearly 50% are of [[Nones|no religion]] – but has [[UK]] hit ‘peak secular’?'' which declared:
{{Cquote|But, Bullivant told the Observer that the “growth of no religion may have stalled”. After consistent decline, in the past few years the proportion of [[nones]] appears to have stabilised. “Younger people tend to be more non-religious, so you’d expect it to keep going – but it hasn’t. The steady growth of non-Christian religions is a contributing factor, but I wonder if everyone who is going to give up their Anglican affiliation has done so by now? We’ve seen a vast shedding of nominal Christianity, and perhaps it’s now down to its hardcore.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/uk-losing-faith-religion-young-reject-parents-beliefs ''Nearly 50% are of no religion – but has UK hit ‘peak secular’?''], ''The Guardian'', 2017</ref>}}

=== France and Protestant Europe ===

''See also:'' [[European desecularization in the 21st century]] and [[French atheism]]

In April 2010, Eric Kaufmann declared "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[Europe]] and [[France]]."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-academic-eric-kaufmann-says.html British academic Eric Kaufmann says "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of Protestant Europe and France".</ref>

== European atheist Jürgen Habermas ==

[[Jürgen Habermas]] is a prominent German sociologist and philosopher. Habermas describes himself as a "a methodical atheist".<ref>[http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/20037?eng=y The Church Is Under Siege. But Habermas, the Atheist, Is Coming to its Defense]</ref>

In a 2006 essay, Habermas wrote: “secular citizens in Europe must learn to live, the sooner the better, in a post-secular society and in so doing they will be following the example of religious citizens, who have already come to terms with the ethical expectations of democratic citizenship. So far secular citizens have not been expected to make a similar effort.”<ref>[http://moderndiplomacy.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1633:jurgen-habermas-on-the-vision-of-a-post-secular-europe&Itemid=569 Jurgen Habermas on the Vision of a Post-Secular Europe], Modern Diplomacy</ref>

== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau ==

In 2011, [[Georgetown University]] professor and [[Atheism|atheist]] [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>

== YouTube atheist Thunderf00t ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist conferences]] and [[Atheism and apathy]]
[[File:Thunderf00t.jpg|thumbnail|200px|YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] ]]
YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after the [[Reason Rally 2016]] had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]] is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

In recent times, the number of people attending [[atheist conferences]] has grown smaller.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/tippling/2017/07/13/10923/ Whoever I Don’t Like Is Ruining the Atheist Movement] by Jeremiah Traeger</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luT2vQ3ctKU #ReasonRally Crash n burn. Thanks SJWs!] by [[Thunderf00t]]</ref> Atheist [[David Smalley]] wrote: "And we wonder why we’re [[Atheism and politics|losing elections]], [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising#Atheist organizations and fundraising|losing funding]], and our conferences are getting smaller."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

== Atheist Joshua Kelly ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]

In 2015, the atheist author Joshua Kelly wrote:
{{cquote|...since the death of [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]]: angry atheism lost its most charismatic champion. Call it what you like: [[New Atheism]], fire-brand atheism, etc., had a surge with the Four Horsemen in the middle of the last decade and in the last four years has generally peetered out to a kind that is more docile, [[Political correctness|politically correct]], and even apologetic.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/12/uproar-against-dawkins-is-sign-of-new-atheism-retrogression/ Uproar Against Dawkins Is Sign of New Atheism Retrogression] by Joshua Kelly</ref>}}

== Atheist Revolution on stagnation in the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Stagnation of atheist apologetics]]

An atheist at the website ''Atheist Revolution'' declared:
{{Cquote|I should note that doubts and feelings of disillusionment are nothing new for me. In looking back over some old posts, I can see them emerging in late 2010. I noted the [http://www.atheistrev.com/2010/10/is-atheist-movement-really-moving.html stagnation in our movement] as a source of frustration.<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2012/10/feeling-disillusioned-with-atheist.html Feeling Disillusioned With the Atheist Movement], Atheist Revolution</ref>}}

In an ''Atheist Revolution'' article entitled ''Is the atheist movement really moving''? an atheist declares:
{{Cquote|...[atheists] can can take virtually any suggestion anyone comes up with and shred it into oblivion without breaking a sweat. But when we offer something we think represents an improvement, it meets the same fate. Are we moving closer to any sort of action..?<ref>[Is the Atheist Movement Really Moving?], Atheist Revolution</ref>}}

== Seth Andrews on atheist activists dropping out of public atheism==
[[File:Seth Andrews.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Seth Andrews]] signing one of this books after a 2016 speaking engagement in [[San Jose]], California.]]
In 2017, the [[atheist activist]] [[Seth Andrews]] declared about the atheist activist dropping out of public atheism:
{{Cquote|You know lately when I look around on [[social media]] and in the media in general really. I see these proclamations. Proclamations that the atheist movement is on life support. It's dying. It's probably beyond saving.

Now I know some people out there are very weary of all the public infighting and the squabbling and the division and just the general nastiness out there between various camps. And I totally get that. I totally get it.

Some people draw a big circle around [[New Atheism]]... And they declare New Atheism is dead or it's dying or irrelevant or whatever...

As an atheist activist myself, I can understand myself why some activists have just left the party...

They just got tired of it. All [[Atheism and politics|the politics]] and the posturing and the trolls and the bad faith operators out there. They have seen first hand that atheists are not immune to scandal, to ugliness to irrationality. To this [[Atheism and anger|unhealthy rage]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyuI-XZer9Q Is the Atheist Movement Dying?] by Seth Andrews</ref><ref>[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/11/seth-andrews-keeps-hearing-reports-of.html Atheist activist Seth Andrews keeps seeing reports on social media and the media that the atheist movement is dying]. ''[[Examining Atheism]]''</ref>}}

== Atheist philosopher John Gray on what scares the New Atheists ==

''See also:'' [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism]]
[[File:John Gray.JPG|thumbnail|left|200px|The [[economist]] Tomáš Sedláček (left) and the [[atheism|atheist]] [[philosophy|philosopher]] John Gray (right) at ZURICH.MINDS 2012]]
[[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]] in his Guardian article entitled ''What scares the new atheists?'' wrote:
{{cquote|The rise of violent [[jihad]]ism is only the most obvious example of a rejection of secular life. Jihadist thinking comes in numerous varieties, mixing strands from 20th century ideologies, such as [[Nazism]] and [[Vladimir Lenin|Leninism]], with elements deriving from the 18th century Wahhabist Islamic fundamentalist movement. What all Islamist movements have in common is a categorical rejection of any secular realm. But the ongoing reversal in secularisation is not a peculiarly Islamic phenomenon.

The [[Desecularization|resurgence of religion]] is a worldwide development. Russian Orthodoxy is stronger than it has been for over a century, while China is the scene of a reawakening of its indigenous faiths and of underground movements that could [[Growth of Christianity in China|make it the largest Christian country]] in the world by the end of this century. Despite tentative shifts in opinion that have been hailed as evidence it is becoming less pious, the US remains massively and [[American atheism#American atheist activists exaggerating the number of atheists in the United States|pervasively religious]] – it’s inconceivable that a professed unbeliever could become president, for example. It’s inconceivable that a professed unbeliever could become president of the United States

For secular thinkers, the continuing vitality of religion calls into question the belief that history underpins their values.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/what-scares-the-new-atheists What scares the new atheists] by [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]], ''The Guardian''</ref>}}

== Atheist Eddie Tabash ==

[[File:Edward Tabash 2013.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Eddie Tabash]]

(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Wikimedia Commons], see [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en license agreement])]]
The American atheist activist [[Eddie Tabash]] said at the 2010 Michigan Atheists State Convention:
{{Cquote|In every generation there has been a promising beginning of a true vanguard movement that will finally achieve widespread public acceptance for nonbelief. Yet, in each generation there has been an ultimately disappointing failure to actually register the [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic alternative]] to supernatural claims in the public consciousness...

Now given the confounding extent to which religion is entrenched in our society, it could take a minimum of 100 years of sustained, intense effort to even begin to cut into the current monolithic stranglehold that religion has on American mass culture,
<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iix6OjLH6aM Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash]</ref>}}

The likelihood that the [[American atheism|American atheist]] population will engage in 100 years of sustained, intense atheist activism is remote (see: [[Atheism and apathy]] and [[Views on atheists]] and [[American atheism#Demographics and trends in American secularism|Demographics and trends in American secularism]]).

Also, a 100-year sustained and intense effort of atheist activism would require a high degree of cohesiveness and cooperation among atheists. Tabash said in a speech to the Michigan Atheists State Convention, "Since we are a bit of a cantankerous, opinionated lot...".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ld9Rfw5HUs Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash - Part 2 of 4]</ref> See also: [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

Tabash said in a 2007 speech to the Atheist Alliance International organization:
{{Cquote|The other likely future is one in which by a shift of only one vote on the United States Supreme Court, we will essentially become a [[theocracy]] in which all branches of government we be freed to favor [[religion]] collectively over nonbelief.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u1S3C5yWjc Eddie Tabash: Speech and Q&A at AAI 07]</ref>}}

== Eric Kaufmann: Secularism is exhausted and unconfident ==

[[Eric Kaufmann]], an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] professor whose academic research specialty is how demographic changes affect religion/irreligion and politics, wrote in 2010:
{{cquote|Worldwide, the [[Desecularization|march of religion]] can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and lacking in confidence... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, [[socialism]] and 1960s anarchist-[[liberalism]]. Ironically, secularism's demographic deficit means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}

According the American atheist author Kevin Davis, atheism has an "unshakeable stigma".<ref>[http://www.peacock-panache.com/2016/11/lifetree-meeting-atheism-26370.html An Atheist Walks into a Christian Meeting about Atheism] by Kevin Davis</ref> See also: [[Views on atheists]]

== Atheist PZ Myers ==
[[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|[[PZ Myers]]]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

On September 27, 2014 in a blog post entitled ''The Atheist Disillusionment'', [[PZ Myers]] declared:
{{cquote|I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink, because organized atheism is happily in the process of destroying itself with regressive social attitudes, scandals, and their bizarre focus on irrelevant metaphysical differences that don’t help people...

Unless we change.

I don’t know that we can.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] - PZ Myers, September 27, 2014</ref>}}

In 2016, Myers published a blog post entitled ''Atheism seems to be amazingly doomed'' <ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2016/06/30/atheism-seems-to-be-amazingly-doomed/ ''Atheism seems to be amazingly doomed''] by PZ Myers</ref> In the blog post he indicated that YouTube's [[TheAmazingAtheist]] engaged in [[racism]] and the feedback he received from viewers was far more positive than it was negative. See also: [[Western atheism and race]]

== Atheist vlogger Aron Ra ==

In 2017, the atheist vlogger [[Aron Ra]] wrote to some of his fellow atheists: "...since ya'll have effectively killed what was left of the atheist movement".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arTrjbPAdD8 AronRa Claims Mythcon Killed The Atheist Movement || Facebook Comments]</ref>

== Blair Scott about atheist infighting with the atheist movement ==
[[File:David Silverman Rally.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[David Silverman]] is the president of the [[American Atheists]] organization.]]
''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence]]

[[Blair Scott]] served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors. Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]]. On December 1, 2012 he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheist due to infighting within the American [[atheist movement]].<ref>[http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ An Open Letter from Blair Scott]</ref>

Mr. Blair wrote:
{{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating..me.<ref>[http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ An Open Letter from Blair Scott]</ref>}}

== Atheist David Smalley on the atheist movement and its infighting ==

The atheist [[David Smalley]] said about the [[atheist movement]]: "We're eating our own... We’re disintegrating."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

== The day Elevatorgate occurred has been called the day the atheist movement died ==

''See also:'' [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]

[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the atheist community and to the public at large.<ref>
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]
*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]
*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/richard-dawkins-women-chilly-climate Richard Dawkins, check the evidence on the 'chilly climate' for women] by Emily Band, ''The Guardian'', July 24, 2011
*[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/07/05/richard-dawkins-and-male-privilege/#.VYgS0LZmLUA Richard Dawkins and male privilege] By Phil Plait, ''Discover Magazine'', July 5, 2011 10:30 am
*[http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/09/is-richard-dawkins-destroying-his-reputation Is Richard Dawkins destroying his reputation?] by Sophie Elmhirst, ''The Guardian'', June 9, 2015
</ref> Watson is a feminist.<ref>Rebecca Watson (July 5, 2011). "[http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion The Privilege Delusion]". Skepchick</ref>

Richard Dawkins is still widely criticized for igniting deep fractures in the atheist movement through his Elevatorgate controversy. For example, on November 26, 2013, the atheist activist and blogger [[Jen McCreight]] posted at Twitter the message: "Did anyone on Dawkins AMA ask how he feels about singlehandedly destroying the [[atheist movement]] with the Dear Muslima yet?"<ref>[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]</ref> In December 2013, atheist Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution called July 2, 2011, which is the day that Elevatorgate occurred, "The day the atheist movement died."<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution</ref>

== Atheist organizations and fundraising difficulties ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising]] and [[Atheism and charity]]

=== Atheist activist Lee Moore: Donations to American atheist organizations are down due to infighting within the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

In 2017, the atheist activist Lee Moore declared:
{{Cquote|If you look at the major atheist groups right now, like the national groups, the ones that are doing the real activist work... They are not bringing in the kind of donations they used to. Most of them are starved for cash. They're downsizing left and right. Because people aren't just giving like they used to. And I talked to a lot of the major donors out there and they said, "Well, we're kind of tired of seeing the atheist community just fight amongst itself and not really get anything done. We'd rather not give money if we don't think it's going to go somewhere."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvG6LKUbOdk Lee Moore and Steve Shives Talk About the Future of the Atheist Movement],
- video quote comes 21 minutes and 13 seconds into the video</ref>}}

=== Atheist Hemant Mehta on fundraising from fellow nonbelievers ===

[[Secular humanism]] is a [[Schools of atheist thought|type of atheism/agnosticism]].

Foundation Beyond Belief is a charitable foundation created to focus on "[[Humanism|humanist]] generosity and compassion."<ref>[https://foundationbeyondbelief.org/inside-fbb/about/ Foundation Beyond Belief]</ref>

The [[atheist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] said about raising money from fellow nonbelievers:
"Meanwhile, I’ve had one hell of a time convincing people to give to the Foundation Beyond Belief — and I help lead that organization."
<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/01/08/a-few-thoughts-about-fundraising/ A Few Thoughts About Fundraising]</ref>

=== Canadian atheist activist Pat O'Brien on the difficulty of atheist fundraising ===

''See also:'' [[Canada and irreligion]]

The Canadian atheist activist Pat O'Brien is a Canadian atheist, an activist, and ex-president of Humanist Canada and British Columbia Humanist Association ([[Secular humanism]] is a form of atheism).

O'Brien said about the willingness atheists/humanists to support national and provincial atheist organizations: "The biggest problem is fundraising. It is difficult to get Humanists to part with their money."<ref>[https://conatusnews.com/%E2%80%8Bpat-obrien-ex-president-humanist-canada/ Interview – Pat O’Brien on Humanism in Canada and British Columbia] by Scott Jacobsen, Conatus News, 2016</ref>

=== David Gorski's complaint about atheist nonprofits ===
[[File:Richard Dawkins photo.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|180px|right|The [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]] had a scandal related to an embezzlement allegation.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref><ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref> See: [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]] ]]

David Gorski at Scienceblogs wrote about atheist/skeptic organizations and financial mismanagement:
{{cquote|In any case, this makes me wonder: What is it about rationalist/skeptic groups that make them seemingly have such a hard time running their organizations well from a financial standpoint? After all, just a couple of months ago the [[Center for Inquiry]] (CFI) sent out letters desperately begging for more contributions. The reason was that CFI had one large benefactor whose yearly contribution funded approximately 20-25% of the yearly CFI budget. As clueless as I may be about finances, even I know that you don’t use such donations to run the operating expenses of an organization, because you can’t count on them from year to year and it’s too big a chunk. You use this money for special short-term projects and a rainy day fund. Not surprisingly, when this mysterious donor stopped donating earlier this year, suddently CFI was in deep doo-doo from a financial standpoint, prompting the desperate plea for donations and deep budget cuts. I realize that the down economy has played havoc with many nonprofit and charitable organizations, but these issues with skeptical organizations seem to go beyond just that.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref>}}

=== Secular Student Alliance report of fundraising problems ===

In October 2015, the [[Secular Student Alliance]] tweeted that it "desperately" needed $100,000 by the end of the month. The SSA Executive director August Brunsman reported that fundraising had lagged.<ref>Eberhard, JT (30 May 2016). "[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd/2015/10/secular-student-alliance-running-a-desperate-fundraiser/ Secular Student Alliance running a 'desperate' fundraiser]". WWJTD.</ref>

=== Inside Philanthropy website commentary atheist philanthropy related to universities ===

According to the website ''Inside Philanthropy'':
{{Cquote|Universities lack the kind of entrenched atheist architecture—endowments, departments, conferences and the like—that religious studies departments have enjoyed for centuries.

What's more, there are several major funders who've put muscle behind religious scholarship on campus, such as the Lilly Endowment and the Templeton Foundation. But we've never seen a gift for related to aethism [sic] — either on a campus or elsewhere. Nor have our data gathering friends the Foundation Center, which reports exactly zero grants related to atheism in a database covers tens of foundations. (That said, some grants have gone to groups that put forth a "secular" agenda.)<ref>[Beyond Belief: As Americans Warm to Atheism, Will Donors Follow?] by Mike Scutari, ''Inside Philanthropy''</ref>}}

=== Atheist nonprofit scandals ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]]

== Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Atheist movement|Atheist movement]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref> According to Martin, fragmentation within today's atheist movement in Australia is a key reason that the convention may have been difficult to sell (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== Atheist Francois Tremblay ==

[[File:512px-Collage of Six Cats-01.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|In his essay ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose'', the atheist Francois Tremblay compared unifying atheists to herding cats.<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose''] by Francois Tremblay</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]]

The atheist Francois Tremblay wrote in his essay ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose'':
{{cquote|Atheism, as [[Definition of atheism|commonly defined]] by atheists, expresses a lack of belief, or disbelief, in deities. It is not a positive belief in anything, but a negative concept. That is why atheists, inasmuch as they are atheists, are nothing like a coherent or concerted group. Organizations like American Atheists serve a role of broadcasting information more than anything else, because there cannot be concerted action when nobody agrees on what to do (except of course on direct concerns like the rights of atheists or separation of church and state). Most atheists disagree strongly on whenever atheism should be propagated, or promoted, and on the matter of doing so.

Another problem of atheism qua atheism is that it does not contain its own basis. What I mean by this is that atheism is a punctual, [[ontological]] belief, which is itself the implicit or explicit result of [[metaphysics|metaphysical]] and [[Atheism and epistemology|epistemological deductions]]. Any reply to an attack on this basis cannot come directly from atheism. Concentrating oneself only on being an atheist is like trying to build a house from the second floor up. It may look less costly on paper, and for people who only build houses in their imagination this may be a good way of seeing it, but it's not good enough for a serious endeavour. And most importantly, it's too fragile. I see too many religionists attacking atheism from the bottom and atheists being unable to adequately reply to the arguments. If the atheist cannot answer to his most fundamental beliefs on the nature of reality and cognition, then his atheism is worthless in terms of validation. It is nothing more than a big paper tiger, made from the finest cardboard.

One last problem that undermines any propagation of atheism is inspiration. Let's be honest here, "there is no god!" is [[Atheism and inspiration|not a very motivating call]] for most people.<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose''] by Francois Tremblay</ref>}}

== Atheist Martin S. Pribble ==

The atheist activist Martin S. Pribble wrote in 2011:
{{Cquote|... I am beginning to feel that the atheistic movement is treading water somewhat, not really making much change in the world. It seems to me it is more akin to beating ones head against an immovable object rather than spreading encouragement for people to learn... Nothing is changing, and I doubt if we will ever see a single mind change from an engagement on Twitter over whether the Bible is the true word of God.

I feel we are lacking focus...

I know I’m not the only person who realises this. I have seen a few people finding the fight a disillusioning experience...<ref>[http://martinspribble.com/2011/11/is-the-atheist-movement-dead-in-the-water/ Is the atheist movement dead on the water?]</ref>}}

In 2013, Pribble wrote in ''Slate'':
{{Cquote|For the last five years I have considered myself an “activist atheist.”...

But I’m through with it, and I no longer want to be part of the online atheist “community.”...

The times of satisfaction are outweighed by feelings of frustration and hopelessness...

There is no point in it. All this back-and-forth sniping serves to do is to make us feel a sense of superiority to the person making the claims and does nothing for them except leave them with a smugness about their assumption that “atheists are all mean.”...

Atheists and nonbelievers make up such a [[Atheist Population|small part of the world’s population]] that we can never hope to change the world by ourselves—certainly not, if our primary weapon is yelling at people we don’t agree with. Most theists in the world are not completely delusional...<ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/12/why_i_m_quitting_the_online_atheism_community.html Leaving the Tribe] by Martin Pribble</ref>}}

== See also ==

*[[Growth of global desecularization]]

*[[Acceleration of 21st century desecularization]]

*[[Causes of desecularization]]

*[[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]

*[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]

*[[Growth of Christianity in China]]

*[[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]]

*[[High morale of Christendom]]

== External links ==

*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/4-pieces-of-grim-news-for-atheists-who.html 7 pieces of GRIM news for the atheist who asked: "What's killing the atheist movement?"]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-21st-century-and-atheist-movement.html The atheist movement and battle fatigue]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/11/another-sign-atheist-movement-in.html Another sign the atheist movement in America has imploded: Cancelled atheist conferences]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Atheism]]

Atheist movement

2017-11-11T05:29:48Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Convention */

[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|201px|right|The atheist [[PZ Myers]] declared on September 27, 2014, "I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink..."<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] by [[PZ Myers]], September 27, 2014</ref> See: [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] ]]
Dr. J. Gordon Melton said about the '''atheist movement''' (organized atheism) that [[atheism]] is not a movement which tends to create community, but in the last few years there has been some growth of organized atheism.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0i4kuN9XSc Baylor ISR- J. Gordon Melton - End of Religion? (May 5, 2015)]</ref>

However, various schisms occurring within the atheism movement and widespread infighting, has had an adverse effect on various [[atheist organizations]] (See: [[Atheist factions]]). Divisions within the atheist movement have caused a marked decline in the movement (see: [[Decline of the atheist movement]]). For example, atheist organizations have experienced large drops in donations to their organizations (see: [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising#Atheist organizations and fundraising|Atheist organizations and fundraising]]).

Most atheists are apathetic when it comes to sharing atheism with others - especially when compared to evangelistic religions such as [[Christianity]] (see: [[Atheism and apathy]]).

According Pew Research:
{{cquote|In the 2014 Religious Landscape Study, self-identified [[Atheism|atheists]] were asked [http://www.pewforum.org/2015/11/03/chapter-2-religious-practices-and-experiences/ how often they share their views on God and religion] with religious people. Only about one-in-ten atheists (9%) say they do at least weekly, while roughly two-thirds (65%) say they seldom or never discuss their views on religion with religious people. By comparison, 26% of those who have a religious affiliation share their views at least once a week with those who have other beliefs; 43% say they seldom or never do.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/05/7-facts-about-atheists/ 7 facts about atheists], Pew Forum</ref>}}

See also: [[Evangelical atheism]] and [[Atheist activist]]

On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported about the global atheist movement:
{{cquote|[[Atheism]] is in decline worldwide, with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass." <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>}}

See also: [[Global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]]

Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]], who specializes in the study of irreligion/religion/demographics/politics, told a secular audience in Australia: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Shall the religious inherit the earth]</ref>

In 2010, Kaufmann wrote:
{{cquote|Worldwide, the [[Desecularization|march of religion]] can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and [[Atheism and cowardice|lacking in confidence]]... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, socialism and 1960s anarchist-liberalism. Ironically, secularism's [[Global atheism|demographic deficit]] means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm."<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}
[[File:Jacques Berlinerblau.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref name="chronicle.com">Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>]]
In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] wrote: "The Golden Age of Secularism has passed."<ref name="chronicle.com"/>

YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after [[Reason Rally 2016]] had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. Hitchens is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref name="Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally'">[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

== Decline of the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of the atheist movement]]

A number of [[Atheism|atheists]] have declared that the "atheist movement is dead".<ref>
*[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blogs]]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/10/now-that-that-poseur-atheist-aron-ra.html Atheist Aron Ra indicates the atheist movement is dead. Now that that Aron Ra has surrendered....], ''[[Examining Atheism]]''
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref> After the [[Elevatorgate]] controversy in 2011, which caused a significant rift with the atheism movement, atheist [[Jen McCreight]] and the website Atheist Revolution indicated that the atheist movement was dead/destroyed.<ref>
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

In 2017, atheist [[David Smalley]] has indicated that [[leftism|leftist]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] atheists were "killing the atheist movement" through being contentious and divisive (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Smalley indicated that the atheist movement was disintegrating.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Former [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], who subscribes to progressive politics, says he is no longer a member of the atheist movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>
[[File:Hemant Mehta at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|[[Hemant Mehta]] ]]
The [[atheist activist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] argues that there never was an atheist movement and that people who wanted their to be an atheist movement wrongly assumed "there’s some list of beliefs everyone has to subscribe to." (See also: [[Schools of atheist thought]])<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/11/01/the-atheist-movement-isnt-dead-because-there-never-was-one/ The Atheist “Movement” Isn’t Dead Because There Never Was One] by HEMANT MEHTA</ref> Similarly, a blogger at [[Freethought Blogs]] indicates: "To be honest, I never saw "atheism” as much of a “movement” as an uneasy coalition, which may, in fact, now be unraveling."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blog]]</ref>

The atheist movement saw a number of setbacks during the latter portion of the 20th century and beyond in terms of historical events/trends (See: [[Causes of desecularization]]). As a result, it has lost a considerable amount of confidence (see also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

== Participation in the atheist community more difficult than in many communities ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and loneliness]] and [[Atheism and apathy]] and [[Internet atheism]]

In an essay entitled ''How the Atheist Movement Failed Me'', an atheist woman noted that participation in the atheist community is often expensive due to the cost of attending [[atheist conferences]] and even local atheist meetings in restaurants and bars challenged her modest budget.<ref>Amanda (August 10, 2012). [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/08/10/how-the-atheist-movement-failed-me-part-1-cost/ "How the atheist movement failed me–part 1: cost"]. Friendly Atheist blog. Retrieved on September 9, 2014.</ref> As a result of the challenges that atheists commonly have in terms of socializing in person, some atheists [[Internet atheism|turn to the internet]] in terms of communicating with other atheists.<ref>Norris, Chuck (May 21, 2007). [http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55789 "How to outlaw Christianity (steps 2 & 3)"]. WorldNetDaily. Retrieved on September 9, 2014. See [[Chuck Norris]].</ref> Often internet communication between atheists turns acrimonious and contentious (see: [[Atheist factions]]).

The atheist [[Jerry Coyne]] said about atheist meetings, "But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks." (see also: [[Atheism and inspiration]]).<ref name="whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com">[https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/are-there-too-many-atheist-meetings/ Are there too many atheist meetings?] by Jerry Coyne</ref>

For more information, please see:

*[[Atheism and loneliness]]

*[[Atheism and apathy]]

== Atheist movement and arrogant individuals ==
''
See also:'' [[Atheism and arrogance]]

The atheist Adam Lee wrote:
{{Cquote|The atheist community has a lamentable tendency to make the same mistakes over and over...

Yet there are those who seem to believe that, just by becoming an atheist, they've proven their superior rationality and are qualified to opine on any subject. Worse, this attitude often comes with an arrogant certainty that they have no need to listen or learn from people who've actually lived through moral dilemmas that are merely abstract to them.<ref>[4 Things the Atheist Movement Has Done Badly (and How to Do Them Better)] by Adam Lee, ''Alternet''</ref>}}
=== Prominent atheists admitting that fellow prominent atheists are arrogant ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and leadership]]

John W. Loftus, one of the more prominent atheists in the atheist community, cites John Draper (a Canadian atheist blogger), saying about prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]]: "According to PZ you either agree with him or you are the scum of the earth. If anyone is giving atheists a bad reputation it's PZ - he shows no tolerance or respect for anyone other than himself."<ref name="debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com">[http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com/2012/07/can-pz-myers-change-his-ways-should-he.html Can PZ Myers Change His Ways? Should He?] By John W. Loftus at 7/30/2012</ref>

PZ Myers wrote: "But see, this is why the atheist movement can’t have leaders. The [[Atheism and leadership|ones we’ve got]], informally, all seem to think they’re like gods and popes, infallible and unquestionable, and that normal, healthy, productive criticism within the movement is all a conspiracy to dethrone them."<ref name="freethoughtblogs.com">[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/01/16/the-delicate-ego-of-mr-michael-shermer/ The delicate ego of Mr Michael Shermer] by [[PZ Myers]], 16 January 2013</ref>

== Atheist factions ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Schools of atheist thought]] and [[Atheist cults]]

Jacques Rousseau wrote in the ''Daily Maverick'': "[[Elevatorgate]]..has resulted in three weeks of infighting in the secular community. Some might observe that we indulge in these squabbles fairly frequently."<ref>Rousseau, Jacques (July 13, 2011). [http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2011-07-13-sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones-but-words-can-rip-my-soul "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can rip my soul"]. Daily Maverick [South Africa]. Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref> An ex-atheist wrote: "As an Atheist for 40 years, I noticed that there is not just a wide variety of [[Schools of atheist thought|Atheist positions]], but there exists an actual battle between certain [[Atheist factions]]."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/internet-atheism-is-still-hostile.html The atheist community and internet atheism is still a hostile wasteland]</ref>

The atheist and [[secular left]]ist [[PZ Myers]], who frequently champions [[feminism]] (see also: [[Atheist feminism]]), wrote in 2016: "We are fractured because there are deep disagreements about how to address serious social issues. Worse, because some people won’t even accept the dehumanization of fellow human beings as something more substantial than ridiculousness."<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2016/08/21/what-if-the-atheist-movement-needs-to-die/ What if the atheist movement needs to die] by PZ Myers</ref>

The American atheist Adam Lee declared:
{{Cquote|The atheist community, which once seemed gloriously unified, has become riven in the last few years with ugly fractures and one-step-forward-two-steps-back infighting about what kind of movement we want to be. I’ve lost friends over it, and many of the people I used to idolize have publicly tumbled from their pedestals. Some incomparable friends and activists have burned out or quit the movement in disgust, and each one was a loss I felt keenly.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2016/02/daylight-atheism-is-10-years-old/ Daylight Atheism Is 10 Years Old] by Adam Lee</ref>}}

The atheist David Smalley said about the atheist movement: "We're eating our own... We’re disintegrating."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

=== Journal of Contemporary Religion on schisms within U.S. atheism ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' says about schisms within atheism:
{{Cquote|The persistence of internal schisms and regular outbreaks of in-fighting within the atheist movement also ensure that much energy is effectively wasted on parochial concerns and further undermine attempts to establish a genuine sense of group cohesion.<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' say that internal divisions within the American atheist movement have to do with:
{{Cquote|internal divisions within the movement around issues relating to goals, strategies, and direction. These can be seen most notably in debates about the formation of a collective ‘atheist’ identity, in disputes about the effectiveness of confrontationalism and accommodationism, and in concerns about the movement’s ethnic, racial, and gender profile.<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

See also: [[Atheism and women]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

=== Atheism, politics and political polarization ===

''See also:'' [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]] and [[Atheism and politics]]

In terms of politics and atheist infighting, there is considerable friction between [[Secular right|right-wing atheists]] (and right of center atheists) and [[secular left]]ist.

For more information, please see: [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]

=== Testimony of Blair Scott about atheist infighting ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]

Blair Scott served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140701062412/http://atheists.org/about-us/board-of-directors "Board of directors"] (July 1, 2014). American Atheists. Retrieved from Internet Archive, July 16, 2014.</ref> Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]]. On December 1, 2012 he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheists due to infighting within the American atheist movement.<ref name="Blair Scott">Scott, Blair (December 1, 2012). [http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ "An open letter from Blair Scott"]. American Atheists. Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref>

Mr. Blair wrote:
{{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating...me.<ref name="Blair Scott"/>}}

== Decline of the New Atheism movement ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]
[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎|left|thumb|200px|[[Christopher Hitchens]] ]]
In 2015, the atheist author Joshua Kelly wrote about the decline of the New Atheism movement:
{{cquote|...since the death of [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]]: angry atheism lost its most charismatic champion. Call it what you like: New Atheism, fire-brand atheism, etc., had a surge with the Four Horsemen in the middle of the last decade and in the last four years has generally peetered out to a kind that is more docile, [[Political correctness|politically correct]], and even apologetic.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/12/uproar-against-dawkins-is-sign-of-new-atheism-retrogression/ Uproar Against Dawkins Is Sign of New Atheism Retrogression] by Joshua Kelly</ref>}}

On November 6, 2015, the ''New Republic'' published an article entitled, ''Is the New Atheism dead?''<ref>[https://newrepublic.com/article/123349/new-atheism-dead ''Is the New Atheism dead?] by Elizabeth Bruenig, New Republic, November 6, 2015</ref>

Professor James W. Jones wrote at a ''Oxford University Press'' website:
{{Cquote|We seem to be witnessing a broad reaction against the New Atheism movement by atheists as well as religious believers, whether undermining the idea of a long-standing conflict between science and religion, or taking a critical view of their political agenda. [http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/14/books/review/the-twain-shall-meet.html James Ryerson recently examined three new books (including my own) in the New York Times Book Review] – a small sample of a growing body of work...

The New Atheism movement is receiving a powerful attack from another side as well — the politics implicit in their worldview. Two books published this year exemplify this critique, in which militant atheism is seen as an anti-progressive “secular fundamentalism.” C.J. Werleman, in The New Atheist Threat: The Dangerous Rise of Secular Extremists, himself formerly a militant atheist, describes the New Atheists’ uncritical devotion to science, their childish understanding of religion, their [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations|extreme Islamophobia]], and intolerance of cultural diversity.<ref>[http://blog.oup.com/2016/03/growing-criticism-by-atheists-of-the-new-atheism-movement/ Growing criticism by atheists of the New Atheism movement] by James W. Jones, ''Oxford University Press'', OUPblog</ref>}}

For more information, please see: [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism|Decline of New Atheism]]

=== Elevatorgate controversy caused deep divisions within in the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheist feminism]] and [[Atheism and sexism]] and [[Atheism plus]]

[[File:Richard dawkins lecture.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|200px|right|Although the [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] was always known for [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins|his abrasiveness]] and [[Atheism and arrogance|arrogance]], post [[Elevatorgate]] and subsequent to his various embarrassing Twitter posts, many atheists are now asking if he is a liability to the atheist movement.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-atheisms-asset-or-liability/2014/08/07/9f19a7a2-1e58-11e4-9b6c-12e30cbe86a3_story.html Richard Dawkins: Atheism’s asset or liability?] by Kimberly Winston, ''Washington Post'', source: ''Religion News Service'', August 7, 2014
*[http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119596/appetite-wonder-review-closed-mind-richard-dawkins ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins''], New Republic by John Gray
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]
*[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/downs-syndrome-girl-passes-six-4095031 Down's Syndrome girl passes six GCSEs as dad calls Richard Dawkins 'an ignorant idiot'], Mirror by By Grace Macaskill, Aug 23, 2014 15:41
*[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/21/the-12-stages-of-a-richard-dawkins-twitter-scandal_n_5698443.html The 12-Stage 'Evolution' Of A Richard Dawkins Twitter Scandal] by Paul Vale, The Huffington Post UK, Posted: 22/08/2014 02:06 BST</ref> See: [[Atheism and public relations]] ]]

Most atheists are politically on the [[leftist|left]] (see: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]). Part of leftist ideology is [[feminism]]. However, there is a significant amount of [[misogyny]] among atheists (see: [[Atheism and women]]).

For example, the [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] is widely criticized for igniting deep fractures in the atheist movement through his [[Elevatorgate]] controversy. On November 26, 2013, the atheist activist and blogger [[Jen McCreight]] posted at Twitter the message: "Did anyone on Dawkins AMA ask how he feels about singlehandedly destroying the atheist movement with the Dear Muslima yet?"<ref>[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]</ref> In December 2013, atheist Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution called July 2, 2011, which is the day that Elevatorgate occurred, "The day the atheist movement died."<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution</ref> The atheist [[PZ Myers]] said about the current rifts in the atheist movement: "So deep and wide we’ve separated into two continents."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>

On March 6, 2015, it was reported that Google trends data for common terms associated with atheism/agnosticism have been in decline since about mid 2012.<ref>[http://conservativetriumphs.blogspot.com/2015/03/attention-atheists-google-trends.html Attention Atheists: Google trends indicates: You are in a slump!]</ref> In January 2015, it was shown that Google trends data indicated a recent downward trend for various Google searches related to atheism such as the keywords atheist, atheism, [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[PZ Myers]].<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2015/01/creationcom-breaks-alexa-50000-barrier.html The numbers are in: 2014 was the WORST year in the history of Darwinism/atheism In addition, Creation.com breaks the Alexa 50,000 barrier]</ref>

{{See also|Atheism and the internet}}

=== Atheists declaring that Richard Dawkins is now a liability to the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]] and [[Atheism and public relations]]

[[New Atheism]] is a form of [[militant atheism]] as far as its rhetoric.

Although the new atheist Richard Dawkins was always known for [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins|his abrasiveness]] and [[Atheism and arrogance|arrogance]], post [[Elevatorgate]] and subsequent to his various embarrassing Twitter posts, many atheists are now asking if he is a liability to the atheist movement.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>

=== Thunderf00t on the impact of Freethought Blogs and Rebecca Watson ===

In October 2014, the popular YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] indicated that the bloggers at [[Freethought Blogs]] (Freethought Blogs is the most popular atheist blogging community) accidentally put him on their email list and that they spend a considerable amount of time emailing each other engaging in petty matters. In fact, he indicated that they spent more time emailing each other than engaged in actual blogging. He also questioned the impact of the bloggers of Freethought Blogs on [[social justice]].<ref name="youtube.com">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref> Furthermore, he indicated that their attempt to make him a pariah within the atheist community had virtually no impact.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

He also indicated that the accomplishments of [[Rebecca Watson]] are very thin and that she promotes feminism in an offensive manner.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

In addition, Thunderf00t commented on how [[Jen McCreight]], the founder of the atheist feminist movement [[Atheism plus]] abandoned her movement within two weeks. And how [[Richard Carrier]] "the intellectual artillery" of the movement, quit promoting the movement within a month.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

== Atheist movement lacks sufficient emphasis on moral causes ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and morality]]

The atheist C.J. Werleman wrote in ''Salon'':
{{Cquote|More significantly, movement atheism has failed to articulate an identifiable moral cause, and any [[Progressivism|progressive]] movement that chooses to dismiss the great moral challenges of its time will be rightfully dismissed itself. In other words, movement atheism, as it stands today, risks facing its end times, or, worse, becoming a passing fad...

The atheist movement ...must move beyond being little more than a moral statement that says, “We are atheists for atheists.”<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/10/04/atheisms_white_male_problem_a_movement_needs_a_moral_cause_beyond_glamorizing_disbelief/ Atheism’s white male problem: A movement needs a moral cause beyond glamorizing disbelief] by C.J. Werleman, ''Salon'', 2014</ref>}}

== Galen Broaddus on opting out of atheist movement ==

The atheist blogger [[Galen Broaddus]] wrote about opting out of the atheist movement:
{{Cquote|But after a few years of seeing how the secular movement has been functioning on a large scale, I no longer feel like I can in good conscience be an enthusiastic supporter of it...

At the end of last year, I stepped away from the group I’d been a part of for nearly four years and led for almost two of those. I won’t go into the details out of respect for those who are still involved with it (and, to be perfectly honest, a desire not to publicly discuss it), but it was a deeply frustrating experience for me.

When the page turned to 2016, my connection to local community was gone. The group I’d led wasn’t actually that local to me, and while I considered the possibility of looking for people in the city where I live, I decided that I wasn’t up to it, not at that time.

Now I feel like community isn’t something I need at all...

If I need community, I can find a less toxic one.<ref name="I’m Opting Out of the Movement">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rivers/2016/05/im-opting-out-of-the-movement/ I’m Opting Out of the Movement] by Galen Broaddus</ref>}}

At the present time, Broaddus describes himself as an "occasional secular activist".<ref name="Bio Galen Broaddus">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rivers/about/ Bio Galen Broaddus]</ref>

== PZ Myers' prediction that the atheism movement will stagnate or shrink unless atheists change ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism, social justice and hypocrisy]] and [[PZ Myers and social justice]]

On September 27, 2014 in a blog post entitled ''The Atheist Disillusionment'', the prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]] declared:
{{cquote|I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink, because organized atheism is happily in the process of destroying itself with regressive social attitudes, scandals, and their bizarre focus on irrelevant metaphysical differences that don’t help people...

Unless we change.

I don’t know that we can.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] - PZ Myers, September 27, 2014</ref>}}

Please also see: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]

== Atheist movement and nerds ==
[[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|[[PZ Myers]] ]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist nerds]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]

In 2013, PZ Myers declared:
{{cquote|If we're going to expand our base and we're going to draw in more people to recognize the virtues of living in a secular world, we need to appeal to more than just that geek and [[nerd]] subset of the population. We need to have a wider base. ...I seriously believe that we're on the cusp of a crisis. We're not there yet but it's looming in front of us. Will we adapt and thrive and change the world? Or will we remain an avocation for a prosperous and largely irrelevant subset of the population? Will we become something more than a scattered society of internet nerds? That's what we have to do.<ref name="evolutionnews.org">[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/04/in_seattle_pz_m070861.html in Seattle, PZ Myers Reflects Candidly on His Constituency]</ref>}}

In response, David Klinghoffer at ''[[Evolution]] News and Views'' wrote:
{{cquote|A crisis looms, in Myers's view, because he looks around himself and sees a not very promising basis for a mass movement. He's right. There is indeed a quality of geeky isolation from reality, common sense, and the fullness of life that I see as a motif in atheist and Darwin activism alike.<ref name="evolutionnews.org">[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/04/in_seattle_pz_m070861.html in Seattle, PZ Myers Reflects Candidly on His Constituency]</ref>}}

== Women and the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]]

Historically, women have not been attracted to atheism.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2013/07/21/from_hitchens_to_dawkins_where_are_the_women_of_new_atheism/ From Hitchens to Dawkins: Where are the women of New Atheism?] by Katie Engelhart, Salon, July 21, 2013</ref> Today, the atheist community has still found it difficult to attract women to be a part of the atheist community and the majority of atheists are men. In addition, a significant portion of the atheist community has [[misogyny|misogynist]] beliefs and attitudes (see: [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and rape]]).

== Western World, racial minorities and the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Western atheism and race]]

Historically, in the [[Western World]], the atheist community has been made up of predominantly white individuals who have had a reluctance and/or inability to attract racial minorities into their community (see: [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Evolutionary racism]]).

== Inability of atheist movement to effect widespread public acceptance of atheists ==

[[File:Daniel Dennett 2.jpg|left|thumbnail|200px|[[Daniel Dennett]] ]]

The atheist Geoffrey Lee Hodge wrote in an article at Humanist.com:
{{Cquote| A look back through history shows that successful social movements..progress through two waves. The first step is to unite and mobilize the marginalized group, encouraging individuals to be proud of their differences, to stand up for their rights and to speak out against discrimination. The new atheist movement has done this well, and Dawkins and Dennett deserve much credit for carrying the banner. But creating a strong and vocal base is not sufficient to bring about social change. It requires a second wave, different in character from the first. The second wave must convince moderate people outside the marginalized group that discrimination against the minority group is real, harmful, and intolerable.

When I got a chance to ask Professors Dawkins and [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] about this observation, suggesting that in order to isolate intolerant fundamentalist Christian views, the new atheist movement in the US should consider more outreach to liberal Christians, their answers were interesting. Dennett acknowledged that a second wave was needed, but ultimately agreed with Dawkins’ reluctance to reach out to liberal Christians.<ref>[https://thehumanist.com/commentary/advancing-the-atheist-movement-dawkins-dennett-and-the-second-wave Advancing the Atheist Movement: Dawkins, Dennett, and the Second Wave] by Geoffrey Lee Hodge</ref>}}

{{See also|Atheism and liberal Christianity alliances}}

=== Reluctance of many atheists to tell others about their atheism in theistic cultures ===

It is common in theistic cultures for atheists to be reluctant to tell others about their atheism (see: [[Atheism and apathy]]).

=== Theistic cultures are often highly resistant to accepting atheists ===

''See also:'' [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]

[[Social science]] data indicates that in theistic cultures that distrust of atheists is enduring and deep seated (see: [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

At the present time, there is widespread pessimism about the atheist movement among atheists (see: [[Decline of the atheist movement]]).

== Atheist Michael Nugent on the global atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Global atheism]] and [[Secular Europe]] and [[Asian atheism]]

[[File:Michael Nugent.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Michael Nugent]] ]]

According to the Irish atheist [[Michael Nugent]]: "The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements."<ref name="michaelnugent.com">"[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/19/the-atheist-movement-is-global-it-is-not-defined-by-the-mostly-american-deep-rifts-disagreements/ The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements]." by Michael Nugent</ref>

Nugent further indicates:
{{Cquote|‘Some of these more mainstream media analyses imply that there is a single ‘atheist movement’, and that it is best analysed through some opinions of some mostly [[American atheism|American bloggers and activists]] who, while committed and sincere and doing good work, are not representative of atheist activism worldwide.’<ref name="michaelnugent.com">"[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/19/the-atheist-movement-is-global-it-is-not-defined-by-the-mostly-american-deep-rifts-disagreements/ The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements]." by Michael Nugent</ref>}}

Nugent has spent a great deal of time publicly criticizing fellow atheist [[PZ Myers]] online, while at the same time criticizing Myers for publicly criticizing other atheists (Nugent privately asked Myers to change his behavior as well).<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2014/12/michael-nugent-vs-pz-myers.html Michael Nugent vs. PZ Myers], Atheist Revolution website</ref><ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/?s=PZ+Myers Michael Nugent website - Search "PZ Myers"]</ref>

Furthermore, Irish atheists have a reputation for being ill-tempered/quarrelsome just like their American counterparts.<ref name="independent.ie">[http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/were-sorry-so-very-very-sorry-the-first-atheist-schism-26539122.html We're sorry. So very, very sorry. THE FIRST ATHEIST SCHISM?], ''Irish Independent''</ref> According to the ''Irish Independent'', "If there's one thing you can take for granted, it's that atheists tend to be a rather cranky bunch."<ref name="independent.ie"/> See also: [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence]]

== Composition and structure of the American atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist organizations]]
[[File:David Silverman.JPG|thumbnail|left|150px|[[David Silverman]] is president of the [[American Atheists]] organization.]]
The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' says about the composition and structure of the American atheist movement:
{{Cquote|The organisational structure of the atheist movement is characterised by plurality and eclecticism. Based around no predominant group and possessing no formal leadership or tangible set of governing arrangements, this movement assumes a non-hierarchical and decentralised form that operates within a number of organisations set up to promote a range of atheist, secularist, and humanist (collectively referred to here as ‘ASH’) ideas and causes. Notable organisations include: the American Humanist Association (established in 1941), American Atheists (formed in 1963), the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]] (1978), the Council for Secular Humanism (1980), the Atheist Alliance of America (1991), the [[Center for Inquiry]] (1991), the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (1998), the [[Secular Student Alliance]] (2000), the Secular Coalition for America (2002), and the United Coalition of Reason (2009).

At the present time, little is known about the specific composition of such groups and the reasons why individuals become actively involved in the atheism movement are still being debated (e.g. LeDrew). Research suggests that a majority of atheists positively engage in efforts to promote atheism in some form (Silver), but it appears that only a small percentage become involved in formal organisations of this kind. Research also indicates that atheists who are actively participating in formal non-religious organisations tend to belong to a number of different groups at any one time (Hunsberger and Altemeyer).<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell]''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

=== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau on American atheist movements ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

The atheist Georgetown professor Jacques Berlinerblau declared:
{{cquote|American atheist movements, though fancying themselves a lion, are more like the gimpy little zebra crossing the river full of crocs. In terms of both political gains and popular appeal, nonbelievers in the United States have little to show. They are encircled by cunning, swarming [religious] Revivalist adversaries who know how to play the atheist card. The gimpy zebra remark was a little goofing on this over-the-top chest-thumping that emerges from Movement Atheists. They wildly overestimate their numbers. They tend to overestimate the efficacy of their activism. They underestimate how disciplined and organized their adversaries in the religious right are, too. They fail to recognize that mocking religious people in public is entirely inimical to the goals they wish to achieve."<ref>[http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2012-09/professor-jacques-berlinerblau-tells-atheists-stop-whining Professor Jacques Berlinerblau tells atheists: Stop whining!], Christian Century, Sep 14, 2012 by Kimberly Winston</ref>}}

== Atheist movement and its public speakers ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and public speaking]]
[[File:JAMES RANDI.jpg|thumbnail|170px|right|[[James Randi]] ]]
The news website Vox reported about [[Reason Rally 2016]]:
{{Cquote|It is clear, too, that almost nobody who takes the stage at Reason Rally was ever trained as a preacher. The whole thing is languid, urgent words in measured tones. The goal is an "end to bigotry," in the pitch of a polite request, to "reject" a supernatural worldview with all the force of tepid applause. Jamie Raskin says the job of politicians is to "listen to scientists" and closes with "Put your thinking caps on America!" [[Penn Jillette]] struggles to get a video playing, chokes up over Hitchens, then plays a Bob Dylan knockoff about his love for all people. The [[James Randi|Amazing Randi]] devotes half an hour to a muted jeremiad against the obscure "facilitated communication" hoax. Peter says he does not know what "FC" is, but he'll look into it.<ref>[http://www.vox.com/2016/6/29/12051872/reason-rally American atheists are on the rise. They have radically different visions of the future], Vox</ref>}}

The atheist [[Jerry Coyne]] said about [[atheist conferences]] which he attended:
{{cquote|But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks.

...a few things bothered me, most notably the air of self-congratulation (which I excused on the grounds of enthusiastic people finding like-minded folks for the first time), the “fanboyness” directed at some of the famous atheists (they hardly let poor [[Richard Dawkins' cult of personality|Richard]] alone, and I’m not sure he liked that!), and the lameness of quite a few of the talks. Again, how much new can you say about atheism?<ref name="whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com">[https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/are-there-too-many-atheist-meetings/ Are there too many atheist meetings?] by Jerry Coyne</ref>}}

== Reason Rally ==

The [[Reason Rally]] was billed as the largest secular event in history.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/12/06/is_mocking_religion_enough_harris_dawkins_and_the_future_of_atheistsecular_politics/ Is mocking religion enough? Harris, Dawkins and the future of atheist/secular politics] by Richard Cimino and Christopher Smith, Salon magazine</ref> It was held in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2012.

According to the ''Religion News Service'' 8,000-10,000 people showed up for the rally.<ref>Winston, Kimberly (March 24, 2012). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/atheist-rally_n_1377443.html#s811235&title=Reason_Rally_on Atheists Rally On National Mall; The 'Reason Rally' Largest Gathering Of Nonbelievers (PHOTOS)]". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2012-05-02.</ref> ''The Atlantic'' reported 20,000 individuals were in attendance.<ref>Benjamin Fearnow & Mickey Woods, [http://www.theatlantic.com/national/print/2012/03/richard-dawkins-preaches-to-nonbelievers-at-reason-rally/255012/ "Richard Dawkins Preaches to Nonbelievers at Reason Rally"], ''The Atlantic'', March 24, 2012.</ref>

[[Reason Rally 2016]] was sparsely attended.

YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after Reason Rally 2016 had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. Hitchens is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref name="Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally'">[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

== Scott Simon of National Public Radio on organized atheism and its small measure of charitable work ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and charity]] and [[Atheism and love]]

Scott Simon of [[National Public Radio]] (NPR): "I have covered a lot of wars, famines and tragedies. And it seems to me, truly every theatre of suffering I have ever been to, there is a dauntless nun, priest, clergy or religious person, who is working very selflessly and bravery there for the good of human beings. But I don't run into [[Atheist movement|organized atheists]] who do this.

[[New Atheism|New atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]: "Perhaps there is not enough of them."...

Scott Simon, NPR: "But I do wonder am I just not seeing the world correctly to see large numbers of well-motivated atheists lending their lives to trying to better the world... If I might put it this way, are they just more concerned about being right intellectually."<ref>[http://www.npr.org/2017/05/27/530337283/richard-dawkins-on-terrorism-and-religion Richard Dawkins On Terrorism And Religion]</ref>

== Growth of evangelical Christianity in secular geographic regions ==

*[[Growth of Christianity in China|Growth of Christianity in atheistic China]]

*[[Secular Europe|Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century]]

*[[Atheism vs. Christianity]]

== Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Convention ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Irreligion in Australia]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref> According to Martin, fragmentation within today's atheist movement in Australia is a key reason that the convention may have been difficult to sell (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== Atheist movement apathetic about atheist art ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist art]] and [[Atheism and culture]]

The atheist and feminist writer Any Roth wrote about the atheist population having apathy about atheist art: "Does art matter to atheism? This is actually an interesting question that I don’t think movement atheist thinks much about."<ref>[http://skepchick.org/2014/04/three-reasons-art-should-matter-to-atheism/]</ref>

Historically, religious institutions sponsored great works of art and architecture. Atheist groups do not have a tradition of sponsoring great works of art and architecture.

In contrast to the atheist movement, Christians and other religious faiths historically are prolific in terms of producing musical/art works related to their faith/worldview and many great works have been produced over the centuries (See also: [[Atheist art]] and [[Argument from beauty]]).

== See also ==

*[[Atheism and leadership]]
*[[Famous atheists]]
*[[Schools of atheist thought]]
*[[New Atheism vs. old atheism]]
*[[History of Atheism|History of atheism]]
*[[Militant atheism]]
*[[Atheism and beliefs]]
*[[Atheism is a religion]]
*[[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]
*[[British atheism]]
*[[Madalyn Murray O'Hair]]

Essay:

*[[Essay: Why the atheist movement is a lost cause|Why the atheist movement is a lost cause]]

== External links ==

*[http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/religion/article/68423-sociologist-stephen-ledrew-on-the-rift-in-the-atheism-movement.html Sociologist Stephen LeDrew on the Rift in the Atheism Movement], ''Publishers Weekly''

*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/the-atheist-movement-becomes-the-atheist-circus/ The Atheist Movement Becomes The Atheist Circus]

*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/becoming-disillusioned-with-the-atheist-movement/ Becoming Disillusioned with the Atheist Movement]

*[http://www.buzzfeed.com/markoppenheimer/will-misogyny-bring-down-the-atheist-movement Will Misogyny Bring Down The Atheist Movement]

*[http://www.dailygrail.com/Skepticism/2013/8/Is-the-Week-Organized-Skepticism-Imploded Is This the Week that Organized Skepticism Imploded?]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled

2017-11-11T05:28:58Z

Wisdomcriesout:

[[File:Salman-Rushdie.jpg|thumbnail|170px|right|[[Salman Rushdie]] was scheduled to be a speaker at the 2018 Global Atheist Convention. On November 6, 2017, atheist [[PZ Myers]] announced the 2018 Global Atheist Convention was cancelled.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/11/06/never-mind-2/ Never mind] by PZ Myers</ref><ref>[http://atheistconvention.org.au/ 2018 Global Atheist Convention website]</ref> ]]
The '''2018 Global Atheist Convention''' that was cancelled was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref> According to Martin, fragmentation within today's atheist movement in Australia is a key reason that the convention may have been difficult to sell (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

The 2018 Global [[Atheist conferences|Atheist Convention]] was to be held from 9–11 February 2018, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]].<ref>[http://atheistconvention.org.au/ 2018 Global Atheist Convention website]</ref> The sponsor of the convention is the Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA).<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Some of the atheist speakers that were scheduled were: Sir [[Salman Rushdie]], [[Greta Christina]], [[Aron Ra]], Anne Laurie Gaynor (co-president of the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]]), [[Dan Barker]], [[Sikivu Hutchinson]], Maryam Namazie ([[Iran]]ian secularist and [[communism|communist]]) and Clementine Ford (actress and [[feminism|feminist]] author/commentator)<ref>[http://atheistconvention.org.au/speakers/ 2018 Global Atheist Convention - speakers]</ref>

The first two global atheist conventions were in 2010 and 2012 and also held in Melbourne<ref>[http://atheistconvention.org.au/ 2018 Global Atheist Convention website]</ref> The Atheist Foundation of Australia and [[Atheist Alliance International]] were the sponsors of the 2010 and 2012 global atheist conventions.

== Cancelled 2018 Global Atheist Convention controversy about women speakers ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheist feminism]] and [[Sexual harassment at atheist conferences]] and [[Atheism and rape]]
[[File:Clementine-Ford.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|After the actress and feminist author/commentator Clementine Ford was picked as a speaker as part of creating gender parity in atheist speakers to the 2018 Global Atheist Convention, it was reported that a substantial number of rape and death threats occurred on a Facebook page promoting the convention.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/comment/view-from-the-street/why-do-public-atheists-have-to-behave-like-such-jerks-20170621-gwvg4s.html Why do public atheists have to behave like such jerks] by Andrew Street, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', June 21, 2017</ref>]]
Andrew Street wrote in ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' about the 2018 Global Atheist Convention:
{{Cquote|Thus in recent times there has been a concerted, deliberate effort to overcome the not-inaccurate perception that atheism is exclusively a boys' club. And there has been predictable pushback from members of said community who are deeply concerned that this [[Progressivism|progressive]] attitude may yet expose them to dangerous levels of girl germs.

The latest example came on Tuesday when the upcoming Atheist Global Convention in Melbourne announced that feminist author and commentator Clementine Ford would be one of the speakers.

Predictably, this made a few people unhappy - but the venom levelled at Ford and the conference generally for daring to have a line up of speakers which approached gender parity was a shock.

And that's despite the moderators on the Facebook page making clear that "we have been deleting specific rape and death threats as they occur… there have been substantial numbers", just in case there was any doubt about the calibre of awesome dudes weighing in with their important opinions about the line up.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/comment/view-from-the-street/why-do-public-atheists-have-to-behave-like-such-jerks-20170621-gwvg4s.html Why do public atheists have to behave like such jerks] by Andrew Street, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', June 21, 2017</ref>}}

The atheist Adam Lee wrote about Clementine Ford and the online hostility about her being a speaker at the 2018 Global Atheist Convention:
{{Cquote|Even so, the sheer number of comments that had to be deleted for extreme rudeness, slurs, misogyny or outright threats of violence is a depressing commentary on how unenlightened the atheist community is.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2017/06/online-atheist-community-still-terrible/ The Online Atheist Community: Still Terrible] by Adam Lee, Daylight Atheism</ref>}}

== Reason to hope theme ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Hopelessness of atheism]] and [[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]] and [[Atheism and inspiration]]

The Atheist Foundation of Australia released in a press release:
{{Cquote|Hosted by the Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) the Convention’s theme is Reason to Hope.

“There is reason to hope,” AFA President Kylie Sturgess says, “in a gathering such as this that welcomes all audiences. At past conventions we’ve had people from a broad range of backgrounds and seen committed atheists engaging with religious-but-curious types on issues that matter to all of us.

Is a [[Secular humanism|humanist]], [[Philosophical skepticism|skeptical]], secular approach our best hope for the future? Increasing numbers of Australians think so and this event is about finding a place for the godless in contemporary Australia and the world.”<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>}}

The Atheist Forum website wrote about the cancelled 2018 Global Atheist Convention's theme of "Reason to hope":
{{Cquote|The title is intriguing: reason to hope. I’m not entirely sure what atheists have to share about hope, because ultimately atheism is a [[Hopelessness of atheism|hopeless philosophy]] i.e. there is no individual, personal hope beyond my death. This is obviously a moot point because many atheists do claim to have hope (and this convention will obviously deal with that topic). So I am intrigued as to exactly what is the ‘hope’ spoken of here.<ref>[https://atheistforum.wordpress.com/2017/02/28/global-atheist-convention-2018-who-will-speak/ Global Atheist Convention 2018: who will speak?], Atheism Forum,
February 28, 2017</ref>}}

== See also ==

*[[Atheist conferences]]
*[[Atheism and public speaking]]
*[[Global atheism]]
*[[Reason Rally]]
*[[Reason Rally 2016]]

== External links ==

*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/11/cancellation.html Cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention called a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation of Australia]
*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2017/11/09/times-have-changed/ Times Have Changed: On the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-2018-global-atheist-convention-has.html The 2018 Global Atheist Convention has been cancelled. Substantially lower ticket sales was given as the reason. The boring nature of atheist conferences was not mentioned]
*[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest]. ''Eternity News''

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]

Creation Ministries International

2017-11-11T03:12:26Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Creation Ministries International - Australia: Support Groups */

[[Image:Carl weiland.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] was one of the founders of Creation Ministries International ]]
'''Creation Ministries International''' (CMI) is a network of [[creation]] ministries which started in [[Australia]], and now also has offices in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Africa]], and [[Singapore]].

== Outreach and structure ==

CMI publishes ''Creation'' magazine and the technical ''Journal of Creation''. ''Creation'' has been published (originally as ''Ex Nihilo'') since 1978, and it has readers in 140 countries.

Outreach mainly comprises the publications, the web-site, and speaking engagements, mainly in church services. The "Creation Bus" is a converted Adelaide bus which tours outback and rural areas of Australia, fulfilling speaking engagements at churches and schools in smaller communities. The "Ark Van" is a van with a set of detailed models of [[Noah's Ark]] which visits churches, Sunday schools, schools, agricultural shows, and community events in Australia.

Each national CMI organisation is legally autonomous, but co-operates with each other. Each Ministry is controlled by a board of directors who are elected by members of the organisation.

The Australian ministry publishes the magazine and journal, and operates the web-site, [http://Creation.com Creation.com], on behalf of each national organisation.

== Question evolution! campaign ==

''For more information please see:'' [[Question evolution! campaign]]

The [[Question evolution! campaign]], launched by Creation Ministries International, is a worldwide "[[grassroots|grass-roots]] movement to challenge the anti-[[Christianity|Christian]] [[dogma]] of evolution".<ref>[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question evolution! campaign]</ref> The focus of the Question evolution! campaign is on 15 questions that evolutionists cannot answer. The ''15 Questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer'' can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE].<ref>[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question evolution! campaign]</ref> The campaign will be primarily conducted in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]] and [[South Africa]].<ref>http://creation.com/question-evolution</ref>

In May 2011, Creation Ministries International and the [[Traditional Values Coalition]] decided to jointly work together to advance the Question evolution! campaign. The Traditional Values Coalition is a [[church]] [[lobby]]ing organization that lobbies for over 43,000 [[United States|American]] churches.

The campaign features tracts, T-shirts, badges, mugs, etc. and students are being encouraged to participate in the campaign.<ref>http://creation.com/question-evolution</ref>

=== The 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer ===

The [http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions of the Question evolution! campaign], summarized, are (the full version of the 15 questions can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE]):

# How did [[Origin of Life|life originate]]? How did life with hundreds of proteins originate just by chemistry without [[intelligent design]]?
# How did the [[DNA]] code originate? The code is a sophisticated language system with letters and words where the meaning of the words is unrelated to the chemical properties of the letters—just as the information on this page is not a product of the chemical properties of the ink (or pixels on a screen). What other coding system has existed without intelligent design?
# How could such errors (mutations) create 3 billion letters of DNA information to change a microbe into a microbiologist? How can scrambling existing DNA information create a new biochemical pathway or nano-machines?
# Why is [[natural selection]] taught as ‘evolution’ as if it explains the origin of the diversity of life?
# How did new biochemical pathways, which involve multiple enzymes working together in sequence, originate?
# Living things [[intelligent design|look like they were designed]], so how do evolutionists know that they were ''not'' designed? Why should science be restricted to [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic causes]] rather than [[logic]]al causes?
# How did multi-cellular life originate?
# How did [[sex]] originate?
# Why are the (expected) countless millions of [http://www.conservapedia.com/Evolution#Lack_of_Any_Clear_Transitional_Forms transitional fossils missing]?
# How do ‘living fossils’ remain unchanged over supposed hundreds of millions of years?
# How did blind chemistry create mind/intelligence, meaning, altruism and morality?
# Why is evolutionary ‘just-so’ story-telling tolerated?
# Where are the scientific breakthroughs due to evolution? Why do schools and universities teach evolution so dogmatically, stealing time from experimental biology that so benefits humankind?
# Why is evolution, a theory about ''history'', taught as if it is the same as this ''operational'' science?
# Why is a fundamentally religious idea, a dogmatic belief system that fails to explain the evidence, taught in ''science'' classes? If “you can’t teach religion in science classes”, why is evolution taught?

The Question evolution! campaign tract with the expanded questions includes short arguments and/or quotes in support of biblical [[creation]], in additionally offers links to articles on CMI's website providing supporting evidence.<ref>[http://aufiles.creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-a4.pdf 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer]</ref>

== Darwin film ==
CMI is producing a documentary film challenging [[evolution]], for release in 2009, the 200th anniversary of the birth of [[Charles Darwin]] and the 150th anniversary of the publication of ''[[The Origin of Species]]''. The $US5 million film is, they say, "among the biggest documentary film projects undertaken by any faith-funded Christian organization in the world"<ref>[http://www.darwinfilm.com/ Documentary film project] Official web-site.</ref>

== Creation Ministries International - Australia: Support Groups ==

CMI in Australia has a number of volunteer auxiliaries known as "Support Groups", located mainly in each of the state capitals.

== Creation Ministries International and atheism ==

{{See also|Creation Ministries International and atheism}}

Creation Ministries International (CMI) has a large number of articles concerning [[atheism]] compared to most biblical [[creation]] organizations.

Below is CMI's collection of articles critiquing atheism:

*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions]

=== 2010 Global Atheist Convention ===

The worldwide atheist community was challenged to a debate by Creation Ministries International as prominent atheists were speaking at a 2010 global atheist convention in [[Australia]].<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists refused to debate Creation Ministries International.<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref>

== Scientists and Speakers ==

The following scientists and speakers work for CMI.
* [http://creation.com/adrian-bates Adrian Bates] (New Zealand)
* [http://creation.com/gary-bates Gary Bates] (United States)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-don-batten Don Batten], plant physiology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/philip-bell Philip Bell], zoology (United Kingdom)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-robert-carter Rob Carter], Marine biology (United States)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-david-catchpoole David Catchpoole], plant physiology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/richard-fangrad Richard Fangrad], electronics (Canada)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-john-hartnett John Hartnett], physics (Australia, part-time)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-mark-harwood Mark Harwood], satellite specialist (Australia, part-time)
* Dr [http://creation.com/dr-johan-kruger Johan Kruger], zoologist (South Africa)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-pierre-gunnar-jerlstrom Pierre Jerlström], molecular biology (Australia)
* Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]], physical chemistry (Australia)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-emil-silvestru Emil Silvestru], geology (cave specialist) (Canada)
* [http://creation.com/calvin-smith Calvin Smith] (Canada)
* [http://creation.com/peter-sparrow Peter Sparrow] (Creation Bus, Australia)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-tas-walker Tas Walker] engineering, geology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/rod-walsh-ark-van Rod Walsh] (Ark Van, Australia, part-time)
* Dr. [[Carl Wieland]], medical doctor (Australia)

== History ==
[[File:Richard Dawkins stumped.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins stumped|thumbnail|200px|right|The video ''From a Frog to a Prince'', produced by Creation Ministries International, features the [[atheism|atheist]] and [[evolution]]ist [[Richard Dawkins]] being stumped by the question of a creationist.<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> The interviewer asked Dawkins for an example of [[genetics|genetic]] [[information]] arising from a [[mutation]].<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> A shortened version of the video has been translated into 10 languages.<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> ]]
The history of CMI can be traced back to 1977, when Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] started the ''Creation Science Association'' in [[South Australia]], and [[Ken Ham]] and John Mackay started ''Creation Science Educational Media Services'' in [[Queensland]] around the same time. In 1980, the two organisations amalgamated and renamed the ''Creation Science Foundation'', based in Queensland. Wieland had started publishing the magazine, and with the amalgamation, this was taken over by Ham and Mackay.

In 1986 Ham left CSF and went to work for the [[Institute for Creation Research]] in [[California]]. Mackay left in 1987 and started his own creation ministry. Wieland returned to take over management of the organisation, which remained (and remains to this day) in [[Brisbane]], Queensland.

CSF opened an office in the United Kingdom in 1993.

In 1994, Ham left ICR and started a branch of CSF in the United States, but because of legal technicalities, could not use that name, and instead called the organisation ''Answers in Genesis''. The other CSF offices changed their name to Answers in Genesis soon after.

Also in 1994, an office was opened in [[Auckland]], New Zealand. Canada followed in 1998, when the Creation Science Association of Ontario, which had been in existence since 1978, joined the group. The South African ministry began in 2002.

In early 2006, following a decision by AiG (US) to break from the international group (along with AiG (UK)), the remaining organisations changed their name to Creation Ministries International and commenced their own web-site.

Later in 2006, CMI opened new offices in the United States and the United Kingdom.
== Publications ==

*[[Creation magazine|''Creation'' magazine]]

*''[[Journal of Creation]]'' - Peer reviewed biblical creation journal

Creation Ministries International also publishes a [http://usstore.creation.com/catalog/books--c-4.html variety of books, booklets, videos, CDs and tracts].

== Dispute with Answers in Genesis ==

''For more detail, see [[Answers in Genesis#Dispute with Creation Ministries International|Answers in Genesis: Dispute with Creation Ministries International]]''

In early 2006, [[Answers in Genesis]] (U.S.) stopped distribution of ''Creation'' magazine and the ''Journal of Creation'', switching the subscribers to their new magazine, ''Answers''. CMI claims that this was unethical, unlawful, and harmed their ministry. After failing to obtain a satisfactory resolution on the dispute, CMI began legal proceedings against AiG (U.S.) in May 2007.<ref>[http://www.creationontheweb.biz/lawsuit_justification.html Why CMI-Australia is holding AiG-US legally accountable for its actions]</ref> CMI notes that the dispute is settled, as of April 2009.<ref>[http://creation.com/dispute-settled Dispute settled]</ref>

== Bibliography ==
* [http://www.creation.com/content/view/42/60/ What we are]
* [http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/about/history.asp The history of AiG–U.S. to early 2007]

== See also ==
*[[Richard Dawkins and Creation Ministries International]]

==External links==
*[http://creation.com Creation Ministries International website]
*[http://www.facebook.com/creationministries Creation Ministries International - Facebook]
*[http://creationwiki.org/CMI Creation Ministries International] at [[CreationWiki]]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o8HR5lMluA Christian apologist Rev. Joe Boot on Creation Ministries International] - [[YouTube]] video

'''Question evolution! campaign:
'''
*[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question Evolution!]
*[http://creation.com/15-questions 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot satisfactorily answer]
*[http://aufiles.creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-a4.pdf 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot satisfactorily answer PDF version]
*[http://traditionalvalues.org/content/home/31850/ Question Evolution!] Campaign webpage for [[Traditional Values Coalition]]

Question evolution! videos:

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9oJFXSyGpM Question Evolution!] - [[YouTube]] video
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yJZHk1IBR0 The Question Evolution Campaign - Come see!]

Question evolution! tract:

*[http://usstore.creation.com/catalog/questions-evolutionists-tracts-p-849.html 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot answer tract] - USA
*[http://creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-s.pdf 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot answer] - PDF facsimile

'''Age of the earth:'''

*[http://creation.com/age-of-the-earth Age of the earth -101 evidences for a young earth and universe]
*[http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-8-how-old-is-the-earth How old is the earth?] - ''Refuting evolution'' - Chapter 8 by Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]]

'''Refutations of atheism:'''

*[http://creation.com/atheism Atheism] by Ken Ammi
*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions]
{{Creation vs. evolution}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Young Earth Creationism]]
[[Category:Christian Organizations]]

Creation Ministries International

2017-11-11T03:11:57Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Support Groups */

[[Image:Carl weiland.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] was one of the founders of Creation Ministries International ]]
'''Creation Ministries International''' (CMI) is a network of [[creation]] ministries which started in [[Australia]], and now also has offices in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Africa]], and [[Singapore]].

== Outreach and structure ==

CMI publishes ''Creation'' magazine and the technical ''Journal of Creation''. ''Creation'' has been published (originally as ''Ex Nihilo'') since 1978, and it has readers in 140 countries.

Outreach mainly comprises the publications, the web-site, and speaking engagements, mainly in church services. The "Creation Bus" is a converted Adelaide bus which tours outback and rural areas of Australia, fulfilling speaking engagements at churches and schools in smaller communities. The "Ark Van" is a van with a set of detailed models of [[Noah's Ark]] which visits churches, Sunday schools, schools, agricultural shows, and community events in Australia.

Each national CMI organisation is legally autonomous, but co-operates with each other. Each Ministry is controlled by a board of directors who are elected by members of the organisation.

The Australian ministry publishes the magazine and journal, and operates the web-site, [http://Creation.com Creation.com], on behalf of each national organisation.

== Question evolution! campaign ==

''For more information please see:'' [[Question evolution! campaign]]

The [[Question evolution! campaign]], launched by Creation Ministries International, is a worldwide "[[grassroots|grass-roots]] movement to challenge the anti-[[Christianity|Christian]] [[dogma]] of evolution".<ref>[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question evolution! campaign]</ref> The focus of the Question evolution! campaign is on 15 questions that evolutionists cannot answer. The ''15 Questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer'' can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE].<ref>[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question evolution! campaign]</ref> The campaign will be primarily conducted in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]] and [[South Africa]].<ref>http://creation.com/question-evolution</ref>

In May 2011, Creation Ministries International and the [[Traditional Values Coalition]] decided to jointly work together to advance the Question evolution! campaign. The Traditional Values Coalition is a [[church]] [[lobby]]ing organization that lobbies for over 43,000 [[United States|American]] churches.

The campaign features tracts, T-shirts, badges, mugs, etc. and students are being encouraged to participate in the campaign.<ref>http://creation.com/question-evolution</ref>

=== The 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer ===

The [http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions of the Question evolution! campaign], summarized, are (the full version of the 15 questions can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE]):

# How did [[Origin of Life|life originate]]? How did life with hundreds of proteins originate just by chemistry without [[intelligent design]]?
# How did the [[DNA]] code originate? The code is a sophisticated language system with letters and words where the meaning of the words is unrelated to the chemical properties of the letters—just as the information on this page is not a product of the chemical properties of the ink (or pixels on a screen). What other coding system has existed without intelligent design?
# How could such errors (mutations) create 3 billion letters of DNA information to change a microbe into a microbiologist? How can scrambling existing DNA information create a new biochemical pathway or nano-machines?
# Why is [[natural selection]] taught as ‘evolution’ as if it explains the origin of the diversity of life?
# How did new biochemical pathways, which involve multiple enzymes working together in sequence, originate?
# Living things [[intelligent design|look like they were designed]], so how do evolutionists know that they were ''not'' designed? Why should science be restricted to [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic causes]] rather than [[logic]]al causes?
# How did multi-cellular life originate?
# How did [[sex]] originate?
# Why are the (expected) countless millions of [http://www.conservapedia.com/Evolution#Lack_of_Any_Clear_Transitional_Forms transitional fossils missing]?
# How do ‘living fossils’ remain unchanged over supposed hundreds of millions of years?
# How did blind chemistry create mind/intelligence, meaning, altruism and morality?
# Why is evolutionary ‘just-so’ story-telling tolerated?
# Where are the scientific breakthroughs due to evolution? Why do schools and universities teach evolution so dogmatically, stealing time from experimental biology that so benefits humankind?
# Why is evolution, a theory about ''history'', taught as if it is the same as this ''operational'' science?
# Why is a fundamentally religious idea, a dogmatic belief system that fails to explain the evidence, taught in ''science'' classes? If “you can’t teach religion in science classes”, why is evolution taught?

The Question evolution! campaign tract with the expanded questions includes short arguments and/or quotes in support of biblical [[creation]], in additionally offers links to articles on CMI's website providing supporting evidence.<ref>[http://aufiles.creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-a4.pdf 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer]</ref>

== Darwin film ==
CMI is producing a documentary film challenging [[evolution]], for release in 2009, the 200th anniversary of the birth of [[Charles Darwin]] and the 150th anniversary of the publication of ''[[The Origin of Species]]''. The $US5 million film is, they say, "among the biggest documentary film projects undertaken by any faith-funded Christian organization in the world"<ref>[http://www.darwinfilm.com/ Documentary film project] Official web-site.</ref>

=== Creation Ministries International - Australia: Support Groups ===

CMI in Australia has a number of volunteer auxiliaries known as "Support Groups", located mainly in each of the state capitals.

== Creation Ministries International and atheism ==

{{See also|Creation Ministries International and atheism}}

Creation Ministries International (CMI) has a large number of articles concerning [[atheism]] compared to most biblical [[creation]] organizations.

Below is CMI's collection of articles critiquing atheism:

*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions]

=== 2010 Global Atheist Convention ===

The worldwide atheist community was challenged to a debate by Creation Ministries International as prominent atheists were speaking at a 2010 global atheist convention in [[Australia]].<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists refused to debate Creation Ministries International.<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref>

== Scientists and Speakers ==

The following scientists and speakers work for CMI.
* [http://creation.com/adrian-bates Adrian Bates] (New Zealand)
* [http://creation.com/gary-bates Gary Bates] (United States)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-don-batten Don Batten], plant physiology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/philip-bell Philip Bell], zoology (United Kingdom)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-robert-carter Rob Carter], Marine biology (United States)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-david-catchpoole David Catchpoole], plant physiology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/richard-fangrad Richard Fangrad], electronics (Canada)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-john-hartnett John Hartnett], physics (Australia, part-time)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-mark-harwood Mark Harwood], satellite specialist (Australia, part-time)
* Dr [http://creation.com/dr-johan-kruger Johan Kruger], zoologist (South Africa)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-pierre-gunnar-jerlstrom Pierre Jerlström], molecular biology (Australia)
* Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]], physical chemistry (Australia)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-emil-silvestru Emil Silvestru], geology (cave specialist) (Canada)
* [http://creation.com/calvin-smith Calvin Smith] (Canada)
* [http://creation.com/peter-sparrow Peter Sparrow] (Creation Bus, Australia)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-tas-walker Tas Walker] engineering, geology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/rod-walsh-ark-van Rod Walsh] (Ark Van, Australia, part-time)
* Dr. [[Carl Wieland]], medical doctor (Australia)

== History ==
[[File:Richard Dawkins stumped.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins stumped|thumbnail|200px|right|The video ''From a Frog to a Prince'', produced by Creation Ministries International, features the [[atheism|atheist]] and [[evolution]]ist [[Richard Dawkins]] being stumped by the question of a creationist.<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> The interviewer asked Dawkins for an example of [[genetics|genetic]] [[information]] arising from a [[mutation]].<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> A shortened version of the video has been translated into 10 languages.<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> ]]
The history of CMI can be traced back to 1977, when Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] started the ''Creation Science Association'' in [[South Australia]], and [[Ken Ham]] and John Mackay started ''Creation Science Educational Media Services'' in [[Queensland]] around the same time. In 1980, the two organisations amalgamated and renamed the ''Creation Science Foundation'', based in Queensland. Wieland had started publishing the magazine, and with the amalgamation, this was taken over by Ham and Mackay.

In 1986 Ham left CSF and went to work for the [[Institute for Creation Research]] in [[California]]. Mackay left in 1987 and started his own creation ministry. Wieland returned to take over management of the organisation, which remained (and remains to this day) in [[Brisbane]], Queensland.

CSF opened an office in the United Kingdom in 1993.

In 1994, Ham left ICR and started a branch of CSF in the United States, but because of legal technicalities, could not use that name, and instead called the organisation ''Answers in Genesis''. The other CSF offices changed their name to Answers in Genesis soon after.

Also in 1994, an office was opened in [[Auckland]], New Zealand. Canada followed in 1998, when the Creation Science Association of Ontario, which had been in existence since 1978, joined the group. The South African ministry began in 2002.

In early 2006, following a decision by AiG (US) to break from the international group (along with AiG (UK)), the remaining organisations changed their name to Creation Ministries International and commenced their own web-site.

Later in 2006, CMI opened new offices in the United States and the United Kingdom.
== Publications ==

*[[Creation magazine|''Creation'' magazine]]

*''[[Journal of Creation]]'' - Peer reviewed biblical creation journal

Creation Ministries International also publishes a [http://usstore.creation.com/catalog/books--c-4.html variety of books, booklets, videos, CDs and tracts].

== Dispute with Answers in Genesis ==

''For more detail, see [[Answers in Genesis#Dispute with Creation Ministries International|Answers in Genesis: Dispute with Creation Ministries International]]''

In early 2006, [[Answers in Genesis]] (U.S.) stopped distribution of ''Creation'' magazine and the ''Journal of Creation'', switching the subscribers to their new magazine, ''Answers''. CMI claims that this was unethical, unlawful, and harmed their ministry. After failing to obtain a satisfactory resolution on the dispute, CMI began legal proceedings against AiG (U.S.) in May 2007.<ref>[http://www.creationontheweb.biz/lawsuit_justification.html Why CMI-Australia is holding AiG-US legally accountable for its actions]</ref> CMI notes that the dispute is settled, as of April 2009.<ref>[http://creation.com/dispute-settled Dispute settled]</ref>

== Bibliography ==
* [http://www.creation.com/content/view/42/60/ What we are]
* [http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/about/history.asp The history of AiG–U.S. to early 2007]

== See also ==
*[[Richard Dawkins and Creation Ministries International]]

==External links==
*[http://creation.com Creation Ministries International website]
*[http://www.facebook.com/creationministries Creation Ministries International - Facebook]
*[http://creationwiki.org/CMI Creation Ministries International] at [[CreationWiki]]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o8HR5lMluA Christian apologist Rev. Joe Boot on Creation Ministries International] - [[YouTube]] video

'''Question evolution! campaign:
'''
*[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question Evolution!]
*[http://creation.com/15-questions 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot satisfactorily answer]
*[http://aufiles.creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-a4.pdf 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot satisfactorily answer PDF version]
*[http://traditionalvalues.org/content/home/31850/ Question Evolution!] Campaign webpage for [[Traditional Values Coalition]]

Question evolution! videos:

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9oJFXSyGpM Question Evolution!] - [[YouTube]] video
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yJZHk1IBR0 The Question Evolution Campaign - Come see!]

Question evolution! tract:

*[http://usstore.creation.com/catalog/questions-evolutionists-tracts-p-849.html 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot answer tract] - USA
*[http://creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-s.pdf 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot answer] - PDF facsimile

'''Age of the earth:'''

*[http://creation.com/age-of-the-earth Age of the earth -101 evidences for a young earth and universe]
*[http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-8-how-old-is-the-earth How old is the earth?] - ''Refuting evolution'' - Chapter 8 by Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]]

'''Refutations of atheism:'''

*[http://creation.com/atheism Atheism] by Ken Ammi
*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions]
{{Creation vs. evolution}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Young Earth Creationism]]
[[Category:Christian Organizations]]

Creation Ministries International

2017-11-11T03:10:57Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Darwin film */

[[Image:Carl weiland.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] was one of the founders of Creation Ministries International ]]
'''Creation Ministries International''' (CMI) is a network of [[creation]] ministries which started in [[Australia]], and now also has offices in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Africa]], and [[Singapore]].

== Outreach and structure ==

CMI publishes ''Creation'' magazine and the technical ''Journal of Creation''. ''Creation'' has been published (originally as ''Ex Nihilo'') since 1978, and it has readers in 140 countries.

Outreach mainly comprises the publications, the web-site, and speaking engagements, mainly in church services. The "Creation Bus" is a converted Adelaide bus which tours outback and rural areas of Australia, fulfilling speaking engagements at churches and schools in smaller communities. The "Ark Van" is a van with a set of detailed models of [[Noah's Ark]] which visits churches, Sunday schools, schools, agricultural shows, and community events in Australia.

Each national CMI organisation is legally autonomous, but co-operates with each other. Each Ministry is controlled by a board of directors who are elected by members of the organisation.

The Australian ministry publishes the magazine and journal, and operates the web-site, [http://Creation.com Creation.com], on behalf of each national organisation.

== Question evolution! campaign ==

''For more information please see:'' [[Question evolution! campaign]]

The [[Question evolution! campaign]], launched by Creation Ministries International, is a worldwide "[[grassroots|grass-roots]] movement to challenge the anti-[[Christianity|Christian]] [[dogma]] of evolution".<ref>[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question evolution! campaign]</ref> The focus of the Question evolution! campaign is on 15 questions that evolutionists cannot answer. The ''15 Questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer'' can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE].<ref>[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question evolution! campaign]</ref> The campaign will be primarily conducted in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]] and [[South Africa]].<ref>http://creation.com/question-evolution</ref>

In May 2011, Creation Ministries International and the [[Traditional Values Coalition]] decided to jointly work together to advance the Question evolution! campaign. The Traditional Values Coalition is a [[church]] [[lobby]]ing organization that lobbies for over 43,000 [[United States|American]] churches.

The campaign features tracts, T-shirts, badges, mugs, etc. and students are being encouraged to participate in the campaign.<ref>http://creation.com/question-evolution</ref>

=== The 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer ===

The [http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions of the Question evolution! campaign], summarized, are (the full version of the 15 questions can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE]):

# How did [[Origin of Life|life originate]]? How did life with hundreds of proteins originate just by chemistry without [[intelligent design]]?
# How did the [[DNA]] code originate? The code is a sophisticated language system with letters and words where the meaning of the words is unrelated to the chemical properties of the letters—just as the information on this page is not a product of the chemical properties of the ink (or pixels on a screen). What other coding system has existed without intelligent design?
# How could such errors (mutations) create 3 billion letters of DNA information to change a microbe into a microbiologist? How can scrambling existing DNA information create a new biochemical pathway or nano-machines?
# Why is [[natural selection]] taught as ‘evolution’ as if it explains the origin of the diversity of life?
# How did new biochemical pathways, which involve multiple enzymes working together in sequence, originate?
# Living things [[intelligent design|look like they were designed]], so how do evolutionists know that they were ''not'' designed? Why should science be restricted to [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic causes]] rather than [[logic]]al causes?
# How did multi-cellular life originate?
# How did [[sex]] originate?
# Why are the (expected) countless millions of [http://www.conservapedia.com/Evolution#Lack_of_Any_Clear_Transitional_Forms transitional fossils missing]?
# How do ‘living fossils’ remain unchanged over supposed hundreds of millions of years?
# How did blind chemistry create mind/intelligence, meaning, altruism and morality?
# Why is evolutionary ‘just-so’ story-telling tolerated?
# Where are the scientific breakthroughs due to evolution? Why do schools and universities teach evolution so dogmatically, stealing time from experimental biology that so benefits humankind?
# Why is evolution, a theory about ''history'', taught as if it is the same as this ''operational'' science?
# Why is a fundamentally religious idea, a dogmatic belief system that fails to explain the evidence, taught in ''science'' classes? If “you can’t teach religion in science classes”, why is evolution taught?

The Question evolution! campaign tract with the expanded questions includes short arguments and/or quotes in support of biblical [[creation]], in additionally offers links to articles on CMI's website providing supporting evidence.<ref>[http://aufiles.creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-a4.pdf 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer]</ref>

== Darwin film ==
CMI is producing a documentary film challenging [[evolution]], for release in 2009, the 200th anniversary of the birth of [[Charles Darwin]] and the 150th anniversary of the publication of ''[[The Origin of Species]]''. The $US5 million film is, they say, "among the biggest documentary film projects undertaken by any faith-funded Christian organization in the world"<ref>[http://www.darwinfilm.com/ Documentary film project] Official web-site.</ref>

=== Support Groups ===
CMI in Australia has a number of volunteer auxiliaries known as "Support Groups", located mainly in each of the state capitals.

== Creation Ministries International and atheism ==

{{See also|Creation Ministries International and atheism}}

Creation Ministries International (CMI) has a large number of articles concerning [[atheism]] compared to most biblical [[creation]] organizations.

Below is CMI's collection of articles critiquing atheism:

*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions]

=== 2010 Global Atheist Convention ===

The worldwide atheist community was challenged to a debate by Creation Ministries International as prominent atheists were speaking at a 2010 global atheist convention in [[Australia]].<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists refused to debate Creation Ministries International.<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref>

== Scientists and Speakers ==

The following scientists and speakers work for CMI.
* [http://creation.com/adrian-bates Adrian Bates] (New Zealand)
* [http://creation.com/gary-bates Gary Bates] (United States)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-don-batten Don Batten], plant physiology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/philip-bell Philip Bell], zoology (United Kingdom)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-robert-carter Rob Carter], Marine biology (United States)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-david-catchpoole David Catchpoole], plant physiology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/richard-fangrad Richard Fangrad], electronics (Canada)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-john-hartnett John Hartnett], physics (Australia, part-time)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-mark-harwood Mark Harwood], satellite specialist (Australia, part-time)
* Dr [http://creation.com/dr-johan-kruger Johan Kruger], zoologist (South Africa)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-pierre-gunnar-jerlstrom Pierre Jerlström], molecular biology (Australia)
* Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]], physical chemistry (Australia)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-emil-silvestru Emil Silvestru], geology (cave specialist) (Canada)
* [http://creation.com/calvin-smith Calvin Smith] (Canada)
* [http://creation.com/peter-sparrow Peter Sparrow] (Creation Bus, Australia)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-tas-walker Tas Walker] engineering, geology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/rod-walsh-ark-van Rod Walsh] (Ark Van, Australia, part-time)
* Dr. [[Carl Wieland]], medical doctor (Australia)

== History ==
[[File:Richard Dawkins stumped.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins stumped|thumbnail|200px|right|The video ''From a Frog to a Prince'', produced by Creation Ministries International, features the [[atheism|atheist]] and [[evolution]]ist [[Richard Dawkins]] being stumped by the question of a creationist.<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> The interviewer asked Dawkins for an example of [[genetics|genetic]] [[information]] arising from a [[mutation]].<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> A shortened version of the video has been translated into 10 languages.<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> ]]
The history of CMI can be traced back to 1977, when Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] started the ''Creation Science Association'' in [[South Australia]], and [[Ken Ham]] and John Mackay started ''Creation Science Educational Media Services'' in [[Queensland]] around the same time. In 1980, the two organisations amalgamated and renamed the ''Creation Science Foundation'', based in Queensland. Wieland had started publishing the magazine, and with the amalgamation, this was taken over by Ham and Mackay.

In 1986 Ham left CSF and went to work for the [[Institute for Creation Research]] in [[California]]. Mackay left in 1987 and started his own creation ministry. Wieland returned to take over management of the organisation, which remained (and remains to this day) in [[Brisbane]], Queensland.

CSF opened an office in the United Kingdom in 1993.

In 1994, Ham left ICR and started a branch of CSF in the United States, but because of legal technicalities, could not use that name, and instead called the organisation ''Answers in Genesis''. The other CSF offices changed their name to Answers in Genesis soon after.

Also in 1994, an office was opened in [[Auckland]], New Zealand. Canada followed in 1998, when the Creation Science Association of Ontario, which had been in existence since 1978, joined the group. The South African ministry began in 2002.

In early 2006, following a decision by AiG (US) to break from the international group (along with AiG (UK)), the remaining organisations changed their name to Creation Ministries International and commenced their own web-site.

Later in 2006, CMI opened new offices in the United States and the United Kingdom.
== Publications ==

*[[Creation magazine|''Creation'' magazine]]

*''[[Journal of Creation]]'' - Peer reviewed biblical creation journal

Creation Ministries International also publishes a [http://usstore.creation.com/catalog/books--c-4.html variety of books, booklets, videos, CDs and tracts].

== Dispute with Answers in Genesis ==

''For more detail, see [[Answers in Genesis#Dispute with Creation Ministries International|Answers in Genesis: Dispute with Creation Ministries International]]''

In early 2006, [[Answers in Genesis]] (U.S.) stopped distribution of ''Creation'' magazine and the ''Journal of Creation'', switching the subscribers to their new magazine, ''Answers''. CMI claims that this was unethical, unlawful, and harmed their ministry. After failing to obtain a satisfactory resolution on the dispute, CMI began legal proceedings against AiG (U.S.) in May 2007.<ref>[http://www.creationontheweb.biz/lawsuit_justification.html Why CMI-Australia is holding AiG-US legally accountable for its actions]</ref> CMI notes that the dispute is settled, as of April 2009.<ref>[http://creation.com/dispute-settled Dispute settled]</ref>

== Bibliography ==
* [http://www.creation.com/content/view/42/60/ What we are]
* [http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/about/history.asp The history of AiG–U.S. to early 2007]

== See also ==
*[[Richard Dawkins and Creation Ministries International]]

==External links==
*[http://creation.com Creation Ministries International website]
*[http://www.facebook.com/creationministries Creation Ministries International - Facebook]
*[http://creationwiki.org/CMI Creation Ministries International] at [[CreationWiki]]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o8HR5lMluA Christian apologist Rev. Joe Boot on Creation Ministries International] - [[YouTube]] video

'''Question evolution! campaign:
'''
*[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question Evolution!]
*[http://creation.com/15-questions 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot satisfactorily answer]
*[http://aufiles.creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-a4.pdf 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot satisfactorily answer PDF version]
*[http://traditionalvalues.org/content/home/31850/ Question Evolution!] Campaign webpage for [[Traditional Values Coalition]]

Question evolution! videos:

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9oJFXSyGpM Question Evolution!] - [[YouTube]] video
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yJZHk1IBR0 The Question Evolution Campaign - Come see!]

Question evolution! tract:

*[http://usstore.creation.com/catalog/questions-evolutionists-tracts-p-849.html 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot answer tract] - USA
*[http://creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-s.pdf 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot answer] - PDF facsimile

'''Age of the earth:'''

*[http://creation.com/age-of-the-earth Age of the earth -101 evidences for a young earth and universe]
*[http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-8-how-old-is-the-earth How old is the earth?] - ''Refuting evolution'' - Chapter 8 by Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]]

'''Refutations of atheism:'''

*[http://creation.com/atheism Atheism] by Ken Ammi
*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions]
{{Creation vs. evolution}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Young Earth Creationism]]
[[Category:Christian Organizations]]

Creation Ministries International

2017-11-11T03:10:31Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Question evolution! campaign */

[[Image:Carl weiland.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] was one of the founders of Creation Ministries International ]]
'''Creation Ministries International''' (CMI) is a network of [[creation]] ministries which started in [[Australia]], and now also has offices in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Africa]], and [[Singapore]].

== Outreach and structure ==

CMI publishes ''Creation'' magazine and the technical ''Journal of Creation''. ''Creation'' has been published (originally as ''Ex Nihilo'') since 1978, and it has readers in 140 countries.

Outreach mainly comprises the publications, the web-site, and speaking engagements, mainly in church services. The "Creation Bus" is a converted Adelaide bus which tours outback and rural areas of Australia, fulfilling speaking engagements at churches and schools in smaller communities. The "Ark Van" is a van with a set of detailed models of [[Noah's Ark]] which visits churches, Sunday schools, schools, agricultural shows, and community events in Australia.

Each national CMI organisation is legally autonomous, but co-operates with each other. Each Ministry is controlled by a board of directors who are elected by members of the organisation.

The Australian ministry publishes the magazine and journal, and operates the web-site, [http://Creation.com Creation.com], on behalf of each national organisation.

== Question evolution! campaign ==

''For more information please see:'' [[Question evolution! campaign]]

The [[Question evolution! campaign]], launched by Creation Ministries International, is a worldwide "[[grassroots|grass-roots]] movement to challenge the anti-[[Christianity|Christian]] [[dogma]] of evolution".<ref>[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question evolution! campaign]</ref> The focus of the Question evolution! campaign is on 15 questions that evolutionists cannot answer. The ''15 Questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer'' can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE].<ref>[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question evolution! campaign]</ref> The campaign will be primarily conducted in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]] and [[South Africa]].<ref>http://creation.com/question-evolution</ref>

In May 2011, Creation Ministries International and the [[Traditional Values Coalition]] decided to jointly work together to advance the Question evolution! campaign. The Traditional Values Coalition is a [[church]] [[lobby]]ing organization that lobbies for over 43,000 [[United States|American]] churches.

The campaign features tracts, T-shirts, badges, mugs, etc. and students are being encouraged to participate in the campaign.<ref>http://creation.com/question-evolution</ref>

=== The 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer ===

The [http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions of the Question evolution! campaign], summarized, are (the full version of the 15 questions can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE]):

# How did [[Origin of Life|life originate]]? How did life with hundreds of proteins originate just by chemistry without [[intelligent design]]?
# How did the [[DNA]] code originate? The code is a sophisticated language system with letters and words where the meaning of the words is unrelated to the chemical properties of the letters—just as the information on this page is not a product of the chemical properties of the ink (or pixels on a screen). What other coding system has existed without intelligent design?
# How could such errors (mutations) create 3 billion letters of DNA information to change a microbe into a microbiologist? How can scrambling existing DNA information create a new biochemical pathway or nano-machines?
# Why is [[natural selection]] taught as ‘evolution’ as if it explains the origin of the diversity of life?
# How did new biochemical pathways, which involve multiple enzymes working together in sequence, originate?
# Living things [[intelligent design|look like they were designed]], so how do evolutionists know that they were ''not'' designed? Why should science be restricted to [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic causes]] rather than [[logic]]al causes?
# How did multi-cellular life originate?
# How did [[sex]] originate?
# Why are the (expected) countless millions of [http://www.conservapedia.com/Evolution#Lack_of_Any_Clear_Transitional_Forms transitional fossils missing]?
# How do ‘living fossils’ remain unchanged over supposed hundreds of millions of years?
# How did blind chemistry create mind/intelligence, meaning, altruism and morality?
# Why is evolutionary ‘just-so’ story-telling tolerated?
# Where are the scientific breakthroughs due to evolution? Why do schools and universities teach evolution so dogmatically, stealing time from experimental biology that so benefits humankind?
# Why is evolution, a theory about ''history'', taught as if it is the same as this ''operational'' science?
# Why is a fundamentally religious idea, a dogmatic belief system that fails to explain the evidence, taught in ''science'' classes? If “you can’t teach religion in science classes”, why is evolution taught?

The Question evolution! campaign tract with the expanded questions includes short arguments and/or quotes in support of biblical [[creation]], in additionally offers links to articles on CMI's website providing supporting evidence.<ref>[http://aufiles.creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-a4.pdf 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer]</ref>

=== Darwin film ===
CMI is producing a documentary film challenging [[evolution]], for release in 2009, the 200th anniversary of the birth of [[Charles Darwin]] and the 150th anniversary of the publication of ''[[The Origin of Species]]''. The $US5 million film is, they say, "among the biggest documentary film projects undertaken by any faith-funded Christian organization in the world"<ref>[http://www.darwinfilm.com/ Documentary film project] Official web-site.</ref>

=== Support Groups ===
CMI in Australia has a number of volunteer auxiliaries known as "Support Groups", located mainly in each of the state capitals.

== Creation Ministries International and atheism ==

{{See also|Creation Ministries International and atheism}}

Creation Ministries International (CMI) has a large number of articles concerning [[atheism]] compared to most biblical [[creation]] organizations.

Below is CMI's collection of articles critiquing atheism:

*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions]

=== 2010 Global Atheist Convention ===

The worldwide atheist community was challenged to a debate by Creation Ministries International as prominent atheists were speaking at a 2010 global atheist convention in [[Australia]].<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists refused to debate Creation Ministries International.<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref>

== Scientists and Speakers ==

The following scientists and speakers work for CMI.
* [http://creation.com/adrian-bates Adrian Bates] (New Zealand)
* [http://creation.com/gary-bates Gary Bates] (United States)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-don-batten Don Batten], plant physiology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/philip-bell Philip Bell], zoology (United Kingdom)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-robert-carter Rob Carter], Marine biology (United States)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-david-catchpoole David Catchpoole], plant physiology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/richard-fangrad Richard Fangrad], electronics (Canada)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-john-hartnett John Hartnett], physics (Australia, part-time)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-mark-harwood Mark Harwood], satellite specialist (Australia, part-time)
* Dr [http://creation.com/dr-johan-kruger Johan Kruger], zoologist (South Africa)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-pierre-gunnar-jerlstrom Pierre Jerlström], molecular biology (Australia)
* Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]], physical chemistry (Australia)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-emil-silvestru Emil Silvestru], geology (cave specialist) (Canada)
* [http://creation.com/calvin-smith Calvin Smith] (Canada)
* [http://creation.com/peter-sparrow Peter Sparrow] (Creation Bus, Australia)
* Dr. [http://creation.com/dr-tas-walker Tas Walker] engineering, geology (Australia)
* [http://creation.com/rod-walsh-ark-van Rod Walsh] (Ark Van, Australia, part-time)
* Dr. [[Carl Wieland]], medical doctor (Australia)

== History ==
[[File:Richard Dawkins stumped.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins stumped|thumbnail|200px|right|The video ''From a Frog to a Prince'', produced by Creation Ministries International, features the [[atheism|atheist]] and [[evolution]]ist [[Richard Dawkins]] being stumped by the question of a creationist.<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> The interviewer asked Dawkins for an example of [[genetics|genetic]] [[information]] arising from a [[mutation]].<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> A shortened version of the video has been translated into 10 languages.<ref>http://creation.com/was-dawkins-stumped-frog-to-a-prince-critics-refuted-again</ref> ]]
The history of CMI can be traced back to 1977, when Dr. [[Carl Wieland]] started the ''Creation Science Association'' in [[South Australia]], and [[Ken Ham]] and John Mackay started ''Creation Science Educational Media Services'' in [[Queensland]] around the same time. In 1980, the two organisations amalgamated and renamed the ''Creation Science Foundation'', based in Queensland. Wieland had started publishing the magazine, and with the amalgamation, this was taken over by Ham and Mackay.

In 1986 Ham left CSF and went to work for the [[Institute for Creation Research]] in [[California]]. Mackay left in 1987 and started his own creation ministry. Wieland returned to take over management of the organisation, which remained (and remains to this day) in [[Brisbane]], Queensland.

CSF opened an office in the United Kingdom in 1993.

In 1994, Ham left ICR and started a branch of CSF in the United States, but because of legal technicalities, could not use that name, and instead called the organisation ''Answers in Genesis''. The other CSF offices changed their name to Answers in Genesis soon after.

Also in 1994, an office was opened in [[Auckland]], New Zealand. Canada followed in 1998, when the Creation Science Association of Ontario, which had been in existence since 1978, joined the group. The South African ministry began in 2002.

In early 2006, following a decision by AiG (US) to break from the international group (along with AiG (UK)), the remaining organisations changed their name to Creation Ministries International and commenced their own web-site.

Later in 2006, CMI opened new offices in the United States and the United Kingdom.
== Publications ==

*[[Creation magazine|''Creation'' magazine]]

*''[[Journal of Creation]]'' - Peer reviewed biblical creation journal

Creation Ministries International also publishes a [http://usstore.creation.com/catalog/books--c-4.html variety of books, booklets, videos, CDs and tracts].

== Dispute with Answers in Genesis ==

''For more detail, see [[Answers in Genesis#Dispute with Creation Ministries International|Answers in Genesis: Dispute with Creation Ministries International]]''

In early 2006, [[Answers in Genesis]] (U.S.) stopped distribution of ''Creation'' magazine and the ''Journal of Creation'', switching the subscribers to their new magazine, ''Answers''. CMI claims that this was unethical, unlawful, and harmed their ministry. After failing to obtain a satisfactory resolution on the dispute, CMI began legal proceedings against AiG (U.S.) in May 2007.<ref>[http://www.creationontheweb.biz/lawsuit_justification.html Why CMI-Australia is holding AiG-US legally accountable for its actions]</ref> CMI notes that the dispute is settled, as of April 2009.<ref>[http://creation.com/dispute-settled Dispute settled]</ref>

== Bibliography ==
* [http://www.creation.com/content/view/42/60/ What we are]
* [http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/about/history.asp The history of AiG–U.S. to early 2007]

== See also ==
*[[Richard Dawkins and Creation Ministries International]]

==External links==
*[http://creation.com Creation Ministries International website]
*[http://www.facebook.com/creationministries Creation Ministries International - Facebook]
*[http://creationwiki.org/CMI Creation Ministries International] at [[CreationWiki]]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o8HR5lMluA Christian apologist Rev. Joe Boot on Creation Ministries International] - [[YouTube]] video

'''Question evolution! campaign:
'''
*[http://creation.com/question-evolution Question Evolution!]
*[http://creation.com/15-questions 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot satisfactorily answer]
*[http://aufiles.creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-a4.pdf 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot satisfactorily answer PDF version]
*[http://traditionalvalues.org/content/home/31850/ Question Evolution!] Campaign webpage for [[Traditional Values Coalition]]

Question evolution! videos:

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9oJFXSyGpM Question Evolution!] - [[YouTube]] video
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yJZHk1IBR0 The Question Evolution Campaign - Come see!]

Question evolution! tract:

*[http://usstore.creation.com/catalog/questions-evolutionists-tracts-p-849.html 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot answer tract] - USA
*[http://creation.com/images/pdfs/flyers/15-questions-for-evolutionists-s.pdf 15 Questions that evolutionist cannot answer] - PDF facsimile

'''Age of the earth:'''

*[http://creation.com/age-of-the-earth Age of the earth -101 evidences for a young earth and universe]
*[http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-8-how-old-is-the-earth How old is the earth?] - ''Refuting evolution'' - Chapter 8 by Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]]

'''Refutations of atheism:'''

*[http://creation.com/atheism Atheism] by Ken Ammi
*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions]
{{Creation vs. evolution}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Young Earth Creationism]]
[[Category:Christian Organizations]]

Atheism and the suppression of homosexuality

2017-11-10T12:54:22Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Atheist and homosexual Chris Stedman and online atheists disparagement */

[[File:Young castro 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|The régime under militant atheist [[Fidel Castro]] "denounced homosexuality and established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, which patrolled neighborhoods and invaded private space."<ref name="Pickett2009">{{cite book|last=Pickett|first=Brent L.|title=The A to Z of Homosexuality|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=uRABiOI7itsC&pg=PA120|accessdate=28 April 2014|date=9 February 2009|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=9780810870727|page=120|quote=Fidel Castro's regime denounced homosexuality and established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, which patrolled neighborhoods and invaded private space.}}</ref>]]
'''Atheism and the persecution of homosexuals''', also known as '''atheism and discrimination against homosexuals''', is one common criticism of [[atheism]], as [[militant atheist]]s have often [[persecution|persecuted]] those belonging to the [[LGBTQ]] community. [[State atheism|Atheist states]], as well as atheistic organizations, have historically persecuted homosexuals and have engaged in [[discrimination]] against them.

==Atheist states==
===Soviet Union===
In the [[Atheism and communism|atheistic communist]] state of the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics]] (USSR),<ref name="Demchenko2009">{{cite book|last=Demchenko|first=Elena|title=Religion and Identity of Soviet Jewish Immigrants in the United States|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=b8LM-4FWYg4C&pg=PA7|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=2009|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9781109121865|page=7|quote=The USSR declared itself the first atheist state in the world that discouraged any religion and persecuted those who tried to contradict the Marxist ideology.}}</ref> "a person could end up in prison for being openly gay."<ref name="Shiraev2014">{{cite book|last=Shiraev|first=Eric|title=A History of Psychology|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=5ck_AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA12|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2014-03-04|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=9781452276595|page=12|quote=In the Soviet Union before 1990, a person could end up in prison for being openly gay.}}</ref> This policy was enforced after 1934,<ref name="Rutledge1987"/> and went hand in hand with the Soviet Union's official doctrine of [[militant atheism]], which led to the [[persecution of Christians in the USSR]].<ref name="Turgeon1989">{{cite book|last=Turgeon|first=Lynn|title=State & Discrimination: The Other Side of the Cold War|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=1989|publisher=M.E. Sharpe|language=English |isbn=9780765621733|page=67|quote=Homosexual acts between consenting males only became illegal in early 1934. To this day, some of these acts are punishable by five years' imprisonment. A highly publicized case occurred in 1974, when the celebrated Georgian movie director, Sergei Paradzhanov, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for practicing homosexuality and incitement to suicide. Historical, there has been extensive discrimination in the USSR on both religious and political grounds. Religious persecution and the pursuit of atheistic educational policies by the state were especially great before World War II and, particularly, after a resolution of April 8, 1929, "On Religious Cults."}}</ref>
{{quotation|Sexual intercourse between been [muzhelozhstvo] is subject to imprisonment for up to five years. Muzhelozhstvo, carried out with the use of physical force, threats, or in relation to an underage person, or by using the dependent position of the victim, is subject to up to eight years' imprisonment. —Article 121.1 of the Criminal Code of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics<ref name="Essig1999">{{cite book|last=Essig|first=Laurie|title=Queer in Russia: A Story of Sex, Self, and the Other|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=E4zugfPMxRoC&pg=PA8|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=1999|publisher=Duke University Press|isbn=9780822323464|page=8|quote=As long as the Soviet Union existed, the law against male homosexuality, in one form or another, would remain in effect. The 1987 version of the Criminal Code's Article I2I.I read: "Sexual intercourse between been [muzhelozhstvo] is subject to imprisonment for up to five years. Muzhelozhstvo, carried out with the use of physical force, threats, or in relation to an underage person, or by using the dependent position of the victim, is subject to up to eight years' imprisonment.}}</ref>}}
As such, homosexual members of the intelligentsia often suppressed their homosexuality and [[marriage|married]] women.<ref name="Mezey2007">{{cite book|last=Mezey|first=Susan Gluck|title=Queers in Court: Gay Rights Law and Public Policy|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=y6kOd8rR22gC&pg=PA19|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=27 March 2007|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|isbn=9780742568525|pages=19|quote=During the 1930s, when homosexuals were persecuted in the Soviet Union, and he was advised to repress his homosexuality, he married.}}</ref> The [[oppression]] of homosexuals in the atheist state of the USSR was noted by human rights organizations such as [[Amnesty International]].<ref name="Healey2001">{{cite book|last=Healey|first=Dan|title=Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia: The Regulation of Sexual and Gender Dissent|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=k_Et9nlFT2YC&pg=PA247|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=15 October 2001|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226322339|page=247|quote=In the West, organizations monitoring political dissidence such as Amnesty International then regarded the oppression of homosexuals as irrelevant to their mandates. Nonetheless, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, a handful of Soviet homosexuals employed the techniques of the wider dissident movement to challenge their society's persecution of same-sex love. The short-lived "Gay Laboratory" (''Gei-laboratoriia''), a group of about thirty men and women appeared in Leningrad in 1983 under the leadership of Aleksandr Zaremba, and with contacts with Finnish lesbian and gay organizations and the International Gay Association. The Gay Laboratory sought to examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions. Under pressure from KGB surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984 as members either emigrated or fell silent.}}</ref> Soviet homosexuals, in the 1970s and 1980s, attempted to establish the Gay Laboratory (''Gei-laboratoriia''), which sought to "examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions" but under "pressure from [[KGB]] surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984".<ref name="Healey2001">{{cite book|last=Healey|first=Dan|title=Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia: The Regulation of Sexual and Gender Dissent|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=k_Et9nlFT2YC&pg=PA247|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=15 October 2001|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226322339|page=247|quote=In the West, organizations monitoring political dissidence such as Amnesty International then regarded the oppression of homosexuals as irrelevant to their mandates. Nonetheless, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, a handful of Soviet homosexuals employed the techniques of the wider dissident movement to challenge their society's persecution of same-sex love. The short-lived "Gay Laboratory" (''Gei-laboratoriia''), a group of about thirty men and women appeared in Leningrad in 1983 under the leadership of Aleksandr Zaremba, and with contacts with Finnish lesbian and gay organizations and the International Gay Association. The Gay Laboratory sought to examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions. Under pressure from KGB surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984 as members either emigrated or fell silent.}}</ref> Since 1934, homosexuality was illegal, "punishable by imprisonment for up to eight years". As a result, "were mass arrests of homosexuals; some were sent to prison or the labor camps, others were exiled or executed."<ref name="Rutledge1987">{{cite book|last=Rutledge|first=Leigh W.|title=The Gay Book of Lists|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=H3GGAAAAIAAJ|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=1987|publisher=Alyson Publications|isbn=9781555831202|quote=However, in 1934, Stalin made them illegal again, punishable by imprisonment for up to eight years. There were mass arrests of homosexuals; some were sent to prison or the labor camps, others were exiled or executed.}}</ref> After the [[collapse of the Soviet Union]], homosexuality and homosexual acts are no longer illegal in [[Russia]] as they were during the previous Soviet régime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/what-you-hear-about-gays-in-russia-is-largely-false-expert-says-109341/|title=What You Hear About Gays in Russia Is 'Largely False,' Expert Says|last=Nazworth|first=Napp|date=22 November 2013|publisher=[[The Christian Post]]|accessdate=25 April 2014|quote=Homosexuality and homosexual acts are not illegal in Russia, Ruse explained, like they were during the previous Soviet regime. Gays in Russia live without fear of reprisal from their government. An Internet search of "gay Moscow" reveals a few dozen bars and nightclubs that cater to an openly gay clientele. And, popular Russian television shows feature openly gay characters.}}</ref>

===Cuba===
In the formerly [[state atheism|atheist state]] of [[Cuba]], "in the 1960s and 1970s, the Castro regime persecuted openly gay Cubans".<ref name="Chapman2007">{{cite book|last=Chapman|first=Thomas E.|title=Constructing the Moral Landscape Through Antidiscrimination Law: Discourse, Debate, and Dialogue of Sexual Citizenship in Three Florida Communities|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bZE5UgNRP8cC&pg=PA142|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2007|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9780549469575|page=142|quote=Among the so-called "unwanted" were as many as 3,000 openly homosexual Cubans. At various points in the 1960s and 1970s, the Castro regime persecuted openly gay Cubans, despite the progressive thrust of the ideas of the Communist Revolution, which did substantially improve the conditions of other oppressed minority groups such as women and blacks.}}</ref> A major element in Cuba's anti-[[gay]] policies was the fact that the "government adopted the Stalinist position, practiced in the Soviet Union, that homosexuality is a form of bourgeois decadence."<ref name="Chapman">{{cite book|last=Chapman|first=Thomas E.|title=Constructing the Moral Landscape Through Antidiscrimination Law: Discourse, Debate, and Dialogue of Sexual Citizenship in Three Florida Communities|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bZE5UgNRP8cC&pg=PA142|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2007|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9780549469575|page=142|quote=Another element contributing to Cuba's past anti-gay policies was for a time, the government adopted the Stalinist position, practiced in the Soviet Union, that homosexuality is a form of bourgeois decadence.}}</ref> As such, "Cuba sent openly gay men to labor camps without charge or trial", with [[Fidel Castro]] admitting to committing these [[crimes against humanity]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/08/31/cuba.castro.gays/index.html?hpt=Sbin|title=Castro admits 'injustice' for gays and lesbians during revolution - CNN.com|last=Darlington|first=Shasta|date=31 August 2010|publisher=[[CNN]]|accessdate=25 April 2014|quote=Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said he acknowledges the persecution of gays and lesbians during the Revolution in his country, according to a newspaper interview published Tuesday. Throughout the 1960s and '70s, Cuba sent openly gay men to labor camps without charge or trial. "They were moments of great injustice, great injustice!" Castro told journalist Carmen Lira Saade from the Mexican daily La Jornada. "If someone is responsible, it's me."}}</ref> Unidades Militares de Ayuda a la Production (UMAP) camps included both homosexuals, as well as the religious, who were tortured and incarcerated.<ref name="Berenschot2005">{{cite book|last=Berenschot|first=Denis Jorge|title=Performing Cuba: (Re)writing Gender Identity and Exile Across Genres|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=yuGiE4B_lfUC&pg=PA40|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=January 2005|publisher=Peter Lang|isbn=9780820474403|page=40|quote=Similar problems are recounted in Senel Paz's shorty story when Diego lists the problems he has with the Castroist regime. This list read as a topography of all the coercive strategies of the militarist authoritarian moral codes of the regime. They included persecution of homosexuals, religious people, torture and incarceration in the UMAP camps.}}</ref>

[[Che Guevara]], a Marxist–Leninist atheist, held a very negative view of homosexuals and he fully supported the re-education camps that Castro set up for them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xryshaygh.com/index.php/enimerosi/view/ratsisths-kai-enantion-twn-omofulofilwn-o-tse-gkebara|title=Ρατσιστής και εναντίον των ομοφυλοφίλων ο Τσε Γκεβάρα|last=ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ ΜΑΣΤΟΡΑΣ|date=12 January 2013|publisher=Χρυσή Αυγή|language=Greek|accessdate=28 April 2014|quote=Ο περισσότερος κόσμος, όμως, δεν γνωρίζει και κάποιες άλλες σκέψεις και απόψεις του Αργεντίνου επαναστάτη, τις οποίες οι καπηλευτές των αγώνων του (ασχέτως του αν συμφωνεί ή διαφωνεί κάποιος με τα όσα ενστερνιζόταν, αγωνίστηκε για τα όσα πίστευε και το πλήρωσε με την ζωή του) αποκρύπτουν επιμελώς. Δεν γνωρίζει π.χ. ότι είχε εντελώς αρνητική άποψη για τους ομοφυλόφιλους και υποστήριξε χωρίς την παραμικρή ένσταση τα στρατόπεδα «επανεκπαίδευσης» που είχε στήσει γι’ αυτούς ο Κάστρο. Όπως, επίσης, δεν γνωρίζει τις αρνητικές και απαξιωτικές αναφορές προς του μαύρους.}}</ref>

===China===
Although Chinese [[literature]] cites homosexual practice since ancient times as one that was fairly tolerated,<ref name="DrescherLingiardi2003">{{cite book|last1=Drescher|first1=Jack|last2=Lingiardi|first2=Vittorio|title=The Mental Health Professions and Homosexuality: International Perspectives|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=DdAs9zZtzxoC&pg=PA117|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2 June 2003|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9780789020598|page=117|quote=Homosexuality was widespread, recognized and fairly tolerated, although not entirely accepted, in ancient China.}}</ref> after the [[Chinese Communist Party]], which officially espouses [[atheism]], came to power in 1949, homosexuality was deemed a sexual crime and then classified as an abnormal (''buzhengchang'') [[mental illness]].<ref name="KleinmanYan2011">{{cite book|last1=Kleinman|first1=Arthur|last2=Yan|first2=Yunxiang|last3=Jun|first3=Jing|coauthors=Sing Lee, Everett Zhang|title=Deep China: The Moral Life of the Person|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=RUWZUa8ijvEC&pg=PA251|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=27 August 2011|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520950511|page=251|quote=Chinese literature citing homosexuality dates back to ancient times. After the Chinese Communist Party took over the country in 1949, homosexuality was deemed a sexual crime until 1997 and then classified as a mental disorder until 2001.}}</ref><ref name="GrimFinke2010">{{cite book|last1=Grim|first1=Brian J.|last2=Finke|first2=Roger|title=The Price of Freedom Denied: Religious Persecution and Conflict in the Twenty-First Century|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mofX6zdChgcC&pg=PA132|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=6 December 2012|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9781139492416|page=132|quote=Atheism had long been the official doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party, but this new form of militant atheism made every effort to eradicate religion completely.}}</ref> Under the [[Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution]], homosexuals experienced punishment that ranged from "[[forced labor|labor]] under surveillance to imprisonment for years".<ref name="DrescherLingiardi2003">{{cite book|last1=Drescher|first1=Jack|last2=Lingiardi|first2=Vittorio|title=The Mental Health Professions and Homosexuality: International Perspectives|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=DdAs9zZtzxoC&pg=PA117|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2 June 2003|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9780789020598|page=117|quote=Arguably, this was the most sexually repressive period in the history of China. During this time, homosexual behavior could be grounds for persecution. Punishment ranged from labor under surveillance to imprisonment for years, depending upon the political atmosphere at the time and the mood of specific authorities. After the end of the Cultural Revolution in the late 1970s, as the government spent several years "rehabilitating" people who had been persecuted, those persecuted due to same-sex behaviors did not receive the same treatment (Wan, personal communication, 1997, 2001).}}</ref> Moreover, atheistic [[communist]] officials "when queried by foreign visitors, until recently simply denied that homosexuality existed in [[China]]".<ref name="Crompton2006">{{cite book|last=Crompton|first=Louis|title=Homosexuality and Civilization|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=TfBYd9xVaXcC&pg=PA244|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2006|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=9780674030060|page=244|quote=In Chinese history and literature, until the end of the Imperial age and the triumph of Marxism, men who loved men were depicted as good or bad, sympathetic or self-seeking, honest or dishonest, talented or undistinguished, but not set apart as a race to be humiliated, denounced, or extirpated. Under Communist rule, however, there has been a radical change. Chinese Communist officials, when queried by foreign visitors, until recently simply denied that homosexuality existed in China, the theory being that under a socialist economy social ills such as prostitution and homosexuality would vanish.}}</ref>

==Atheistic organizations==
{{Homosexuality}}
===American Atheists===
{{further|American Atheists - Excerpts from their website}}
In December 2013, Chris Stedman of the Religion News Service, reported that "Dave Muscato, the Public Relations Director for [[American Atheists]], made a problematic and offensive comment about [[LGBTQ]] ([[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]], and [[transgender]]) activists."<ref name=Stedman>{{cite web|url=http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2013/12/13/american-atheists-public-relations-director/|title=Does American Atheists agree with this offensive LGBTQ comment?|last=Stedman|first=Chris|date=13 December 2013|publisher=Religion News Service|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref> Muscato, who works closely with [[David Silverman]] (often referred to by his nickname "[[Sinful Silverman]]"), stated that:

{{quotation|There are different types of atheist activists and we are not the kind that you seem to wish that we were or want us to be. I talk about this in a talk I give about atheism activism, where I say that, as an example, there are (generalizing) two types of LGBTQ activists: the kind that wear suits & ties and run for office and give speeches, and the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on parade floats. The suit-and-tie atheists say to the assless-chaps activists, “Stop doing that. You’re making us look bad. We’re trying to accomplish something here in terms of public acceptance.” But that is not the right way to look at it, I think. The assless-chaps activists say, “This is who we are and this is what we believe. If the public won’t accept that, they need to change, not me.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://columbiafavs.com/2013/12/13/aiming-higher-billboards-problems-atheist-advertising/#comment-170803|title=Aiming higher than billboards: Problems in atheist advertising|last=Lakey|first=Tony|date=13 December 2013|quote=Hi Tony! Thanks for your article. I just want to point out a correction: - The Times Square board, too, did not cost our organization anything. I also want you to know that, as the “marines” of the atheist movement, it is our position that nobody needs Christ during Christmas because, not to put too fine a point on it, but Jesus is dead. Many people *believe* they need Christ during Christmas but that’s exactly our point. Some Christians, especially Bill O’Reilly and Sarah Palin, are trying to say that the entire winter season belongs to Christianity, starting the day after Thanksgiving and ending on December 26th. There is no reason that other Americans can’t celebrate this time of year also, considering that this time has of year has been celebrated for thousands of years before Christianity came along and appropriated it. While part of our mission is mutual sympathy, understanding, and interdependence of all people, that doesn’t mean pussyfooting around what we think. Part of our mission is also “to develop and propagate a social philosophy in which humankind is central and must itself be the source of strength, progress, and ideals for the well-being and happiness of humanity.” Telling people that it’s okay to believe nonsense, like they NEED a fictional zombie in order to enjoy a holiday (which is obviously false considering many people who don’t even believe in that enjoy it, too), does not fit with our aims and purposes. The reason for the season, for EVERYONE, is axial tilt. That is the bottom line. Americans celebrate this in all sorts of ways: Some make up religions about it, some celebrate it entirely secularly, but to say that the reason for the season is Jesus for some people is false and that’s exactly what we’re saying: The reason for calling the holiday Christmas may be Jesus for Christians, but the season belongs to everyone. Part of our mission is raising the public profile & awareness about atheism. That is, we want people to know that there are lots of atheists out there, that atheism is a subject that Americans care about and donate to support, etc. We are certainly open to suggestions if you have ideas about other ways to do this besides billboards. But we do them for the same reason that any organization (including the orgs that have billboards with messages more similar to the kind you’re talking about) put up billboards: They work. I’m not sure that I understand why you seem to be simultaneously saying billboards are a waste of money and, also, here is a suggestion for how you should word your billboards if you want to say a different message. As an aside, you can fit 5, *maybe* 7 words on a billboard. Your suggest is about 4-5 times longer than that. I know you didn’t mean your suggestion as a final-draft wording but it’s just something to keep in mind for future criticisms :) We do have members who are believers but that is not our audience and while we won’t turn away donations from people who agree with our aims and principles, our target market for membership promotion is not believers. It is atheists, especially closeted atheists (afraid to come out) or people who don’t believe but go through the motions because they are not yet convinced that there is an activism need for them to be more vocal about it (reaching that critical mass of people willing to publicly call themselves “atheist” in order to reach a level of public acceptance of the term). I just want to be clear here because Tony and I know each other and he’s already aware that I don’t mean this in a bad way or anything, but there are different types of atheist activists and we are not the kind that you seem to wish that we were or want us to be. I talk about this in a talk I give about atheism activism, where I say that, as an example, there are (generalizing) two types of LGBTQ activists: the kind that wear suits & ties and run for office and give speeches, and the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on parade floats. The suit-and-tie atheists say to the assless-chaps activists, “Stop doing that. You’re making us look bad. We’re trying to accomplish something here in terms of public acceptance.” But that is not the right way to look at it, I think. The assless-chaps activists say, “This is who we are and this is what we believe. If the public won’t accept that, they need to change, not me.” I hope this helps :) Keep up the writing, Tony! - Dave Muscato, PR Director, American Atheists (908) 276-7300 x7 dmuscato@atheists.org|publisher=Columbia|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref>}}

Stedman, who holds that organization as being representative of atheists in the [[United States]], criticized [[American Atheists]], stating "Muscato’s comments are a deeply problematic instance of this equation. His words invoke a blatantly uninformed characterization of LGBTQ activists. He erases the diversity of LGBTQ activists, offering instead a caricature (that, for starters, feels very gay male-centric). My first experiences as an activist were in [[Homosexual Agenda|LGBTQ organizations]], and I can say without hesitation that framing LGBTQ activists as either “the kind that wear suit & ties” or 'the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on [[parade]] floats' does not begin to reflect the thoughtfulness and [[diversity]] found within the LGBTQ community."<ref name=Stedman>{{cite web|url=http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2013/12/13/american-atheists-public-relations-director/|title=Does American Atheists agree with this offensive LGBTQ comment?|last=Stedman|first=Chris|date=13 December 2013|publisher=Religion News Service|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref>

== Atheist and homosexual Chris Stedman and anti-homosexuality disparagement by online atheists ==

The atheist and homosexual Chris Stedman in a ''Washington Post'' article entitled ''I’m an atheist, but I had to walk away from the toxic side of online atheism'' wrote:
{{Cquote|A number of prominent atheist bloggers criticized my interview, saying I was [https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/12/10/grrr-stedman/ awful] and suggesting I was [https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/bill-oreilly-and-chris-stedman-ally-against-the-war-on-christmas/ allying] with [[Bill O'Reilly|O’Reilly]]. The comments were worse. Anonymous posters ridiculed me, saying I should decline future television invitations because I was too “effeminate,” my physical appearance made atheists seem “like freaks” and my “obvious homosexuality” made me an ineffectual voice for atheists.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/11/07/im-an-atheist-but-i-had-to-walk-away-from-the-toxic-side-of-online-atheism/?utm_term=.867dd3928de4 ''I’m an atheist, but I had to walk away from the toxic side of online atheism''] by Chris Stedman, ''Washington Post'', 2017</ref>}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Atheism and homosexuality]]
*[[Atheism and sexuality]]
*[[Atheism and mass murder]]
*[[Atheism and the suppression of science]]
*[[Communist Racism]]
*[[Persecution of atheists]]
*[[Homophobia]]
*[[Homosexuality Research]]
*[[Militant atheism]]
*[[Atheist hypocrisy]]

==External links==
*[http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/08/22/angela-macleod-irons-the-communist-roots-of-russian-homophobia/ The communist roots of Russian homophobia by Angela MacLeod Irons (National Post)]
*[http://beastrabban.wordpress.com/2008/02/07/homosexuals-and-atheism-an-uneasy-alliance/ Homosexuals and Atheism: An Uneasy Alliance (Beastrabban)]
*[http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/11/16/mama.wu.homosexual.china/index.html?hpt=Sbin&fb_source=message 'Mama Wu' unlikely hero for homosexuals in China by Steven Jiang (CNN)]

{{Nb Atheism}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Communism]]
[[Category:Homosexuality]]
[[Category:Marxism]]
[[Category:Cuba]]
[[Category:People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Soviet Union]]

Atheism and the suppression of homosexuality

2017-11-10T12:51:32Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Atheist and homosexual Chris Stedman and online atheists disparagement */

[[File:Young castro 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|The régime under militant atheist [[Fidel Castro]] "denounced homosexuality and established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, which patrolled neighborhoods and invaded private space."<ref name="Pickett2009">{{cite book|last=Pickett|first=Brent L.|title=The A to Z of Homosexuality|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=uRABiOI7itsC&pg=PA120|accessdate=28 April 2014|date=9 February 2009|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=9780810870727|page=120|quote=Fidel Castro's regime denounced homosexuality and established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, which patrolled neighborhoods and invaded private space.}}</ref>]]
'''Atheism and the persecution of homosexuals''', also known as '''atheism and discrimination against homosexuals''', is one common criticism of [[atheism]], as [[militant atheist]]s have often [[persecution|persecuted]] those belonging to the [[LGBTQ]] community. [[State atheism|Atheist states]], as well as atheistic organizations, have historically persecuted homosexuals and have engaged in [[discrimination]] against them.

==Atheist states==
===Soviet Union===
In the [[Atheism and communism|atheistic communist]] state of the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics]] (USSR),<ref name="Demchenko2009">{{cite book|last=Demchenko|first=Elena|title=Religion and Identity of Soviet Jewish Immigrants in the United States|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=b8LM-4FWYg4C&pg=PA7|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=2009|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9781109121865|page=7|quote=The USSR declared itself the first atheist state in the world that discouraged any religion and persecuted those who tried to contradict the Marxist ideology.}}</ref> "a person could end up in prison for being openly gay."<ref name="Shiraev2014">{{cite book|last=Shiraev|first=Eric|title=A History of Psychology|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=5ck_AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA12|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2014-03-04|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=9781452276595|page=12|quote=In the Soviet Union before 1990, a person could end up in prison for being openly gay.}}</ref> This policy was enforced after 1934,<ref name="Rutledge1987"/> and went hand in hand with the Soviet Union's official doctrine of [[militant atheism]], which led to the [[persecution of Christians in the USSR]].<ref name="Turgeon1989">{{cite book|last=Turgeon|first=Lynn|title=State & Discrimination: The Other Side of the Cold War|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=1989|publisher=M.E. Sharpe|language=English |isbn=9780765621733|page=67|quote=Homosexual acts between consenting males only became illegal in early 1934. To this day, some of these acts are punishable by five years' imprisonment. A highly publicized case occurred in 1974, when the celebrated Georgian movie director, Sergei Paradzhanov, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for practicing homosexuality and incitement to suicide. Historical, there has been extensive discrimination in the USSR on both religious and political grounds. Religious persecution and the pursuit of atheistic educational policies by the state were especially great before World War II and, particularly, after a resolution of April 8, 1929, "On Religious Cults."}}</ref>
{{quotation|Sexual intercourse between been [muzhelozhstvo] is subject to imprisonment for up to five years. Muzhelozhstvo, carried out with the use of physical force, threats, or in relation to an underage person, or by using the dependent position of the victim, is subject to up to eight years' imprisonment. —Article 121.1 of the Criminal Code of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics<ref name="Essig1999">{{cite book|last=Essig|first=Laurie|title=Queer in Russia: A Story of Sex, Self, and the Other|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=E4zugfPMxRoC&pg=PA8|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=1999|publisher=Duke University Press|isbn=9780822323464|page=8|quote=As long as the Soviet Union existed, the law against male homosexuality, in one form or another, would remain in effect. The 1987 version of the Criminal Code's Article I2I.I read: "Sexual intercourse between been [muzhelozhstvo] is subject to imprisonment for up to five years. Muzhelozhstvo, carried out with the use of physical force, threats, or in relation to an underage person, or by using the dependent position of the victim, is subject to up to eight years' imprisonment.}}</ref>}}
As such, homosexual members of the intelligentsia often suppressed their homosexuality and [[marriage|married]] women.<ref name="Mezey2007">{{cite book|last=Mezey|first=Susan Gluck|title=Queers in Court: Gay Rights Law and Public Policy|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=y6kOd8rR22gC&pg=PA19|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=27 March 2007|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|isbn=9780742568525|pages=19|quote=During the 1930s, when homosexuals were persecuted in the Soviet Union, and he was advised to repress his homosexuality, he married.}}</ref> The [[oppression]] of homosexuals in the atheist state of the USSR was noted by human rights organizations such as [[Amnesty International]].<ref name="Healey2001">{{cite book|last=Healey|first=Dan|title=Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia: The Regulation of Sexual and Gender Dissent|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=k_Et9nlFT2YC&pg=PA247|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=15 October 2001|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226322339|page=247|quote=In the West, organizations monitoring political dissidence such as Amnesty International then regarded the oppression of homosexuals as irrelevant to their mandates. Nonetheless, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, a handful of Soviet homosexuals employed the techniques of the wider dissident movement to challenge their society's persecution of same-sex love. The short-lived "Gay Laboratory" (''Gei-laboratoriia''), a group of about thirty men and women appeared in Leningrad in 1983 under the leadership of Aleksandr Zaremba, and with contacts with Finnish lesbian and gay organizations and the International Gay Association. The Gay Laboratory sought to examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions. Under pressure from KGB surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984 as members either emigrated or fell silent.}}</ref> Soviet homosexuals, in the 1970s and 1980s, attempted to establish the Gay Laboratory (''Gei-laboratoriia''), which sought to "examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions" but under "pressure from [[KGB]] surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984".<ref name="Healey2001">{{cite book|last=Healey|first=Dan|title=Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia: The Regulation of Sexual and Gender Dissent|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=k_Et9nlFT2YC&pg=PA247|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=15 October 2001|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226322339|page=247|quote=In the West, organizations monitoring political dissidence such as Amnesty International then regarded the oppression of homosexuals as irrelevant to their mandates. Nonetheless, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, a handful of Soviet homosexuals employed the techniques of the wider dissident movement to challenge their society's persecution of same-sex love. The short-lived "Gay Laboratory" (''Gei-laboratoriia''), a group of about thirty men and women appeared in Leningrad in 1983 under the leadership of Aleksandr Zaremba, and with contacts with Finnish lesbian and gay organizations and the International Gay Association. The Gay Laboratory sought to examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions. Under pressure from KGB surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984 as members either emigrated or fell silent.}}</ref> Since 1934, homosexuality was illegal, "punishable by imprisonment for up to eight years". As a result, "were mass arrests of homosexuals; some were sent to prison or the labor camps, others were exiled or executed."<ref name="Rutledge1987">{{cite book|last=Rutledge|first=Leigh W.|title=The Gay Book of Lists|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=H3GGAAAAIAAJ|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=1987|publisher=Alyson Publications|isbn=9781555831202|quote=However, in 1934, Stalin made them illegal again, punishable by imprisonment for up to eight years. There were mass arrests of homosexuals; some were sent to prison or the labor camps, others were exiled or executed.}}</ref> After the [[collapse of the Soviet Union]], homosexuality and homosexual acts are no longer illegal in [[Russia]] as they were during the previous Soviet régime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/what-you-hear-about-gays-in-russia-is-largely-false-expert-says-109341/|title=What You Hear About Gays in Russia Is 'Largely False,' Expert Says|last=Nazworth|first=Napp|date=22 November 2013|publisher=[[The Christian Post]]|accessdate=25 April 2014|quote=Homosexuality and homosexual acts are not illegal in Russia, Ruse explained, like they were during the previous Soviet regime. Gays in Russia live without fear of reprisal from their government. An Internet search of "gay Moscow" reveals a few dozen bars and nightclubs that cater to an openly gay clientele. And, popular Russian television shows feature openly gay characters.}}</ref>

===Cuba===
In the formerly [[state atheism|atheist state]] of [[Cuba]], "in the 1960s and 1970s, the Castro regime persecuted openly gay Cubans".<ref name="Chapman2007">{{cite book|last=Chapman|first=Thomas E.|title=Constructing the Moral Landscape Through Antidiscrimination Law: Discourse, Debate, and Dialogue of Sexual Citizenship in Three Florida Communities|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bZE5UgNRP8cC&pg=PA142|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2007|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9780549469575|page=142|quote=Among the so-called "unwanted" were as many as 3,000 openly homosexual Cubans. At various points in the 1960s and 1970s, the Castro regime persecuted openly gay Cubans, despite the progressive thrust of the ideas of the Communist Revolution, which did substantially improve the conditions of other oppressed minority groups such as women and blacks.}}</ref> A major element in Cuba's anti-[[gay]] policies was the fact that the "government adopted the Stalinist position, practiced in the Soviet Union, that homosexuality is a form of bourgeois decadence."<ref name="Chapman">{{cite book|last=Chapman|first=Thomas E.|title=Constructing the Moral Landscape Through Antidiscrimination Law: Discourse, Debate, and Dialogue of Sexual Citizenship in Three Florida Communities|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bZE5UgNRP8cC&pg=PA142|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2007|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9780549469575|page=142|quote=Another element contributing to Cuba's past anti-gay policies was for a time, the government adopted the Stalinist position, practiced in the Soviet Union, that homosexuality is a form of bourgeois decadence.}}</ref> As such, "Cuba sent openly gay men to labor camps without charge or trial", with [[Fidel Castro]] admitting to committing these [[crimes against humanity]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/08/31/cuba.castro.gays/index.html?hpt=Sbin|title=Castro admits 'injustice' for gays and lesbians during revolution - CNN.com|last=Darlington|first=Shasta|date=31 August 2010|publisher=[[CNN]]|accessdate=25 April 2014|quote=Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said he acknowledges the persecution of gays and lesbians during the Revolution in his country, according to a newspaper interview published Tuesday. Throughout the 1960s and '70s, Cuba sent openly gay men to labor camps without charge or trial. "They were moments of great injustice, great injustice!" Castro told journalist Carmen Lira Saade from the Mexican daily La Jornada. "If someone is responsible, it's me."}}</ref> Unidades Militares de Ayuda a la Production (UMAP) camps included both homosexuals, as well as the religious, who were tortured and incarcerated.<ref name="Berenschot2005">{{cite book|last=Berenschot|first=Denis Jorge|title=Performing Cuba: (Re)writing Gender Identity and Exile Across Genres|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=yuGiE4B_lfUC&pg=PA40|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=January 2005|publisher=Peter Lang|isbn=9780820474403|page=40|quote=Similar problems are recounted in Senel Paz's shorty story when Diego lists the problems he has with the Castroist regime. This list read as a topography of all the coercive strategies of the militarist authoritarian moral codes of the regime. They included persecution of homosexuals, religious people, torture and incarceration in the UMAP camps.}}</ref>

[[Che Guevara]], a Marxist–Leninist atheist, held a very negative view of homosexuals and he fully supported the re-education camps that Castro set up for them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xryshaygh.com/index.php/enimerosi/view/ratsisths-kai-enantion-twn-omofulofilwn-o-tse-gkebara|title=Ρατσιστής και εναντίον των ομοφυλοφίλων ο Τσε Γκεβάρα|last=ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ ΜΑΣΤΟΡΑΣ|date=12 January 2013|publisher=Χρυσή Αυγή|language=Greek|accessdate=28 April 2014|quote=Ο περισσότερος κόσμος, όμως, δεν γνωρίζει και κάποιες άλλες σκέψεις και απόψεις του Αργεντίνου επαναστάτη, τις οποίες οι καπηλευτές των αγώνων του (ασχέτως του αν συμφωνεί ή διαφωνεί κάποιος με τα όσα ενστερνιζόταν, αγωνίστηκε για τα όσα πίστευε και το πλήρωσε με την ζωή του) αποκρύπτουν επιμελώς. Δεν γνωρίζει π.χ. ότι είχε εντελώς αρνητική άποψη για τους ομοφυλόφιλους και υποστήριξε χωρίς την παραμικρή ένσταση τα στρατόπεδα «επανεκπαίδευσης» που είχε στήσει γι’ αυτούς ο Κάστρο. Όπως, επίσης, δεν γνωρίζει τις αρνητικές και απαξιωτικές αναφορές προς του μαύρους.}}</ref>

===China===
Although Chinese [[literature]] cites homosexual practice since ancient times as one that was fairly tolerated,<ref name="DrescherLingiardi2003">{{cite book|last1=Drescher|first1=Jack|last2=Lingiardi|first2=Vittorio|title=The Mental Health Professions and Homosexuality: International Perspectives|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=DdAs9zZtzxoC&pg=PA117|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2 June 2003|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9780789020598|page=117|quote=Homosexuality was widespread, recognized and fairly tolerated, although not entirely accepted, in ancient China.}}</ref> after the [[Chinese Communist Party]], which officially espouses [[atheism]], came to power in 1949, homosexuality was deemed a sexual crime and then classified as an abnormal (''buzhengchang'') [[mental illness]].<ref name="KleinmanYan2011">{{cite book|last1=Kleinman|first1=Arthur|last2=Yan|first2=Yunxiang|last3=Jun|first3=Jing|coauthors=Sing Lee, Everett Zhang|title=Deep China: The Moral Life of the Person|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=RUWZUa8ijvEC&pg=PA251|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=27 August 2011|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520950511|page=251|quote=Chinese literature citing homosexuality dates back to ancient times. After the Chinese Communist Party took over the country in 1949, homosexuality was deemed a sexual crime until 1997 and then classified as a mental disorder until 2001.}}</ref><ref name="GrimFinke2010">{{cite book|last1=Grim|first1=Brian J.|last2=Finke|first2=Roger|title=The Price of Freedom Denied: Religious Persecution and Conflict in the Twenty-First Century|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mofX6zdChgcC&pg=PA132|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=6 December 2012|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9781139492416|page=132|quote=Atheism had long been the official doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party, but this new form of militant atheism made every effort to eradicate religion completely.}}</ref> Under the [[Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution]], homosexuals experienced punishment that ranged from "[[forced labor|labor]] under surveillance to imprisonment for years".<ref name="DrescherLingiardi2003">{{cite book|last1=Drescher|first1=Jack|last2=Lingiardi|first2=Vittorio|title=The Mental Health Professions and Homosexuality: International Perspectives|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=DdAs9zZtzxoC&pg=PA117|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2 June 2003|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9780789020598|page=117|quote=Arguably, this was the most sexually repressive period in the history of China. During this time, homosexual behavior could be grounds for persecution. Punishment ranged from labor under surveillance to imprisonment for years, depending upon the political atmosphere at the time and the mood of specific authorities. After the end of the Cultural Revolution in the late 1970s, as the government spent several years "rehabilitating" people who had been persecuted, those persecuted due to same-sex behaviors did not receive the same treatment (Wan, personal communication, 1997, 2001).}}</ref> Moreover, atheistic [[communist]] officials "when queried by foreign visitors, until recently simply denied that homosexuality existed in [[China]]".<ref name="Crompton2006">{{cite book|last=Crompton|first=Louis|title=Homosexuality and Civilization|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=TfBYd9xVaXcC&pg=PA244|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2006|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=9780674030060|page=244|quote=In Chinese history and literature, until the end of the Imperial age and the triumph of Marxism, men who loved men were depicted as good or bad, sympathetic or self-seeking, honest or dishonest, talented or undistinguished, but not set apart as a race to be humiliated, denounced, or extirpated. Under Communist rule, however, there has been a radical change. Chinese Communist officials, when queried by foreign visitors, until recently simply denied that homosexuality existed in China, the theory being that under a socialist economy social ills such as prostitution and homosexuality would vanish.}}</ref>

==Atheistic organizations==
{{Homosexuality}}
===American Atheists===
{{further|American Atheists - Excerpts from their website}}
In December 2013, Chris Stedman of the Religion News Service, reported that "Dave Muscato, the Public Relations Director for [[American Atheists]], made a problematic and offensive comment about [[LGBTQ]] ([[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]], and [[transgender]]) activists."<ref name=Stedman>{{cite web|url=http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2013/12/13/american-atheists-public-relations-director/|title=Does American Atheists agree with this offensive LGBTQ comment?|last=Stedman|first=Chris|date=13 December 2013|publisher=Religion News Service|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref> Muscato, who works closely with [[David Silverman]] (often referred to by his nickname "[[Sinful Silverman]]"), stated that:

{{quotation|There are different types of atheist activists and we are not the kind that you seem to wish that we were or want us to be. I talk about this in a talk I give about atheism activism, where I say that, as an example, there are (generalizing) two types of LGBTQ activists: the kind that wear suits & ties and run for office and give speeches, and the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on parade floats. The suit-and-tie atheists say to the assless-chaps activists, “Stop doing that. You’re making us look bad. We’re trying to accomplish something here in terms of public acceptance.” But that is not the right way to look at it, I think. The assless-chaps activists say, “This is who we are and this is what we believe. If the public won’t accept that, they need to change, not me.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://columbiafavs.com/2013/12/13/aiming-higher-billboards-problems-atheist-advertising/#comment-170803|title=Aiming higher than billboards: Problems in atheist advertising|last=Lakey|first=Tony|date=13 December 2013|quote=Hi Tony! Thanks for your article. I just want to point out a correction: - The Times Square board, too, did not cost our organization anything. I also want you to know that, as the “marines” of the atheist movement, it is our position that nobody needs Christ during Christmas because, not to put too fine a point on it, but Jesus is dead. Many people *believe* they need Christ during Christmas but that’s exactly our point. Some Christians, especially Bill O’Reilly and Sarah Palin, are trying to say that the entire winter season belongs to Christianity, starting the day after Thanksgiving and ending on December 26th. There is no reason that other Americans can’t celebrate this time of year also, considering that this time has of year has been celebrated for thousands of years before Christianity came along and appropriated it. While part of our mission is mutual sympathy, understanding, and interdependence of all people, that doesn’t mean pussyfooting around what we think. Part of our mission is also “to develop and propagate a social philosophy in which humankind is central and must itself be the source of strength, progress, and ideals for the well-being and happiness of humanity.” Telling people that it’s okay to believe nonsense, like they NEED a fictional zombie in order to enjoy a holiday (which is obviously false considering many people who don’t even believe in that enjoy it, too), does not fit with our aims and purposes. The reason for the season, for EVERYONE, is axial tilt. That is the bottom line. Americans celebrate this in all sorts of ways: Some make up religions about it, some celebrate it entirely secularly, but to say that the reason for the season is Jesus for some people is false and that’s exactly what we’re saying: The reason for calling the holiday Christmas may be Jesus for Christians, but the season belongs to everyone. Part of our mission is raising the public profile & awareness about atheism. That is, we want people to know that there are lots of atheists out there, that atheism is a subject that Americans care about and donate to support, etc. We are certainly open to suggestions if you have ideas about other ways to do this besides billboards. But we do them for the same reason that any organization (including the orgs that have billboards with messages more similar to the kind you’re talking about) put up billboards: They work. I’m not sure that I understand why you seem to be simultaneously saying billboards are a waste of money and, also, here is a suggestion for how you should word your billboards if you want to say a different message. As an aside, you can fit 5, *maybe* 7 words on a billboard. Your suggest is about 4-5 times longer than that. I know you didn’t mean your suggestion as a final-draft wording but it’s just something to keep in mind for future criticisms :) We do have members who are believers but that is not our audience and while we won’t turn away donations from people who agree with our aims and principles, our target market for membership promotion is not believers. It is atheists, especially closeted atheists (afraid to come out) or people who don’t believe but go through the motions because they are not yet convinced that there is an activism need for them to be more vocal about it (reaching that critical mass of people willing to publicly call themselves “atheist” in order to reach a level of public acceptance of the term). I just want to be clear here because Tony and I know each other and he’s already aware that I don’t mean this in a bad way or anything, but there are different types of atheist activists and we are not the kind that you seem to wish that we were or want us to be. I talk about this in a talk I give about atheism activism, where I say that, as an example, there are (generalizing) two types of LGBTQ activists: the kind that wear suits & ties and run for office and give speeches, and the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on parade floats. The suit-and-tie atheists say to the assless-chaps activists, “Stop doing that. You’re making us look bad. We’re trying to accomplish something here in terms of public acceptance.” But that is not the right way to look at it, I think. The assless-chaps activists say, “This is who we are and this is what we believe. If the public won’t accept that, they need to change, not me.” I hope this helps :) Keep up the writing, Tony! - Dave Muscato, PR Director, American Atheists (908) 276-7300 x7 dmuscato@atheists.org|publisher=Columbia|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref>}}

Stedman, who holds that organization as being representative of atheists in the [[United States]], criticized [[American Atheists]], stating "Muscato’s comments are a deeply problematic instance of this equation. His words invoke a blatantly uninformed characterization of LGBTQ activists. He erases the diversity of LGBTQ activists, offering instead a caricature (that, for starters, feels very gay male-centric). My first experiences as an activist were in [[Homosexual Agenda|LGBTQ organizations]], and I can say without hesitation that framing LGBTQ activists as either “the kind that wear suit & ties” or 'the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on [[parade]] floats' does not begin to reflect the thoughtfulness and [[diversity]] found within the LGBTQ community."<ref name=Stedman>{{cite web|url=http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2013/12/13/american-atheists-public-relations-director/|title=Does American Atheists agree with this offensive LGBTQ comment?|last=Stedman|first=Chris|date=13 December 2013|publisher=Religion News Service|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref>

== Atheist and homosexual Chris Stedman and online atheists disparagement ==

The atheist and homosexual Chris Stedman in a ''Washington Post'' article entitled ''I’m an atheist, but I had to walk away from the toxic side of online atheism'' wrote:
{{Cquote|A number of prominent atheist bloggers criticized my interview, saying I was [https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/12/10/grrr-stedman/ awful] and suggesting I was [https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/bill-oreilly-and-chris-stedman-ally-against-the-war-on-christmas/ allying] with [[Bill O'Reilly|O’Reilly]]. The comments were worse. Anonymous posters ridiculed me, saying I should decline future television invitations because I was too “effeminate,” my physical appearance made atheists seem “like freaks” and my “obvious homosexuality” made me an ineffectual voice for atheists.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/11/07/im-an-atheist-but-i-had-to-walk-away-from-the-toxic-side-of-online-atheism/?utm_term=.867dd3928de4 ''I’m an atheist, but I had to walk away from the toxic side of online atheism''] by Chris Stedman, ''Washington Post'', 2017</ref>}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Atheism and homosexuality]]
*[[Atheism and sexuality]]
*[[Atheism and mass murder]]
*[[Atheism and the suppression of science]]
*[[Communist Racism]]
*[[Persecution of atheists]]
*[[Homophobia]]
*[[Homosexuality Research]]
*[[Militant atheism]]
*[[Atheist hypocrisy]]

==External links==
*[http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/08/22/angela-macleod-irons-the-communist-roots-of-russian-homophobia/ The communist roots of Russian homophobia by Angela MacLeod Irons (National Post)]
*[http://beastrabban.wordpress.com/2008/02/07/homosexuals-and-atheism-an-uneasy-alliance/ Homosexuals and Atheism: An Uneasy Alliance (Beastrabban)]
*[http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/11/16/mama.wu.homosexual.china/index.html?hpt=Sbin&fb_source=message 'Mama Wu' unlikely hero for homosexuals in China by Steven Jiang (CNN)]

{{Nb Atheism}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Communism]]
[[Category:Homosexuality]]
[[Category:Marxism]]
[[Category:Cuba]]
[[Category:People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Soviet Union]]

Atheism and the suppression of homosexuality

2017-11-10T12:50:12Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Atheistic organizations */

[[File:Young castro 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|The régime under militant atheist [[Fidel Castro]] "denounced homosexuality and established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, which patrolled neighborhoods and invaded private space."<ref name="Pickett2009">{{cite book|last=Pickett|first=Brent L.|title=The A to Z of Homosexuality|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=uRABiOI7itsC&pg=PA120|accessdate=28 April 2014|date=9 February 2009|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=9780810870727|page=120|quote=Fidel Castro's regime denounced homosexuality and established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, which patrolled neighborhoods and invaded private space.}}</ref>]]
'''Atheism and the persecution of homosexuals''', also known as '''atheism and discrimination against homosexuals''', is one common criticism of [[atheism]], as [[militant atheist]]s have often [[persecution|persecuted]] those belonging to the [[LGBTQ]] community. [[State atheism|Atheist states]], as well as atheistic organizations, have historically persecuted homosexuals and have engaged in [[discrimination]] against them.

==Atheist states==
===Soviet Union===
In the [[Atheism and communism|atheistic communist]] state of the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics]] (USSR),<ref name="Demchenko2009">{{cite book|last=Demchenko|first=Elena|title=Religion and Identity of Soviet Jewish Immigrants in the United States|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=b8LM-4FWYg4C&pg=PA7|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=2009|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9781109121865|page=7|quote=The USSR declared itself the first atheist state in the world that discouraged any religion and persecuted those who tried to contradict the Marxist ideology.}}</ref> "a person could end up in prison for being openly gay."<ref name="Shiraev2014">{{cite book|last=Shiraev|first=Eric|title=A History of Psychology|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=5ck_AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA12|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2014-03-04|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=9781452276595|page=12|quote=In the Soviet Union before 1990, a person could end up in prison for being openly gay.}}</ref> This policy was enforced after 1934,<ref name="Rutledge1987"/> and went hand in hand with the Soviet Union's official doctrine of [[militant atheism]], which led to the [[persecution of Christians in the USSR]].<ref name="Turgeon1989">{{cite book|last=Turgeon|first=Lynn|title=State & Discrimination: The Other Side of the Cold War|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=1989|publisher=M.E. Sharpe|language=English |isbn=9780765621733|page=67|quote=Homosexual acts between consenting males only became illegal in early 1934. To this day, some of these acts are punishable by five years' imprisonment. A highly publicized case occurred in 1974, when the celebrated Georgian movie director, Sergei Paradzhanov, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for practicing homosexuality and incitement to suicide. Historical, there has been extensive discrimination in the USSR on both religious and political grounds. Religious persecution and the pursuit of atheistic educational policies by the state were especially great before World War II and, particularly, after a resolution of April 8, 1929, "On Religious Cults."}}</ref>
{{quotation|Sexual intercourse between been [muzhelozhstvo] is subject to imprisonment for up to five years. Muzhelozhstvo, carried out with the use of physical force, threats, or in relation to an underage person, or by using the dependent position of the victim, is subject to up to eight years' imprisonment. —Article 121.1 of the Criminal Code of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics<ref name="Essig1999">{{cite book|last=Essig|first=Laurie|title=Queer in Russia: A Story of Sex, Self, and the Other|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=E4zugfPMxRoC&pg=PA8|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=1999|publisher=Duke University Press|isbn=9780822323464|page=8|quote=As long as the Soviet Union existed, the law against male homosexuality, in one form or another, would remain in effect. The 1987 version of the Criminal Code's Article I2I.I read: "Sexual intercourse between been [muzhelozhstvo] is subject to imprisonment for up to five years. Muzhelozhstvo, carried out with the use of physical force, threats, or in relation to an underage person, or by using the dependent position of the victim, is subject to up to eight years' imprisonment.}}</ref>}}
As such, homosexual members of the intelligentsia often suppressed their homosexuality and [[marriage|married]] women.<ref name="Mezey2007">{{cite book|last=Mezey|first=Susan Gluck|title=Queers in Court: Gay Rights Law and Public Policy|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=y6kOd8rR22gC&pg=PA19|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=27 March 2007|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|isbn=9780742568525|pages=19|quote=During the 1930s, when homosexuals were persecuted in the Soviet Union, and he was advised to repress his homosexuality, he married.}}</ref> The [[oppression]] of homosexuals in the atheist state of the USSR was noted by human rights organizations such as [[Amnesty International]].<ref name="Healey2001">{{cite book|last=Healey|first=Dan|title=Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia: The Regulation of Sexual and Gender Dissent|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=k_Et9nlFT2YC&pg=PA247|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=15 October 2001|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226322339|page=247|quote=In the West, organizations monitoring political dissidence such as Amnesty International then regarded the oppression of homosexuals as irrelevant to their mandates. Nonetheless, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, a handful of Soviet homosexuals employed the techniques of the wider dissident movement to challenge their society's persecution of same-sex love. The short-lived "Gay Laboratory" (''Gei-laboratoriia''), a group of about thirty men and women appeared in Leningrad in 1983 under the leadership of Aleksandr Zaremba, and with contacts with Finnish lesbian and gay organizations and the International Gay Association. The Gay Laboratory sought to examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions. Under pressure from KGB surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984 as members either emigrated or fell silent.}}</ref> Soviet homosexuals, in the 1970s and 1980s, attempted to establish the Gay Laboratory (''Gei-laboratoriia''), which sought to "examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions" but under "pressure from [[KGB]] surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984".<ref name="Healey2001">{{cite book|last=Healey|first=Dan|title=Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia: The Regulation of Sexual and Gender Dissent|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=k_Et9nlFT2YC&pg=PA247|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=15 October 2001|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226322339|page=247|quote=In the West, organizations monitoring political dissidence such as Amnesty International then regarded the oppression of homosexuals as irrelevant to their mandates. Nonetheless, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, a handful of Soviet homosexuals employed the techniques of the wider dissident movement to challenge their society's persecution of same-sex love. The short-lived "Gay Laboratory" (''Gei-laboratoriia''), a group of about thirty men and women appeared in Leningrad in 1983 under the leadership of Aleksandr Zaremba, and with contacts with Finnish lesbian and gay organizations and the International Gay Association. The Gay Laboratory sought to examine the implications for Russians of the ideals of gay liberation and to consider the new threat that AIDS posed to same-sex love in Soviet conditions. Under pressure from KGB surveillance and threats, the group disbanded in 1984 as members either emigrated or fell silent.}}</ref> Since 1934, homosexuality was illegal, "punishable by imprisonment for up to eight years". As a result, "were mass arrests of homosexuals; some were sent to prison or the labor camps, others were exiled or executed."<ref name="Rutledge1987">{{cite book|last=Rutledge|first=Leigh W.|title=The Gay Book of Lists|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=H3GGAAAAIAAJ|accessdate=28 April 2014|year=1987|publisher=Alyson Publications|isbn=9781555831202|quote=However, in 1934, Stalin made them illegal again, punishable by imprisonment for up to eight years. There were mass arrests of homosexuals; some were sent to prison or the labor camps, others were exiled or executed.}}</ref> After the [[collapse of the Soviet Union]], homosexuality and homosexual acts are no longer illegal in [[Russia]] as they were during the previous Soviet régime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/what-you-hear-about-gays-in-russia-is-largely-false-expert-says-109341/|title=What You Hear About Gays in Russia Is 'Largely False,' Expert Says|last=Nazworth|first=Napp|date=22 November 2013|publisher=[[The Christian Post]]|accessdate=25 April 2014|quote=Homosexuality and homosexual acts are not illegal in Russia, Ruse explained, like they were during the previous Soviet regime. Gays in Russia live without fear of reprisal from their government. An Internet search of "gay Moscow" reveals a few dozen bars and nightclubs that cater to an openly gay clientele. And, popular Russian television shows feature openly gay characters.}}</ref>

===Cuba===
In the formerly [[state atheism|atheist state]] of [[Cuba]], "in the 1960s and 1970s, the Castro regime persecuted openly gay Cubans".<ref name="Chapman2007">{{cite book|last=Chapman|first=Thomas E.|title=Constructing the Moral Landscape Through Antidiscrimination Law: Discourse, Debate, and Dialogue of Sexual Citizenship in Three Florida Communities|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bZE5UgNRP8cC&pg=PA142|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2007|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9780549469575|page=142|quote=Among the so-called "unwanted" were as many as 3,000 openly homosexual Cubans. At various points in the 1960s and 1970s, the Castro regime persecuted openly gay Cubans, despite the progressive thrust of the ideas of the Communist Revolution, which did substantially improve the conditions of other oppressed minority groups such as women and blacks.}}</ref> A major element in Cuba's anti-[[gay]] policies was the fact that the "government adopted the Stalinist position, practiced in the Soviet Union, that homosexuality is a form of bourgeois decadence."<ref name="Chapman">{{cite book|last=Chapman|first=Thomas E.|title=Constructing the Moral Landscape Through Antidiscrimination Law: Discourse, Debate, and Dialogue of Sexual Citizenship in Three Florida Communities|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bZE5UgNRP8cC&pg=PA142|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2007|publisher=ProQuest|isbn=9780549469575|page=142|quote=Another element contributing to Cuba's past anti-gay policies was for a time, the government adopted the Stalinist position, practiced in the Soviet Union, that homosexuality is a form of bourgeois decadence.}}</ref> As such, "Cuba sent openly gay men to labor camps without charge or trial", with [[Fidel Castro]] admitting to committing these [[crimes against humanity]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/08/31/cuba.castro.gays/index.html?hpt=Sbin|title=Castro admits 'injustice' for gays and lesbians during revolution - CNN.com|last=Darlington|first=Shasta|date=31 August 2010|publisher=[[CNN]]|accessdate=25 April 2014|quote=Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said he acknowledges the persecution of gays and lesbians during the Revolution in his country, according to a newspaper interview published Tuesday. Throughout the 1960s and '70s, Cuba sent openly gay men to labor camps without charge or trial. "They were moments of great injustice, great injustice!" Castro told journalist Carmen Lira Saade from the Mexican daily La Jornada. "If someone is responsible, it's me."}}</ref> Unidades Militares de Ayuda a la Production (UMAP) camps included both homosexuals, as well as the religious, who were tortured and incarcerated.<ref name="Berenschot2005">{{cite book|last=Berenschot|first=Denis Jorge|title=Performing Cuba: (Re)writing Gender Identity and Exile Across Genres|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=yuGiE4B_lfUC&pg=PA40|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=January 2005|publisher=Peter Lang|isbn=9780820474403|page=40|quote=Similar problems are recounted in Senel Paz's shorty story when Diego lists the problems he has with the Castroist regime. This list read as a topography of all the coercive strategies of the militarist authoritarian moral codes of the regime. They included persecution of homosexuals, religious people, torture and incarceration in the UMAP camps.}}</ref>

[[Che Guevara]], a Marxist–Leninist atheist, held a very negative view of homosexuals and he fully supported the re-education camps that Castro set up for them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xryshaygh.com/index.php/enimerosi/view/ratsisths-kai-enantion-twn-omofulofilwn-o-tse-gkebara|title=Ρατσιστής και εναντίον των ομοφυλοφίλων ο Τσε Γκεβάρα|last=ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ ΜΑΣΤΟΡΑΣ|date=12 January 2013|publisher=Χρυσή Αυγή|language=Greek|accessdate=28 April 2014|quote=Ο περισσότερος κόσμος, όμως, δεν γνωρίζει και κάποιες άλλες σκέψεις και απόψεις του Αργεντίνου επαναστάτη, τις οποίες οι καπηλευτές των αγώνων του (ασχέτως του αν συμφωνεί ή διαφωνεί κάποιος με τα όσα ενστερνιζόταν, αγωνίστηκε για τα όσα πίστευε και το πλήρωσε με την ζωή του) αποκρύπτουν επιμελώς. Δεν γνωρίζει π.χ. ότι είχε εντελώς αρνητική άποψη για τους ομοφυλόφιλους και υποστήριξε χωρίς την παραμικρή ένσταση τα στρατόπεδα «επανεκπαίδευσης» που είχε στήσει γι’ αυτούς ο Κάστρο. Όπως, επίσης, δεν γνωρίζει τις αρνητικές και απαξιωτικές αναφορές προς του μαύρους.}}</ref>

===China===
Although Chinese [[literature]] cites homosexual practice since ancient times as one that was fairly tolerated,<ref name="DrescherLingiardi2003">{{cite book|last1=Drescher|first1=Jack|last2=Lingiardi|first2=Vittorio|title=The Mental Health Professions and Homosexuality: International Perspectives|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=DdAs9zZtzxoC&pg=PA117|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2 June 2003|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9780789020598|page=117|quote=Homosexuality was widespread, recognized and fairly tolerated, although not entirely accepted, in ancient China.}}</ref> after the [[Chinese Communist Party]], which officially espouses [[atheism]], came to power in 1949, homosexuality was deemed a sexual crime and then classified as an abnormal (''buzhengchang'') [[mental illness]].<ref name="KleinmanYan2011">{{cite book|last1=Kleinman|first1=Arthur|last2=Yan|first2=Yunxiang|last3=Jun|first3=Jing|coauthors=Sing Lee, Everett Zhang|title=Deep China: The Moral Life of the Person|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=RUWZUa8ijvEC&pg=PA251|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=27 August 2011|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520950511|page=251|quote=Chinese literature citing homosexuality dates back to ancient times. After the Chinese Communist Party took over the country in 1949, homosexuality was deemed a sexual crime until 1997 and then classified as a mental disorder until 2001.}}</ref><ref name="GrimFinke2010">{{cite book|last1=Grim|first1=Brian J.|last2=Finke|first2=Roger|title=The Price of Freedom Denied: Religious Persecution and Conflict in the Twenty-First Century|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mofX6zdChgcC&pg=PA132|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=6 December 2012|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9781139492416|page=132|quote=Atheism had long been the official doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party, but this new form of militant atheism made every effort to eradicate religion completely.}}</ref> Under the [[Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution]], homosexuals experienced punishment that ranged from "[[forced labor|labor]] under surveillance to imprisonment for years".<ref name="DrescherLingiardi2003">{{cite book|last1=Drescher|first1=Jack|last2=Lingiardi|first2=Vittorio|title=The Mental Health Professions and Homosexuality: International Perspectives|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=DdAs9zZtzxoC&pg=PA117|accessdate=25 April 2014|date=2 June 2003|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9780789020598|page=117|quote=Arguably, this was the most sexually repressive period in the history of China. During this time, homosexual behavior could be grounds for persecution. Punishment ranged from labor under surveillance to imprisonment for years, depending upon the political atmosphere at the time and the mood of specific authorities. After the end of the Cultural Revolution in the late 1970s, as the government spent several years "rehabilitating" people who had been persecuted, those persecuted due to same-sex behaviors did not receive the same treatment (Wan, personal communication, 1997, 2001).}}</ref> Moreover, atheistic [[communist]] officials "when queried by foreign visitors, until recently simply denied that homosexuality existed in [[China]]".<ref name="Crompton2006">{{cite book|last=Crompton|first=Louis|title=Homosexuality and Civilization|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=TfBYd9xVaXcC&pg=PA244|accessdate=25 April 2014|year=2006|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=9780674030060|page=244|quote=In Chinese history and literature, until the end of the Imperial age and the triumph of Marxism, men who loved men were depicted as good or bad, sympathetic or self-seeking, honest or dishonest, talented or undistinguished, but not set apart as a race to be humiliated, denounced, or extirpated. Under Communist rule, however, there has been a radical change. Chinese Communist officials, when queried by foreign visitors, until recently simply denied that homosexuality existed in China, the theory being that under a socialist economy social ills such as prostitution and homosexuality would vanish.}}</ref>

==Atheistic organizations==
{{Homosexuality}}
===American Atheists===
{{further|American Atheists - Excerpts from their website}}
In December 2013, Chris Stedman of the Religion News Service, reported that "Dave Muscato, the Public Relations Director for [[American Atheists]], made a problematic and offensive comment about [[LGBTQ]] ([[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]], and [[transgender]]) activists."<ref name=Stedman>{{cite web|url=http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2013/12/13/american-atheists-public-relations-director/|title=Does American Atheists agree with this offensive LGBTQ comment?|last=Stedman|first=Chris|date=13 December 2013|publisher=Religion News Service|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref> Muscato, who works closely with [[David Silverman]] (often referred to by his nickname "[[Sinful Silverman]]"), stated that:

{{quotation|There are different types of atheist activists and we are not the kind that you seem to wish that we were or want us to be. I talk about this in a talk I give about atheism activism, where I say that, as an example, there are (generalizing) two types of LGBTQ activists: the kind that wear suits & ties and run for office and give speeches, and the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on parade floats. The suit-and-tie atheists say to the assless-chaps activists, “Stop doing that. You’re making us look bad. We’re trying to accomplish something here in terms of public acceptance.” But that is not the right way to look at it, I think. The assless-chaps activists say, “This is who we are and this is what we believe. If the public won’t accept that, they need to change, not me.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://columbiafavs.com/2013/12/13/aiming-higher-billboards-problems-atheist-advertising/#comment-170803|title=Aiming higher than billboards: Problems in atheist advertising|last=Lakey|first=Tony|date=13 December 2013|quote=Hi Tony! Thanks for your article. I just want to point out a correction: - The Times Square board, too, did not cost our organization anything. I also want you to know that, as the “marines” of the atheist movement, it is our position that nobody needs Christ during Christmas because, not to put too fine a point on it, but Jesus is dead. Many people *believe* they need Christ during Christmas but that’s exactly our point. Some Christians, especially Bill O’Reilly and Sarah Palin, are trying to say that the entire winter season belongs to Christianity, starting the day after Thanksgiving and ending on December 26th. There is no reason that other Americans can’t celebrate this time of year also, considering that this time has of year has been celebrated for thousands of years before Christianity came along and appropriated it. While part of our mission is mutual sympathy, understanding, and interdependence of all people, that doesn’t mean pussyfooting around what we think. Part of our mission is also “to develop and propagate a social philosophy in which humankind is central and must itself be the source of strength, progress, and ideals for the well-being and happiness of humanity.” Telling people that it’s okay to believe nonsense, like they NEED a fictional zombie in order to enjoy a holiday (which is obviously false considering many people who don’t even believe in that enjoy it, too), does not fit with our aims and purposes. The reason for the season, for EVERYONE, is axial tilt. That is the bottom line. Americans celebrate this in all sorts of ways: Some make up religions about it, some celebrate it entirely secularly, but to say that the reason for the season is Jesus for some people is false and that’s exactly what we’re saying: The reason for calling the holiday Christmas may be Jesus for Christians, but the season belongs to everyone. Part of our mission is raising the public profile & awareness about atheism. That is, we want people to know that there are lots of atheists out there, that atheism is a subject that Americans care about and donate to support, etc. We are certainly open to suggestions if you have ideas about other ways to do this besides billboards. But we do them for the same reason that any organization (including the orgs that have billboards with messages more similar to the kind you’re talking about) put up billboards: They work. I’m not sure that I understand why you seem to be simultaneously saying billboards are a waste of money and, also, here is a suggestion for how you should word your billboards if you want to say a different message. As an aside, you can fit 5, *maybe* 7 words on a billboard. Your suggest is about 4-5 times longer than that. I know you didn’t mean your suggestion as a final-draft wording but it’s just something to keep in mind for future criticisms :) We do have members who are believers but that is not our audience and while we won’t turn away donations from people who agree with our aims and principles, our target market for membership promotion is not believers. It is atheists, especially closeted atheists (afraid to come out) or people who don’t believe but go through the motions because they are not yet convinced that there is an activism need for them to be more vocal about it (reaching that critical mass of people willing to publicly call themselves “atheist” in order to reach a level of public acceptance of the term). I just want to be clear here because Tony and I know each other and he’s already aware that I don’t mean this in a bad way or anything, but there are different types of atheist activists and we are not the kind that you seem to wish that we were or want us to be. I talk about this in a talk I give about atheism activism, where I say that, as an example, there are (generalizing) two types of LGBTQ activists: the kind that wear suits & ties and run for office and give speeches, and the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on parade floats. The suit-and-tie atheists say to the assless-chaps activists, “Stop doing that. You’re making us look bad. We’re trying to accomplish something here in terms of public acceptance.” But that is not the right way to look at it, I think. The assless-chaps activists say, “This is who we are and this is what we believe. If the public won’t accept that, they need to change, not me.” I hope this helps :) Keep up the writing, Tony! - Dave Muscato, PR Director, American Atheists (908) 276-7300 x7 dmuscato@atheists.org|publisher=Columbia|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref>}}

Stedman, who holds that organization as being representative of atheists in the [[United States]], criticized [[American Atheists]], stating "Muscato’s comments are a deeply problematic instance of this equation. His words invoke a blatantly uninformed characterization of LGBTQ activists. He erases the diversity of LGBTQ activists, offering instead a caricature (that, for starters, feels very gay male-centric). My first experiences as an activist were in [[Homosexual Agenda|LGBTQ organizations]], and I can say without hesitation that framing LGBTQ activists as either “the kind that wear suit & ties” or 'the kind who dress up in chaps and ride on [[parade]] floats' does not begin to reflect the thoughtfulness and [[diversity]] found within the LGBTQ community."<ref name=Stedman>{{cite web|url=http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2013/12/13/american-atheists-public-relations-director/|title=Does American Atheists agree with this offensive LGBTQ comment?|last=Stedman|first=Chris|date=13 December 2013|publisher=Religion News Service|accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref>

== Atheist and homosexual Chris Stedman and online atheists disparagement ==

The atheist and homosexual Chris Stedman in a ''Washington Post'' article entitled ''I’m an atheist, but I had to walk away from the toxic side of online atheism'' wrote:
{{Cquote|A number of prominent atheist bloggers criticized my interview, saying I was [https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/12/10/grrr-stedman/ awful] and suggesting I was [https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/bill-oreilly-and-chris-stedman-ally-against-the-war-on-christmas/ allying] with [[Bill O'Reilyy|O’Reilly]]. The comments were worse. Anonymous posters ridiculed me, saying I should decline future television invitations because I was too “effeminate,” my physical appearance made atheists seem “like freaks” and my “obvious homosexuality” made me an ineffectual voice for atheists.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/11/07/im-an-atheist-but-i-had-to-walk-away-from-the-toxic-side-of-online-atheism/?utm_term=.867dd3928de4 ''I’m an atheist, but I had to walk away from the toxic side of online atheism''] by Chris Stedman, ''Washington Post'', 2017</ref>}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
*[[Atheism and homosexuality]]
*[[Atheism and sexuality]]
*[[Atheism and mass murder]]
*[[Atheism and the suppression of science]]
*[[Communist Racism]]
*[[Persecution of atheists]]
*[[Homophobia]]
*[[Homosexuality Research]]
*[[Militant atheism]]
*[[Atheist hypocrisy]]

==External links==
*[http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/08/22/angela-macleod-irons-the-communist-roots-of-russian-homophobia/ The communist roots of Russian homophobia by Angela MacLeod Irons (National Post)]
*[http://beastrabban.wordpress.com/2008/02/07/homosexuals-and-atheism-an-uneasy-alliance/ Homosexuals and Atheism: An Uneasy Alliance (Beastrabban)]
*[http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/11/16/mama.wu.homosexual.china/index.html?hpt=Sbin&fb_source=message 'Mama Wu' unlikely hero for homosexuals in China by Steven Jiang (CNN)]

{{Nb Atheism}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Communism]]
[[Category:Homosexuality]]
[[Category:Marxism]]
[[Category:Cuba]]
[[Category:People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Soviet Union]]

2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled

2017-11-10T04:20:18Z

Wisdomcriesout: time have changed article

[[File:Salman-Rushdie.jpg|thumbnail|170px|right|[[Salman Rushdie]] was scheduled to be a speaker at the 2018 Global Atheist Convention. On November 6, 2017, atheist [[PZ Myers]] announced the 2018 Global Atheist Convention was cancelled.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/11/06/never-mind-2/ Never mind] by PZ Myers</ref><ref>[http://atheistconvention.org.au/ 2018 Global Atheist Convention website]</ref> ]]
The '''2018 Global Atheist Convention''' that was cancelled was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

The 2018 Global [[Atheist conferences|Atheist Convention]] was to be held from 9–11 February 2018, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]].<ref>[http://atheistconvention.org.au/ 2018 Global Atheist Convention website]</ref> The sponsor of the convention is the Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA).<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Some of the atheist speakers that were scheduled were: Sir [[Salman Rushdie]], [[Greta Christina]], [[Aron Ra]], Anne Laurie Gaynor (co-president of the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]]), [[Dan Barker]], [[Sikivu Hutchinson]], Maryam Namazie ([[Iran]]ian secularist and [[communism|communist]]) and Clementine Ford (actress and [[feminism|feminist]] author/commentator)<ref>[http://atheistconvention.org.au/speakers/ 2018 Global Atheist Convention - speakers]</ref>

The first two global atheist conventions were in 2010 and 2012 and also held in Melbourne<ref>[http://atheistconvention.org.au/ 2018 Global Atheist Convention website]</ref> The Atheist Foundation of Australia and [[Atheist Alliance International]] were the sponsors of the 2010 and 2012 global atheist conventions.

== Cancelled 2018 Global Atheist Convention controversy about women speakers ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheist feminism]] and [[Sexual harassment at atheist conferences]] and [[Atheism and rape]]
[[File:Clementine-Ford.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|After the actress and feminist author/commentator Clementine Ford was picked as a speaker as part of creating gender parity in atheist speakers to the 2018 Global Atheist Convention, it was reported that a substantial number of rape and death threats occurred on a Facebook page promoting the convention.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/comment/view-from-the-street/why-do-public-atheists-have-to-behave-like-such-jerks-20170621-gwvg4s.html Why do public atheists have to behave like such jerks] by Andrew Street, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', June 21, 2017</ref>]]
Andrew Street wrote in ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' about the 2018 Global Atheist Convention:
{{Cquote|Thus in recent times there has been a concerted, deliberate effort to overcome the not-inaccurate perception that atheism is exclusively a boys' club. And there has been predictable pushback from members of said community who are deeply concerned that this [[Progressivism|progressive]] attitude may yet expose them to dangerous levels of girl germs.

The latest example came on Tuesday when the upcoming Atheist Global Convention in Melbourne announced that feminist author and commentator Clementine Ford would be one of the speakers.

Predictably, this made a few people unhappy - but the venom levelled at Ford and the conference generally for daring to have a line up of speakers which approached gender parity was a shock.

And that's despite the moderators on the Facebook page making clear that "we have been deleting specific rape and death threats as they occur… there have been substantial numbers", just in case there was any doubt about the calibre of awesome dudes weighing in with their important opinions about the line up.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/comment/view-from-the-street/why-do-public-atheists-have-to-behave-like-such-jerks-20170621-gwvg4s.html Why do public atheists have to behave like such jerks] by Andrew Street, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', June 21, 2017</ref>}}

The atheist Adam Lee wrote about Clementine Ford and the online hostility about her being a speaker at the 2018 Global Atheist Convention:
{{Cquote|Even so, the sheer number of comments that had to be deleted for extreme rudeness, slurs, misogyny or outright threats of violence is a depressing commentary on how unenlightened the atheist community is.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2017/06/online-atheist-community-still-terrible/ The Online Atheist Community: Still Terrible] by Adam Lee, Daylight Atheism</ref>}}

== Reason to hope theme ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Hopelessness of atheism]] and [[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]] and [[Atheism and inspiration]]

The Atheist Foundation of Australia released in a press release:
{{Cquote|Hosted by the Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) the Convention’s theme is Reason to Hope.

“There is reason to hope,” AFA President Kylie Sturgess says, “in a gathering such as this that welcomes all audiences. At past conventions we’ve had people from a broad range of backgrounds and seen committed atheists engaging with religious-but-curious types on issues that matter to all of us.

Is a [[Secular humanism|humanist]], [[Philosophical skepticism|skeptical]], secular approach our best hope for the future? Increasing numbers of Australians think so and this event is about finding a place for the godless in contemporary Australia and the world.”<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>}}

The Atheist Forum website wrote about the cancelled 2018 Global Atheist Convention's theme of "Reason to hope":
{{Cquote|The title is intriguing: reason to hope. I’m not entirely sure what atheists have to share about hope, because ultimately atheism is a [[Hopelessness of atheism|hopeless philosophy]] i.e. there is no individual, personal hope beyond my death. This is obviously a moot point because many atheists do claim to have hope (and this convention will obviously deal with that topic). So I am intrigued as to exactly what is the ‘hope’ spoken of here.<ref>[https://atheistforum.wordpress.com/2017/02/28/global-atheist-convention-2018-who-will-speak/ Global Atheist Convention 2018: who will speak?], Atheism Forum,
February 28, 2017</ref>}}

== See also ==

*[[Atheist conferences]]
*[[Atheism and public speaking]]
*[[Global atheism]]
*[[Reason Rally]]
*[[Reason Rally 2016]]

== External links ==

*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/11/cancellation.html Cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention called a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation of Australia]
*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2017/11/09/times-have-changed/ Times Have Changed: On the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-2018-global-atheist-convention-has.html The 2018 Global Atheist Convention has been cancelled. Substantially lower ticket sales was given as the reason. The boring nature of atheist conferences was not mentioned]
*[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest]. ''Eternity News''

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]

Irreligion in Australia

2017-11-10T04:14:09Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference */

[[File:Flag of Australia.png|thumbnail|200px|[[Australia]]'s national IQ is 98.<ref name="CountryIQ">[https://iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country WORLD RANKING OF COUNTRIES BY THEIR AVERAGE]</ref> The ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>]]
After [[WWII]], [[Australia]] has become a very [[secular]] country.<ref>Stephanie Painter, Vivienne Ryan and Bethany Hiatt, (15 June 2010). "[https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/7399215/australians-losing-the-faith/ Australians losing the faith]". Newspaper. West Australian Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 15 June 2010</ref>

According to the ''Sydney Morning Herald'':
{{Cquote|Australia is one of the least devout countries in the Western world, although two-thirds of its population identifies itself as Christian, an international survey comparing religious expression in 21 countries has found.

Religion does not play a central part in the lives of many Australians: 48 per cent of Australians surveyed said they did not partake in personal prayer and 52 per cent said they rarely attended a place of worship for religious reasons.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/world-youth-day/gods-ok-its-just-the-religion-bit-we-dont-like/2008/07/10/1215658037568.html God's OK, it's just the religion bit we don't like]</ref>}}

== Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Convention ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Atheist movement|Atheist movement]] [[Decline of the atheist movement]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== See also ==

*[[Irreligious Australia and loneliness]]
*[[Irreligious Australia and alcoholism]]
*[[Irreligious Australia and intelligence]]
== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category: Australia]]

Atheist movement

2017-11-10T04:13:35Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference */

[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|201px|right|The atheist [[PZ Myers]] declared on September 27, 2014, "I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink..."<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] by [[PZ Myers]], September 27, 2014</ref> See: [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] ]]
Dr. J. Gordon Melton said about the '''atheist movement''' (organized atheism) that [[atheism]] is not a movement which tends to create community, but in the last few years there has been some growth of organized atheism.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0i4kuN9XSc Baylor ISR- J. Gordon Melton - End of Religion? (May 5, 2015)]</ref>

However, various schisms occurring within the atheism movement and widespread infighting, has had an adverse effect on various [[atheist organizations]] (See: [[Atheist factions]]). Divisions within the atheist movement have caused a marked decline in the movement (see: [[Decline of the atheist movement]]). For example, atheist organizations have experienced large drops in donations to their organizations (see: [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising#Atheist organizations and fundraising|Atheist organizations and fundraising]]).

Most atheists are apathetic when it comes to sharing atheism with others - especially when compared to evangelistic religions such as [[Christianity]] (see: [[Atheism and apathy]]).

According Pew Research:
{{cquote|In the 2014 Religious Landscape Study, self-identified [[Atheism|atheists]] were asked [http://www.pewforum.org/2015/11/03/chapter-2-religious-practices-and-experiences/ how often they share their views on God and religion] with religious people. Only about one-in-ten atheists (9%) say they do at least weekly, while roughly two-thirds (65%) say they seldom or never discuss their views on religion with religious people. By comparison, 26% of those who have a religious affiliation share their views at least once a week with those who have other beliefs; 43% say they seldom or never do.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/05/7-facts-about-atheists/ 7 facts about atheists], Pew Forum</ref>}}

See also: [[Evangelical atheism]] and [[Atheist activist]]

On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported about the global atheist movement:
{{cquote|[[Atheism]] is in decline worldwide, with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass." <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>}}

See also: [[Global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]]

Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]], who specializes in the study of irreligion/religion/demographics/politics, told a secular audience in Australia: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Shall the religious inherit the earth]</ref>

In 2010, Kaufmann wrote:
{{cquote|Worldwide, the [[Desecularization|march of religion]] can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and [[Atheism and cowardice|lacking in confidence]]... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, socialism and 1960s anarchist-liberalism. Ironically, secularism's [[Global atheism|demographic deficit]] means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm."<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}
[[File:Jacques Berlinerblau.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref name="chronicle.com">Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>]]
In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] wrote: "The Golden Age of Secularism has passed."<ref name="chronicle.com"/>

YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after [[Reason Rally 2016]] had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. Hitchens is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref name="Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally'">[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

== Decline of the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of the atheist movement]]

A number of [[Atheism|atheists]] have declared that the "atheist movement is dead".<ref>
*[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blogs]]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/10/now-that-that-poseur-atheist-aron-ra.html Atheist Aron Ra indicates the atheist movement is dead. Now that that Aron Ra has surrendered....], ''[[Examining Atheism]]''
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref> After the [[Elevatorgate]] controversy in 2011, which caused a significant rift with the atheism movement, atheist [[Jen McCreight]] and the website Atheist Revolution indicated that the atheist movement was dead/destroyed.<ref>
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

In 2017, atheist [[David Smalley]] has indicated that [[leftism|leftist]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] atheists were "killing the atheist movement" through being contentious and divisive (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Smalley indicated that the atheist movement was disintegrating.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Former [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], who subscribes to progressive politics, says he is no longer a member of the atheist movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>
[[File:Hemant Mehta at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|[[Hemant Mehta]] ]]
The [[atheist activist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] argues that there never was an atheist movement and that people who wanted their to be an atheist movement wrongly assumed "there’s some list of beliefs everyone has to subscribe to." (See also: [[Schools of atheist thought]])<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/11/01/the-atheist-movement-isnt-dead-because-there-never-was-one/ The Atheist “Movement” Isn’t Dead Because There Never Was One] by HEMANT MEHTA</ref> Similarly, a blogger at [[Freethought Blogs]] indicates: "To be honest, I never saw "atheism” as much of a “movement” as an uneasy coalition, which may, in fact, now be unraveling."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blog]]</ref>

The atheist movement saw a number of setbacks during the latter portion of the 20th century and beyond in terms of historical events/trends (See: [[Causes of desecularization]]). As a result, it has lost a considerable amount of confidence (see also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

== Participation in the atheist community more difficult than in many communities ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and loneliness]] and [[Atheism and apathy]] and [[Internet atheism]]

In an essay entitled ''How the Atheist Movement Failed Me'', an atheist woman noted that participation in the atheist community is often expensive due to the cost of attending [[atheist conferences]] and even local atheist meetings in restaurants and bars challenged her modest budget.<ref>Amanda (August 10, 2012). [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/08/10/how-the-atheist-movement-failed-me-part-1-cost/ "How the atheist movement failed me–part 1: cost"]. Friendly Atheist blog. Retrieved on September 9, 2014.</ref> As a result of the challenges that atheists commonly have in terms of socializing in person, some atheists [[Internet atheism|turn to the internet]] in terms of communicating with other atheists.<ref>Norris, Chuck (May 21, 2007). [http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55789 "How to outlaw Christianity (steps 2 & 3)"]. WorldNetDaily. Retrieved on September 9, 2014. See [[Chuck Norris]].</ref> Often internet communication between atheists turns acrimonious and contentious (see: [[Atheist factions]]).

The atheist [[Jerry Coyne]] said about atheist meetings, "But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks." (see also: [[Atheism and inspiration]]).<ref name="whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com">[https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/are-there-too-many-atheist-meetings/ Are there too many atheist meetings?] by Jerry Coyne</ref>

For more information, please see:

*[[Atheism and loneliness]]

*[[Atheism and apathy]]

== Atheist movement and arrogant individuals ==
''
See also:'' [[Atheism and arrogance]]

The atheist Adam Lee wrote:
{{Cquote|The atheist community has a lamentable tendency to make the same mistakes over and over...

Yet there are those who seem to believe that, just by becoming an atheist, they've proven their superior rationality and are qualified to opine on any subject. Worse, this attitude often comes with an arrogant certainty that they have no need to listen or learn from people who've actually lived through moral dilemmas that are merely abstract to them.<ref>[4 Things the Atheist Movement Has Done Badly (and How to Do Them Better)] by Adam Lee, ''Alternet''</ref>}}
=== Prominent atheists admitting that fellow prominent atheists are arrogant ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and leadership]]

John W. Loftus, one of the more prominent atheists in the atheist community, cites John Draper (a Canadian atheist blogger), saying about prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]]: "According to PZ you either agree with him or you are the scum of the earth. If anyone is giving atheists a bad reputation it's PZ - he shows no tolerance or respect for anyone other than himself."<ref name="debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com">[http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com/2012/07/can-pz-myers-change-his-ways-should-he.html Can PZ Myers Change His Ways? Should He?] By John W. Loftus at 7/30/2012</ref>

PZ Myers wrote: "But see, this is why the atheist movement can’t have leaders. The [[Atheism and leadership|ones we’ve got]], informally, all seem to think they’re like gods and popes, infallible and unquestionable, and that normal, healthy, productive criticism within the movement is all a conspiracy to dethrone them."<ref name="freethoughtblogs.com">[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/01/16/the-delicate-ego-of-mr-michael-shermer/ The delicate ego of Mr Michael Shermer] by [[PZ Myers]], 16 January 2013</ref>

== Atheist factions ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Schools of atheist thought]] and [[Atheist cults]]

Jacques Rousseau wrote in the ''Daily Maverick'': "[[Elevatorgate]]..has resulted in three weeks of infighting in the secular community. Some might observe that we indulge in these squabbles fairly frequently."<ref>Rousseau, Jacques (July 13, 2011). [http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2011-07-13-sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones-but-words-can-rip-my-soul "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can rip my soul"]. Daily Maverick [South Africa]. Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref> An ex-atheist wrote: "As an Atheist for 40 years, I noticed that there is not just a wide variety of [[Schools of atheist thought|Atheist positions]], but there exists an actual battle between certain [[Atheist factions]]."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/internet-atheism-is-still-hostile.html The atheist community and internet atheism is still a hostile wasteland]</ref>

The atheist and [[secular left]]ist [[PZ Myers]], who frequently champions [[feminism]] (see also: [[Atheist feminism]]), wrote in 2016: "We are fractured because there are deep disagreements about how to address serious social issues. Worse, because some people won’t even accept the dehumanization of fellow human beings as something more substantial than ridiculousness."<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2016/08/21/what-if-the-atheist-movement-needs-to-die/ What if the atheist movement needs to die] by PZ Myers</ref>

The American atheist Adam Lee declared:
{{Cquote|The atheist community, which once seemed gloriously unified, has become riven in the last few years with ugly fractures and one-step-forward-two-steps-back infighting about what kind of movement we want to be. I’ve lost friends over it, and many of the people I used to idolize have publicly tumbled from their pedestals. Some incomparable friends and activists have burned out or quit the movement in disgust, and each one was a loss I felt keenly.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2016/02/daylight-atheism-is-10-years-old/ Daylight Atheism Is 10 Years Old] by Adam Lee</ref>}}

The atheist David Smalley said about the atheist movement: "We're eating our own... We’re disintegrating."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

=== Journal of Contemporary Religion on schisms within U.S. atheism ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' says about schisms within atheism:
{{Cquote|The persistence of internal schisms and regular outbreaks of in-fighting within the atheist movement also ensure that much energy is effectively wasted on parochial concerns and further undermine attempts to establish a genuine sense of group cohesion.<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' say that internal divisions within the American atheist movement have to do with:
{{Cquote|internal divisions within the movement around issues relating to goals, strategies, and direction. These can be seen most notably in debates about the formation of a collective ‘atheist’ identity, in disputes about the effectiveness of confrontationalism and accommodationism, and in concerns about the movement’s ethnic, racial, and gender profile.<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

See also: [[Atheism and women]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

=== Atheism, politics and political polarization ===

''See also:'' [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]] and [[Atheism and politics]]

In terms of politics and atheist infighting, there is considerable friction between [[Secular right|right-wing atheists]] (and right of center atheists) and [[secular left]]ist.

For more information, please see: [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]

=== Testimony of Blair Scott about atheist infighting ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]

Blair Scott served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140701062412/http://atheists.org/about-us/board-of-directors "Board of directors"] (July 1, 2014). American Atheists. Retrieved from Internet Archive, July 16, 2014.</ref> Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]]. On December 1, 2012 he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheists due to infighting within the American atheist movement.<ref name="Blair Scott">Scott, Blair (December 1, 2012). [http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ "An open letter from Blair Scott"]. American Atheists. Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref>

Mr. Blair wrote:
{{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating...me.<ref name="Blair Scott"/>}}

== Decline of the New Atheism movement ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]
[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎|left|thumb|200px|[[Christopher Hitchens]] ]]
In 2015, the atheist author Joshua Kelly wrote about the decline of the New Atheism movement:
{{cquote|...since the death of [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]]: angry atheism lost its most charismatic champion. Call it what you like: New Atheism, fire-brand atheism, etc., had a surge with the Four Horsemen in the middle of the last decade and in the last four years has generally peetered out to a kind that is more docile, [[Political correctness|politically correct]], and even apologetic.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/12/uproar-against-dawkins-is-sign-of-new-atheism-retrogression/ Uproar Against Dawkins Is Sign of New Atheism Retrogression] by Joshua Kelly</ref>}}

On November 6, 2015, the ''New Republic'' published an article entitled, ''Is the New Atheism dead?''<ref>[https://newrepublic.com/article/123349/new-atheism-dead ''Is the New Atheism dead?] by Elizabeth Bruenig, New Republic, November 6, 2015</ref>

Professor James W. Jones wrote at a ''Oxford University Press'' website:
{{Cquote|We seem to be witnessing a broad reaction against the New Atheism movement by atheists as well as religious believers, whether undermining the idea of a long-standing conflict between science and religion, or taking a critical view of their political agenda. [http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/14/books/review/the-twain-shall-meet.html James Ryerson recently examined three new books (including my own) in the New York Times Book Review] – a small sample of a growing body of work...

The New Atheism movement is receiving a powerful attack from another side as well — the politics implicit in their worldview. Two books published this year exemplify this critique, in which militant atheism is seen as an anti-progressive “secular fundamentalism.” C.J. Werleman, in The New Atheist Threat: The Dangerous Rise of Secular Extremists, himself formerly a militant atheist, describes the New Atheists’ uncritical devotion to science, their childish understanding of religion, their [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations|extreme Islamophobia]], and intolerance of cultural diversity.<ref>[http://blog.oup.com/2016/03/growing-criticism-by-atheists-of-the-new-atheism-movement/ Growing criticism by atheists of the New Atheism movement] by James W. Jones, ''Oxford University Press'', OUPblog</ref>}}

For more information, please see: [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism|Decline of New Atheism]]

=== Elevatorgate controversy caused deep divisions within in the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheist feminism]] and [[Atheism and sexism]] and [[Atheism plus]]

[[File:Richard dawkins lecture.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|200px|right|Although the [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] was always known for [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins|his abrasiveness]] and [[Atheism and arrogance|arrogance]], post [[Elevatorgate]] and subsequent to his various embarrassing Twitter posts, many atheists are now asking if he is a liability to the atheist movement.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-atheisms-asset-or-liability/2014/08/07/9f19a7a2-1e58-11e4-9b6c-12e30cbe86a3_story.html Richard Dawkins: Atheism’s asset or liability?] by Kimberly Winston, ''Washington Post'', source: ''Religion News Service'', August 7, 2014
*[http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119596/appetite-wonder-review-closed-mind-richard-dawkins ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins''], New Republic by John Gray
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]
*[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/downs-syndrome-girl-passes-six-4095031 Down's Syndrome girl passes six GCSEs as dad calls Richard Dawkins 'an ignorant idiot'], Mirror by By Grace Macaskill, Aug 23, 2014 15:41
*[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/21/the-12-stages-of-a-richard-dawkins-twitter-scandal_n_5698443.html The 12-Stage 'Evolution' Of A Richard Dawkins Twitter Scandal] by Paul Vale, The Huffington Post UK, Posted: 22/08/2014 02:06 BST</ref> See: [[Atheism and public relations]] ]]

Most atheists are politically on the [[leftist|left]] (see: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]). Part of leftist ideology is [[feminism]]. However, there is a significant amount of [[misogyny]] among atheists (see: [[Atheism and women]]).

For example, the [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] is widely criticized for igniting deep fractures in the atheist movement through his [[Elevatorgate]] controversy. On November 26, 2013, the atheist activist and blogger [[Jen McCreight]] posted at Twitter the message: "Did anyone on Dawkins AMA ask how he feels about singlehandedly destroying the atheist movement with the Dear Muslima yet?"<ref>[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]</ref> In December 2013, atheist Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution called July 2, 2011, which is the day that Elevatorgate occurred, "The day the atheist movement died."<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution</ref> The atheist [[PZ Myers]] said about the current rifts in the atheist movement: "So deep and wide we’ve separated into two continents."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>

On March 6, 2015, it was reported that Google trends data for common terms associated with atheism/agnosticism have been in decline since about mid 2012.<ref>[http://conservativetriumphs.blogspot.com/2015/03/attention-atheists-google-trends.html Attention Atheists: Google trends indicates: You are in a slump!]</ref> In January 2015, it was shown that Google trends data indicated a recent downward trend for various Google searches related to atheism such as the keywords atheist, atheism, [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[PZ Myers]].<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2015/01/creationcom-breaks-alexa-50000-barrier.html The numbers are in: 2014 was the WORST year in the history of Darwinism/atheism In addition, Creation.com breaks the Alexa 50,000 barrier]</ref>

{{See also|Atheism and the internet}}

=== Atheists declaring that Richard Dawkins is now a liability to the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]] and [[Atheism and public relations]]

[[New Atheism]] is a form of [[militant atheism]] as far as its rhetoric.

Although the new atheist Richard Dawkins was always known for [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins|his abrasiveness]] and [[Atheism and arrogance|arrogance]], post [[Elevatorgate]] and subsequent to his various embarrassing Twitter posts, many atheists are now asking if he is a liability to the atheist movement.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>

=== Thunderf00t on the impact of Freethought Blogs and Rebecca Watson ===

In October 2014, the popular YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] indicated that the bloggers at [[Freethought Blogs]] (Freethought Blogs is the most popular atheist blogging community) accidentally put him on their email list and that they spend a considerable amount of time emailing each other engaging in petty matters. In fact, he indicated that they spent more time emailing each other than engaged in actual blogging. He also questioned the impact of the bloggers of Freethought Blogs on [[social justice]].<ref name="youtube.com">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref> Furthermore, he indicated that their attempt to make him a pariah within the atheist community had virtually no impact.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

He also indicated that the accomplishments of [[Rebecca Watson]] are very thin and that she promotes feminism in an offensive manner.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

In addition, Thunderf00t commented on how [[Jen McCreight]], the founder of the atheist feminist movement [[Atheism plus]] abandoned her movement within two weeks. And how [[Richard Carrier]] "the intellectual artillery" of the movement, quit promoting the movement within a month.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

== Atheist movement lacks sufficient emphasis on moral causes ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and morality]]

The atheist C.J. Werleman wrote in ''Salon'':
{{Cquote|More significantly, movement atheism has failed to articulate an identifiable moral cause, and any [[Progressivism|progressive]] movement that chooses to dismiss the great moral challenges of its time will be rightfully dismissed itself. In other words, movement atheism, as it stands today, risks facing its end times, or, worse, becoming a passing fad...

The atheist movement ...must move beyond being little more than a moral statement that says, “We are atheists for atheists.”<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/10/04/atheisms_white_male_problem_a_movement_needs_a_moral_cause_beyond_glamorizing_disbelief/ Atheism’s white male problem: A movement needs a moral cause beyond glamorizing disbelief] by C.J. Werleman, ''Salon'', 2014</ref>}}

== Galen Broaddus on opting out of atheist movement ==

The atheist blogger [[Galen Broaddus]] wrote about opting out of the atheist movement:
{{Cquote|But after a few years of seeing how the secular movement has been functioning on a large scale, I no longer feel like I can in good conscience be an enthusiastic supporter of it...

At the end of last year, I stepped away from the group I’d been a part of for nearly four years and led for almost two of those. I won’t go into the details out of respect for those who are still involved with it (and, to be perfectly honest, a desire not to publicly discuss it), but it was a deeply frustrating experience for me.

When the page turned to 2016, my connection to local community was gone. The group I’d led wasn’t actually that local to me, and while I considered the possibility of looking for people in the city where I live, I decided that I wasn’t up to it, not at that time.

Now I feel like community isn’t something I need at all...

If I need community, I can find a less toxic one.<ref name="I’m Opting Out of the Movement">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rivers/2016/05/im-opting-out-of-the-movement/ I’m Opting Out of the Movement] by Galen Broaddus</ref>}}

At the present time, Broaddus describes himself as an "occasional secular activist".<ref name="Bio Galen Broaddus">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rivers/about/ Bio Galen Broaddus]</ref>

== PZ Myers' prediction that the atheism movement will stagnate or shrink unless atheists change ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism, social justice and hypocrisy]] and [[PZ Myers and social justice]]

On September 27, 2014 in a blog post entitled ''The Atheist Disillusionment'', the prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]] declared:
{{cquote|I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink, because organized atheism is happily in the process of destroying itself with regressive social attitudes, scandals, and their bizarre focus on irrelevant metaphysical differences that don’t help people...

Unless we change.

I don’t know that we can.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] - PZ Myers, September 27, 2014</ref>}}

Please also see: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]

== Atheist movement and nerds ==
[[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|[[PZ Myers]] ]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist nerds]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]

In 2013, PZ Myers declared:
{{cquote|If we're going to expand our base and we're going to draw in more people to recognize the virtues of living in a secular world, we need to appeal to more than just that geek and [[nerd]] subset of the population. We need to have a wider base. ...I seriously believe that we're on the cusp of a crisis. We're not there yet but it's looming in front of us. Will we adapt and thrive and change the world? Or will we remain an avocation for a prosperous and largely irrelevant subset of the population? Will we become something more than a scattered society of internet nerds? That's what we have to do.<ref name="evolutionnews.org">[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/04/in_seattle_pz_m070861.html in Seattle, PZ Myers Reflects Candidly on His Constituency]</ref>}}

In response, David Klinghoffer at ''[[Evolution]] News and Views'' wrote:
{{cquote|A crisis looms, in Myers's view, because he looks around himself and sees a not very promising basis for a mass movement. He's right. There is indeed a quality of geeky isolation from reality, common sense, and the fullness of life that I see as a motif in atheist and Darwin activism alike.<ref name="evolutionnews.org">[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/04/in_seattle_pz_m070861.html in Seattle, PZ Myers Reflects Candidly on His Constituency]</ref>}}

== Women and the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]]

Historically, women have not been attracted to atheism.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2013/07/21/from_hitchens_to_dawkins_where_are_the_women_of_new_atheism/ From Hitchens to Dawkins: Where are the women of New Atheism?] by Katie Engelhart, Salon, July 21, 2013</ref> Today, the atheist community has still found it difficult to attract women to be a part of the atheist community and the majority of atheists are men. In addition, a significant portion of the atheist community has [[misogyny|misogynist]] beliefs and attitudes (see: [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and rape]]).

== Western World, racial minorities and the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Western atheism and race]]

Historically, in the [[Western World]], the atheist community has been made up of predominantly white individuals who have had a reluctance and/or inability to attract racial minorities into their community (see: [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Evolutionary racism]]).

== Inability of atheist movement to effect widespread public acceptance of atheists ==

[[File:Daniel Dennett 2.jpg|left|thumbnail|200px|[[Daniel Dennett]] ]]

The atheist Geoffrey Lee Hodge wrote in an article at Humanist.com:
{{Cquote| A look back through history shows that successful social movements..progress through two waves. The first step is to unite and mobilize the marginalized group, encouraging individuals to be proud of their differences, to stand up for their rights and to speak out against discrimination. The new atheist movement has done this well, and Dawkins and Dennett deserve much credit for carrying the banner. But creating a strong and vocal base is not sufficient to bring about social change. It requires a second wave, different in character from the first. The second wave must convince moderate people outside the marginalized group that discrimination against the minority group is real, harmful, and intolerable.

When I got a chance to ask Professors Dawkins and [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] about this observation, suggesting that in order to isolate intolerant fundamentalist Christian views, the new atheist movement in the US should consider more outreach to liberal Christians, their answers were interesting. Dennett acknowledged that a second wave was needed, but ultimately agreed with Dawkins’ reluctance to reach out to liberal Christians.<ref>[https://thehumanist.com/commentary/advancing-the-atheist-movement-dawkins-dennett-and-the-second-wave Advancing the Atheist Movement: Dawkins, Dennett, and the Second Wave] by Geoffrey Lee Hodge</ref>}}

{{See also|Atheism and liberal Christianity alliances}}

=== Reluctance of many atheists to tell others about their atheism in theistic cultures ===

It is common in theistic cultures for atheists to be reluctant to tell others about their atheism (see: [[Atheism and apathy]]).

=== Theistic cultures are often highly resistant to accepting atheists ===

''See also:'' [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]

[[Social science]] data indicates that in theistic cultures that distrust of atheists is enduring and deep seated (see: [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

At the present time, there is widespread pessimism about the atheist movement among atheists (see: [[Decline of the atheist movement]]).

== Atheist Michael Nugent on the global atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Global atheism]] and [[Secular Europe]] and [[Asian atheism]]

[[File:Michael Nugent.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Michael Nugent]] ]]

According to the Irish atheist [[Michael Nugent]]: "The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements."<ref name="michaelnugent.com">"[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/19/the-atheist-movement-is-global-it-is-not-defined-by-the-mostly-american-deep-rifts-disagreements/ The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements]." by Michael Nugent</ref>

Nugent further indicates:
{{Cquote|‘Some of these more mainstream media analyses imply that there is a single ‘atheist movement’, and that it is best analysed through some opinions of some mostly [[American atheism|American bloggers and activists]] who, while committed and sincere and doing good work, are not representative of atheist activism worldwide.’<ref name="michaelnugent.com">"[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/19/the-atheist-movement-is-global-it-is-not-defined-by-the-mostly-american-deep-rifts-disagreements/ The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements]." by Michael Nugent</ref>}}

Nugent has spent a great deal of time publicly criticizing fellow atheist [[PZ Myers]] online, while at the same time criticizing Myers for publicly criticizing other atheists (Nugent privately asked Myers to change his behavior as well).<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2014/12/michael-nugent-vs-pz-myers.html Michael Nugent vs. PZ Myers], Atheist Revolution website</ref><ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/?s=PZ+Myers Michael Nugent website - Search "PZ Myers"]</ref>

Furthermore, Irish atheists have a reputation for being ill-tempered/quarrelsome just like their American counterparts.<ref name="independent.ie">[http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/were-sorry-so-very-very-sorry-the-first-atheist-schism-26539122.html We're sorry. So very, very sorry. THE FIRST ATHEIST SCHISM?], ''Irish Independent''</ref> According to the ''Irish Independent'', "If there's one thing you can take for granted, it's that atheists tend to be a rather cranky bunch."<ref name="independent.ie"/> See also: [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence]]

== Composition and structure of the American atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist organizations]]
[[File:David Silverman.JPG|thumbnail|left|150px|[[David Silverman]] is president of the [[American Atheists]] organization.]]
The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' says about the composition and structure of the American atheist movement:
{{Cquote|The organisational structure of the atheist movement is characterised by plurality and eclecticism. Based around no predominant group and possessing no formal leadership or tangible set of governing arrangements, this movement assumes a non-hierarchical and decentralised form that operates within a number of organisations set up to promote a range of atheist, secularist, and humanist (collectively referred to here as ‘ASH’) ideas and causes. Notable organisations include: the American Humanist Association (established in 1941), American Atheists (formed in 1963), the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]] (1978), the Council for Secular Humanism (1980), the Atheist Alliance of America (1991), the [[Center for Inquiry]] (1991), the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (1998), the [[Secular Student Alliance]] (2000), the Secular Coalition for America (2002), and the United Coalition of Reason (2009).

At the present time, little is known about the specific composition of such groups and the reasons why individuals become actively involved in the atheism movement are still being debated (e.g. LeDrew). Research suggests that a majority of atheists positively engage in efforts to promote atheism in some form (Silver), but it appears that only a small percentage become involved in formal organisations of this kind. Research also indicates that atheists who are actively participating in formal non-religious organisations tend to belong to a number of different groups at any one time (Hunsberger and Altemeyer).<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell]''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

=== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau on American atheist movements ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

The atheist Georgetown professor Jacques Berlinerblau declared:
{{cquote|American atheist movements, though fancying themselves a lion, are more like the gimpy little zebra crossing the river full of crocs. In terms of both political gains and popular appeal, nonbelievers in the United States have little to show. They are encircled by cunning, swarming [religious] Revivalist adversaries who know how to play the atheist card. The gimpy zebra remark was a little goofing on this over-the-top chest-thumping that emerges from Movement Atheists. They wildly overestimate their numbers. They tend to overestimate the efficacy of their activism. They underestimate how disciplined and organized their adversaries in the religious right are, too. They fail to recognize that mocking religious people in public is entirely inimical to the goals they wish to achieve."<ref>[http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2012-09/professor-jacques-berlinerblau-tells-atheists-stop-whining Professor Jacques Berlinerblau tells atheists: Stop whining!], Christian Century, Sep 14, 2012 by Kimberly Winston</ref>}}

== Atheist movement and its public speakers ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and public speaking]]
[[File:JAMES RANDI.jpg|thumbnail|170px|right|[[James Randi]] ]]
The news website Vox reported about [[Reason Rally 2016]]:
{{Cquote|It is clear, too, that almost nobody who takes the stage at Reason Rally was ever trained as a preacher. The whole thing is languid, urgent words in measured tones. The goal is an "end to bigotry," in the pitch of a polite request, to "reject" a supernatural worldview with all the force of tepid applause. Jamie Raskin says the job of politicians is to "listen to scientists" and closes with "Put your thinking caps on America!" [[Penn Jillette]] struggles to get a video playing, chokes up over Hitchens, then plays a Bob Dylan knockoff about his love for all people. The [[James Randi|Amazing Randi]] devotes half an hour to a muted jeremiad against the obscure "facilitated communication" hoax. Peter says he does not know what "FC" is, but he'll look into it.<ref>[http://www.vox.com/2016/6/29/12051872/reason-rally American atheists are on the rise. They have radically different visions of the future], Vox</ref>}}

The atheist [[Jerry Coyne]] said about [[atheist conferences]] which he attended:
{{cquote|But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks.

...a few things bothered me, most notably the air of self-congratulation (which I excused on the grounds of enthusiastic people finding like-minded folks for the first time), the “fanboyness” directed at some of the famous atheists (they hardly let poor [[Richard Dawkins' cult of personality|Richard]] alone, and I’m not sure he liked that!), and the lameness of quite a few of the talks. Again, how much new can you say about atheism?<ref name="whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com">[https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/are-there-too-many-atheist-meetings/ Are there too many atheist meetings?] by Jerry Coyne</ref>}}

== Reason Rally ==

The [[Reason Rally]] was billed as the largest secular event in history.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/12/06/is_mocking_religion_enough_harris_dawkins_and_the_future_of_atheistsecular_politics/ Is mocking religion enough? Harris, Dawkins and the future of atheist/secular politics] by Richard Cimino and Christopher Smith, Salon magazine</ref> It was held in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2012.

According to the ''Religion News Service'' 8,000-10,000 people showed up for the rally.<ref>Winston, Kimberly (March 24, 2012). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/atheist-rally_n_1377443.html#s811235&title=Reason_Rally_on Atheists Rally On National Mall; The 'Reason Rally' Largest Gathering Of Nonbelievers (PHOTOS)]". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2012-05-02.</ref> ''The Atlantic'' reported 20,000 individuals were in attendance.<ref>Benjamin Fearnow & Mickey Woods, [http://www.theatlantic.com/national/print/2012/03/richard-dawkins-preaches-to-nonbelievers-at-reason-rally/255012/ "Richard Dawkins Preaches to Nonbelievers at Reason Rally"], ''The Atlantic'', March 24, 2012.</ref>

[[Reason Rally 2016]] was sparsely attended.

YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after Reason Rally 2016 had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. Hitchens is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref name="Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally'">[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

== Scott Simon of National Public Radio on organized atheism and its small measure of charitable work ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and charity]] and [[Atheism and love]]

Scott Simon of [[National Public Radio]] (NPR): "I have covered a lot of wars, famines and tragedies. And it seems to me, truly every theatre of suffering I have ever been to, there is a dauntless nun, priest, clergy or religious person, who is working very selflessly and bravery there for the good of human beings. But I don't run into [[Atheist movement|organized atheists]] who do this.

[[New Atheism|New atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]: "Perhaps there is not enough of them."...

Scott Simon, NPR: "But I do wonder am I just not seeing the world correctly to see large numbers of well-motivated atheists lending their lives to trying to better the world... If I might put it this way, are they just more concerned about being right intellectually."<ref>[http://www.npr.org/2017/05/27/530337283/richard-dawkins-on-terrorism-and-religion Richard Dawkins On Terrorism And Religion]</ref>

== Growth of evangelical Christianity in secular geographic regions ==

*[[Growth of Christianity in China|Growth of Christianity in atheistic China]]

*[[Secular Europe|Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century]]

*[[Atheism vs. Christianity]]

== Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Convention ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Irreligion in Australia]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== Atheist movement apathetic about atheist art ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist art]] and [[Atheism and culture]]

The atheist and feminist writer Any Roth wrote about the atheist population having apathy about atheist art: "Does art matter to atheism? This is actually an interesting question that I don’t think movement atheist thinks much about."<ref>[http://skepchick.org/2014/04/three-reasons-art-should-matter-to-atheism/]</ref>

Historically, religious institutions sponsored great works of art and architecture. Atheist groups do not have a tradition of sponsoring great works of art and architecture.

In contrast to the atheist movement, Christians and other religious faiths historically are prolific in terms of producing musical/art works related to their faith/worldview and many great works have been produced over the centuries (See also: [[Atheist art]] and [[Argument from beauty]]).

== See also ==

*[[Atheism and leadership]]
*[[Famous atheists]]
*[[Schools of atheist thought]]
*[[New Atheism vs. old atheism]]
*[[History of Atheism|History of atheism]]
*[[Militant atheism]]
*[[Atheism and beliefs]]
*[[Atheism is a religion]]
*[[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]
*[[British atheism]]
*[[Madalyn Murray O'Hair]]

Essay:

*[[Essay: Why the atheist movement is a lost cause|Why the atheist movement is a lost cause]]

== External links ==

*[http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/religion/article/68423-sociologist-stephen-ledrew-on-the-rift-in-the-atheism-movement.html Sociologist Stephen LeDrew on the Rift in the Atheism Movement], ''Publishers Weekly''

*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/the-atheist-movement-becomes-the-atheist-circus/ The Atheist Movement Becomes The Atheist Circus]

*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/becoming-disillusioned-with-the-atheist-movement/ Becoming Disillusioned with the Atheist Movement]

*[http://www.buzzfeed.com/markoppenheimer/will-misogyny-bring-down-the-atheist-movement Will Misogyny Bring Down The Atheist Movement]

*[http://www.dailygrail.com/Skepticism/2013/8/Is-the-Week-Organized-Skepticism-Imploded Is This the Week that Organized Skepticism Imploded?]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

Irreligion in Australia

2017-11-10T04:12:29Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference */

[[File:Flag of Australia.png|thumbnail|200px|[[Australia]]'s national IQ is 98.<ref name="CountryIQ">[https://iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country WORLD RANKING OF COUNTRIES BY THEIR AVERAGE]</ref> The ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>]]
After [[WWII]], [[Australia]] has become a very [[secular]] country.<ref>Stephanie Painter, Vivienne Ryan and Bethany Hiatt, (15 June 2010). "[https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/7399215/australians-losing-the-faith/ Australians losing the faith]". Newspaper. West Australian Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 15 June 2010</ref>

According to the ''Sydney Morning Herald'':
{{Cquote|Australia is one of the least devout countries in the Western world, although two-thirds of its population identifies itself as Christian, an international survey comparing religious expression in 21 countries has found.

Religion does not play a central part in the lives of many Australians: 48 per cent of Australians surveyed said they did not partake in personal prayer and 52 per cent said they rarely attended a place of worship for religious reasons.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/world-youth-day/gods-ok-its-just-the-religion-bit-we-dont-like/2008/07/10/1215658037568.html God's OK, it's just the religion bit we don't like]</ref>}}

== Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Atheist movement|Atheist movement]] [[Decline of the atheist movement]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== See also ==

*[[Irreligious Australia and loneliness]]
*[[Irreligious Australia and alcoholism]]
*[[Irreligious Australia and intelligence]]
== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category: Australia]]

Atheist movement

2017-11-10T04:11:54Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference */

[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|201px|right|The atheist [[PZ Myers]] declared on September 27, 2014, "I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink..."<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] by [[PZ Myers]], September 27, 2014</ref> See: [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] ]]
Dr. J. Gordon Melton said about the '''atheist movement''' (organized atheism) that [[atheism]] is not a movement which tends to create community, but in the last few years there has been some growth of organized atheism.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0i4kuN9XSc Baylor ISR- J. Gordon Melton - End of Religion? (May 5, 2015)]</ref>

However, various schisms occurring within the atheism movement and widespread infighting, has had an adverse effect on various [[atheist organizations]] (See: [[Atheist factions]]). Divisions within the atheist movement have caused a marked decline in the movement (see: [[Decline of the atheist movement]]). For example, atheist organizations have experienced large drops in donations to their organizations (see: [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising#Atheist organizations and fundraising|Atheist organizations and fundraising]]).

Most atheists are apathetic when it comes to sharing atheism with others - especially when compared to evangelistic religions such as [[Christianity]] (see: [[Atheism and apathy]]).

According Pew Research:
{{cquote|In the 2014 Religious Landscape Study, self-identified [[Atheism|atheists]] were asked [http://www.pewforum.org/2015/11/03/chapter-2-religious-practices-and-experiences/ how often they share their views on God and religion] with religious people. Only about one-in-ten atheists (9%) say they do at least weekly, while roughly two-thirds (65%) say they seldom or never discuss their views on religion with religious people. By comparison, 26% of those who have a religious affiliation share their views at least once a week with those who have other beliefs; 43% say they seldom or never do.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/05/7-facts-about-atheists/ 7 facts about atheists], Pew Forum</ref>}}

See also: [[Evangelical atheism]] and [[Atheist activist]]

On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported about the global atheist movement:
{{cquote|[[Atheism]] is in decline worldwide, with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass." <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>}}

See also: [[Global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]]

Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]], who specializes in the study of irreligion/religion/demographics/politics, told a secular audience in Australia: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Shall the religious inherit the earth]</ref>

In 2010, Kaufmann wrote:
{{cquote|Worldwide, the [[Desecularization|march of religion]] can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and [[Atheism and cowardice|lacking in confidence]]... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, socialism and 1960s anarchist-liberalism. Ironically, secularism's [[Global atheism|demographic deficit]] means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm."<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}
[[File:Jacques Berlinerblau.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref name="chronicle.com">Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>]]
In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] wrote: "The Golden Age of Secularism has passed."<ref name="chronicle.com"/>

YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after [[Reason Rally 2016]] had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. Hitchens is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref name="Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally'">[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

== Decline of the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of the atheist movement]]

A number of [[Atheism|atheists]] have declared that the "atheist movement is dead".<ref>
*[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blogs]]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/10/now-that-that-poseur-atheist-aron-ra.html Atheist Aron Ra indicates the atheist movement is dead. Now that that Aron Ra has surrendered....], ''[[Examining Atheism]]''
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref> After the [[Elevatorgate]] controversy in 2011, which caused a significant rift with the atheism movement, atheist [[Jen McCreight]] and the website Atheist Revolution indicated that the atheist movement was dead/destroyed.<ref>
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

In 2017, atheist [[David Smalley]] has indicated that [[leftism|leftist]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] atheists were "killing the atheist movement" through being contentious and divisive (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Smalley indicated that the atheist movement was disintegrating.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Former [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], who subscribes to progressive politics, says he is no longer a member of the atheist movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>
[[File:Hemant Mehta at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|[[Hemant Mehta]] ]]
The [[atheist activist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] argues that there never was an atheist movement and that people who wanted their to be an atheist movement wrongly assumed "there’s some list of beliefs everyone has to subscribe to." (See also: [[Schools of atheist thought]])<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/11/01/the-atheist-movement-isnt-dead-because-there-never-was-one/ The Atheist “Movement” Isn’t Dead Because There Never Was One] by HEMANT MEHTA</ref> Similarly, a blogger at [[Freethought Blogs]] indicates: "To be honest, I never saw "atheism” as much of a “movement” as an uneasy coalition, which may, in fact, now be unraveling."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blog]]</ref>

The atheist movement saw a number of setbacks during the latter portion of the 20th century and beyond in terms of historical events/trends (See: [[Causes of desecularization]]). As a result, it has lost a considerable amount of confidence (see also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

== Participation in the atheist community more difficult than in many communities ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and loneliness]] and [[Atheism and apathy]] and [[Internet atheism]]

In an essay entitled ''How the Atheist Movement Failed Me'', an atheist woman noted that participation in the atheist community is often expensive due to the cost of attending [[atheist conferences]] and even local atheist meetings in restaurants and bars challenged her modest budget.<ref>Amanda (August 10, 2012). [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/08/10/how-the-atheist-movement-failed-me-part-1-cost/ "How the atheist movement failed me–part 1: cost"]. Friendly Atheist blog. Retrieved on September 9, 2014.</ref> As a result of the challenges that atheists commonly have in terms of socializing in person, some atheists [[Internet atheism|turn to the internet]] in terms of communicating with other atheists.<ref>Norris, Chuck (May 21, 2007). [http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55789 "How to outlaw Christianity (steps 2 & 3)"]. WorldNetDaily. Retrieved on September 9, 2014. See [[Chuck Norris]].</ref> Often internet communication between atheists turns acrimonious and contentious (see: [[Atheist factions]]).

The atheist [[Jerry Coyne]] said about atheist meetings, "But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks." (see also: [[Atheism and inspiration]]).<ref name="whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com">[https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/are-there-too-many-atheist-meetings/ Are there too many atheist meetings?] by Jerry Coyne</ref>

For more information, please see:

*[[Atheism and loneliness]]

*[[Atheism and apathy]]

== Atheist movement and arrogant individuals ==
''
See also:'' [[Atheism and arrogance]]

The atheist Adam Lee wrote:
{{Cquote|The atheist community has a lamentable tendency to make the same mistakes over and over...

Yet there are those who seem to believe that, just by becoming an atheist, they've proven their superior rationality and are qualified to opine on any subject. Worse, this attitude often comes with an arrogant certainty that they have no need to listen or learn from people who've actually lived through moral dilemmas that are merely abstract to them.<ref>[4 Things the Atheist Movement Has Done Badly (and How to Do Them Better)] by Adam Lee, ''Alternet''</ref>}}
=== Prominent atheists admitting that fellow prominent atheists are arrogant ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and leadership]]

John W. Loftus, one of the more prominent atheists in the atheist community, cites John Draper (a Canadian atheist blogger), saying about prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]]: "According to PZ you either agree with him or you are the scum of the earth. If anyone is giving atheists a bad reputation it's PZ - he shows no tolerance or respect for anyone other than himself."<ref name="debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com">[http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com/2012/07/can-pz-myers-change-his-ways-should-he.html Can PZ Myers Change His Ways? Should He?] By John W. Loftus at 7/30/2012</ref>

PZ Myers wrote: "But see, this is why the atheist movement can’t have leaders. The [[Atheism and leadership|ones we’ve got]], informally, all seem to think they’re like gods and popes, infallible and unquestionable, and that normal, healthy, productive criticism within the movement is all a conspiracy to dethrone them."<ref name="freethoughtblogs.com">[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/01/16/the-delicate-ego-of-mr-michael-shermer/ The delicate ego of Mr Michael Shermer] by [[PZ Myers]], 16 January 2013</ref>

== Atheist factions ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Schools of atheist thought]] and [[Atheist cults]]

Jacques Rousseau wrote in the ''Daily Maverick'': "[[Elevatorgate]]..has resulted in three weeks of infighting in the secular community. Some might observe that we indulge in these squabbles fairly frequently."<ref>Rousseau, Jacques (July 13, 2011). [http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2011-07-13-sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones-but-words-can-rip-my-soul "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can rip my soul"]. Daily Maverick [South Africa]. Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref> An ex-atheist wrote: "As an Atheist for 40 years, I noticed that there is not just a wide variety of [[Schools of atheist thought|Atheist positions]], but there exists an actual battle between certain [[Atheist factions]]."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/internet-atheism-is-still-hostile.html The atheist community and internet atheism is still a hostile wasteland]</ref>

The atheist and [[secular left]]ist [[PZ Myers]], who frequently champions [[feminism]] (see also: [[Atheist feminism]]), wrote in 2016: "We are fractured because there are deep disagreements about how to address serious social issues. Worse, because some people won’t even accept the dehumanization of fellow human beings as something more substantial than ridiculousness."<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2016/08/21/what-if-the-atheist-movement-needs-to-die/ What if the atheist movement needs to die] by PZ Myers</ref>

The American atheist Adam Lee declared:
{{Cquote|The atheist community, which once seemed gloriously unified, has become riven in the last few years with ugly fractures and one-step-forward-two-steps-back infighting about what kind of movement we want to be. I’ve lost friends over it, and many of the people I used to idolize have publicly tumbled from their pedestals. Some incomparable friends and activists have burned out or quit the movement in disgust, and each one was a loss I felt keenly.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2016/02/daylight-atheism-is-10-years-old/ Daylight Atheism Is 10 Years Old] by Adam Lee</ref>}}

The atheist David Smalley said about the atheist movement: "We're eating our own... We’re disintegrating."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

=== Journal of Contemporary Religion on schisms within U.S. atheism ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' says about schisms within atheism:
{{Cquote|The persistence of internal schisms and regular outbreaks of in-fighting within the atheist movement also ensure that much energy is effectively wasted on parochial concerns and further undermine attempts to establish a genuine sense of group cohesion.<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' say that internal divisions within the American atheist movement have to do with:
{{Cquote|internal divisions within the movement around issues relating to goals, strategies, and direction. These can be seen most notably in debates about the formation of a collective ‘atheist’ identity, in disputes about the effectiveness of confrontationalism and accommodationism, and in concerns about the movement’s ethnic, racial, and gender profile.<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

See also: [[Atheism and women]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

=== Atheism, politics and political polarization ===

''See also:'' [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]] and [[Atheism and politics]]

In terms of politics and atheist infighting, there is considerable friction between [[Secular right|right-wing atheists]] (and right of center atheists) and [[secular left]]ist.

For more information, please see: [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]

=== Testimony of Blair Scott about atheist infighting ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]

Blair Scott served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140701062412/http://atheists.org/about-us/board-of-directors "Board of directors"] (July 1, 2014). American Atheists. Retrieved from Internet Archive, July 16, 2014.</ref> Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]]. On December 1, 2012 he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheists due to infighting within the American atheist movement.<ref name="Blair Scott">Scott, Blair (December 1, 2012). [http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ "An open letter from Blair Scott"]. American Atheists. Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref>

Mr. Blair wrote:
{{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating...me.<ref name="Blair Scott"/>}}

== Decline of the New Atheism movement ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]
[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎|left|thumb|200px|[[Christopher Hitchens]] ]]
In 2015, the atheist author Joshua Kelly wrote about the decline of the New Atheism movement:
{{cquote|...since the death of [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]]: angry atheism lost its most charismatic champion. Call it what you like: New Atheism, fire-brand atheism, etc., had a surge with the Four Horsemen in the middle of the last decade and in the last four years has generally peetered out to a kind that is more docile, [[Political correctness|politically correct]], and even apologetic.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/12/uproar-against-dawkins-is-sign-of-new-atheism-retrogression/ Uproar Against Dawkins Is Sign of New Atheism Retrogression] by Joshua Kelly</ref>}}

On November 6, 2015, the ''New Republic'' published an article entitled, ''Is the New Atheism dead?''<ref>[https://newrepublic.com/article/123349/new-atheism-dead ''Is the New Atheism dead?] by Elizabeth Bruenig, New Republic, November 6, 2015</ref>

Professor James W. Jones wrote at a ''Oxford University Press'' website:
{{Cquote|We seem to be witnessing a broad reaction against the New Atheism movement by atheists as well as religious believers, whether undermining the idea of a long-standing conflict between science and religion, or taking a critical view of their political agenda. [http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/14/books/review/the-twain-shall-meet.html James Ryerson recently examined three new books (including my own) in the New York Times Book Review] – a small sample of a growing body of work...

The New Atheism movement is receiving a powerful attack from another side as well — the politics implicit in their worldview. Two books published this year exemplify this critique, in which militant atheism is seen as an anti-progressive “secular fundamentalism.” C.J. Werleman, in The New Atheist Threat: The Dangerous Rise of Secular Extremists, himself formerly a militant atheist, describes the New Atheists’ uncritical devotion to science, their childish understanding of religion, their [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations|extreme Islamophobia]], and intolerance of cultural diversity.<ref>[http://blog.oup.com/2016/03/growing-criticism-by-atheists-of-the-new-atheism-movement/ Growing criticism by atheists of the New Atheism movement] by James W. Jones, ''Oxford University Press'', OUPblog</ref>}}

For more information, please see: [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism|Decline of New Atheism]]

=== Elevatorgate controversy caused deep divisions within in the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheist feminism]] and [[Atheism and sexism]] and [[Atheism plus]]

[[File:Richard dawkins lecture.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|200px|right|Although the [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] was always known for [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins|his abrasiveness]] and [[Atheism and arrogance|arrogance]], post [[Elevatorgate]] and subsequent to his various embarrassing Twitter posts, many atheists are now asking if he is a liability to the atheist movement.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-atheisms-asset-or-liability/2014/08/07/9f19a7a2-1e58-11e4-9b6c-12e30cbe86a3_story.html Richard Dawkins: Atheism’s asset or liability?] by Kimberly Winston, ''Washington Post'', source: ''Religion News Service'', August 7, 2014
*[http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119596/appetite-wonder-review-closed-mind-richard-dawkins ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins''], New Republic by John Gray
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]
*[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/downs-syndrome-girl-passes-six-4095031 Down's Syndrome girl passes six GCSEs as dad calls Richard Dawkins 'an ignorant idiot'], Mirror by By Grace Macaskill, Aug 23, 2014 15:41
*[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/21/the-12-stages-of-a-richard-dawkins-twitter-scandal_n_5698443.html The 12-Stage 'Evolution' Of A Richard Dawkins Twitter Scandal] by Paul Vale, The Huffington Post UK, Posted: 22/08/2014 02:06 BST</ref> See: [[Atheism and public relations]] ]]

Most atheists are politically on the [[leftist|left]] (see: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]). Part of leftist ideology is [[feminism]]. However, there is a significant amount of [[misogyny]] among atheists (see: [[Atheism and women]]).

For example, the [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] is widely criticized for igniting deep fractures in the atheist movement through his [[Elevatorgate]] controversy. On November 26, 2013, the atheist activist and blogger [[Jen McCreight]] posted at Twitter the message: "Did anyone on Dawkins AMA ask how he feels about singlehandedly destroying the atheist movement with the Dear Muslima yet?"<ref>[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]</ref> In December 2013, atheist Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution called July 2, 2011, which is the day that Elevatorgate occurred, "The day the atheist movement died."<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution</ref> The atheist [[PZ Myers]] said about the current rifts in the atheist movement: "So deep and wide we’ve separated into two continents."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>

On March 6, 2015, it was reported that Google trends data for common terms associated with atheism/agnosticism have been in decline since about mid 2012.<ref>[http://conservativetriumphs.blogspot.com/2015/03/attention-atheists-google-trends.html Attention Atheists: Google trends indicates: You are in a slump!]</ref> In January 2015, it was shown that Google trends data indicated a recent downward trend for various Google searches related to atheism such as the keywords atheist, atheism, [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[PZ Myers]].<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2015/01/creationcom-breaks-alexa-50000-barrier.html The numbers are in: 2014 was the WORST year in the history of Darwinism/atheism In addition, Creation.com breaks the Alexa 50,000 barrier]</ref>

{{See also|Atheism and the internet}}

=== Atheists declaring that Richard Dawkins is now a liability to the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]] and [[Atheism and public relations]]

[[New Atheism]] is a form of [[militant atheism]] as far as its rhetoric.

Although the new atheist Richard Dawkins was always known for [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins|his abrasiveness]] and [[Atheism and arrogance|arrogance]], post [[Elevatorgate]] and subsequent to his various embarrassing Twitter posts, many atheists are now asking if he is a liability to the atheist movement.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>

=== Thunderf00t on the impact of Freethought Blogs and Rebecca Watson ===

In October 2014, the popular YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] indicated that the bloggers at [[Freethought Blogs]] (Freethought Blogs is the most popular atheist blogging community) accidentally put him on their email list and that they spend a considerable amount of time emailing each other engaging in petty matters. In fact, he indicated that they spent more time emailing each other than engaged in actual blogging. He also questioned the impact of the bloggers of Freethought Blogs on [[social justice]].<ref name="youtube.com">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref> Furthermore, he indicated that their attempt to make him a pariah within the atheist community had virtually no impact.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

He also indicated that the accomplishments of [[Rebecca Watson]] are very thin and that she promotes feminism in an offensive manner.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

In addition, Thunderf00t commented on how [[Jen McCreight]], the founder of the atheist feminist movement [[Atheism plus]] abandoned her movement within two weeks. And how [[Richard Carrier]] "the intellectual artillery" of the movement, quit promoting the movement within a month.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

== Atheist movement lacks sufficient emphasis on moral causes ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and morality]]

The atheist C.J. Werleman wrote in ''Salon'':
{{Cquote|More significantly, movement atheism has failed to articulate an identifiable moral cause, and any [[Progressivism|progressive]] movement that chooses to dismiss the great moral challenges of its time will be rightfully dismissed itself. In other words, movement atheism, as it stands today, risks facing its end times, or, worse, becoming a passing fad...

The atheist movement ...must move beyond being little more than a moral statement that says, “We are atheists for atheists.”<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/10/04/atheisms_white_male_problem_a_movement_needs_a_moral_cause_beyond_glamorizing_disbelief/ Atheism’s white male problem: A movement needs a moral cause beyond glamorizing disbelief] by C.J. Werleman, ''Salon'', 2014</ref>}}

== Galen Broaddus on opting out of atheist movement ==

The atheist blogger [[Galen Broaddus]] wrote about opting out of the atheist movement:
{{Cquote|But after a few years of seeing how the secular movement has been functioning on a large scale, I no longer feel like I can in good conscience be an enthusiastic supporter of it...

At the end of last year, I stepped away from the group I’d been a part of for nearly four years and led for almost two of those. I won’t go into the details out of respect for those who are still involved with it (and, to be perfectly honest, a desire not to publicly discuss it), but it was a deeply frustrating experience for me.

When the page turned to 2016, my connection to local community was gone. The group I’d led wasn’t actually that local to me, and while I considered the possibility of looking for people in the city where I live, I decided that I wasn’t up to it, not at that time.

Now I feel like community isn’t something I need at all...

If I need community, I can find a less toxic one.<ref name="I’m Opting Out of the Movement">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rivers/2016/05/im-opting-out-of-the-movement/ I’m Opting Out of the Movement] by Galen Broaddus</ref>}}

At the present time, Broaddus describes himself as an "occasional secular activist".<ref name="Bio Galen Broaddus">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rivers/about/ Bio Galen Broaddus]</ref>

== PZ Myers' prediction that the atheism movement will stagnate or shrink unless atheists change ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism, social justice and hypocrisy]] and [[PZ Myers and social justice]]

On September 27, 2014 in a blog post entitled ''The Atheist Disillusionment'', the prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]] declared:
{{cquote|I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink, because organized atheism is happily in the process of destroying itself with regressive social attitudes, scandals, and their bizarre focus on irrelevant metaphysical differences that don’t help people...

Unless we change.

I don’t know that we can.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] - PZ Myers, September 27, 2014</ref>}}

Please also see: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]

== Atheist movement and nerds ==
[[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|[[PZ Myers]] ]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist nerds]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]

In 2013, PZ Myers declared:
{{cquote|If we're going to expand our base and we're going to draw in more people to recognize the virtues of living in a secular world, we need to appeal to more than just that geek and [[nerd]] subset of the population. We need to have a wider base. ...I seriously believe that we're on the cusp of a crisis. We're not there yet but it's looming in front of us. Will we adapt and thrive and change the world? Or will we remain an avocation for a prosperous and largely irrelevant subset of the population? Will we become something more than a scattered society of internet nerds? That's what we have to do.<ref name="evolutionnews.org">[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/04/in_seattle_pz_m070861.html in Seattle, PZ Myers Reflects Candidly on His Constituency]</ref>}}

In response, David Klinghoffer at ''[[Evolution]] News and Views'' wrote:
{{cquote|A crisis looms, in Myers's view, because he looks around himself and sees a not very promising basis for a mass movement. He's right. There is indeed a quality of geeky isolation from reality, common sense, and the fullness of life that I see as a motif in atheist and Darwin activism alike.<ref name="evolutionnews.org">[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/04/in_seattle_pz_m070861.html in Seattle, PZ Myers Reflects Candidly on His Constituency]</ref>}}

== Women and the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]]

Historically, women have not been attracted to atheism.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2013/07/21/from_hitchens_to_dawkins_where_are_the_women_of_new_atheism/ From Hitchens to Dawkins: Where are the women of New Atheism?] by Katie Engelhart, Salon, July 21, 2013</ref> Today, the atheist community has still found it difficult to attract women to be a part of the atheist community and the majority of atheists are men. In addition, a significant portion of the atheist community has [[misogyny|misogynist]] beliefs and attitudes (see: [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and rape]]).

== Western World, racial minorities and the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Western atheism and race]]

Historically, in the [[Western World]], the atheist community has been made up of predominantly white individuals who have had a reluctance and/or inability to attract racial minorities into their community (see: [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Evolutionary racism]]).

== Inability of atheist movement to effect widespread public acceptance of atheists ==

[[File:Daniel Dennett 2.jpg|left|thumbnail|200px|[[Daniel Dennett]] ]]

The atheist Geoffrey Lee Hodge wrote in an article at Humanist.com:
{{Cquote| A look back through history shows that successful social movements..progress through two waves. The first step is to unite and mobilize the marginalized group, encouraging individuals to be proud of their differences, to stand up for their rights and to speak out against discrimination. The new atheist movement has done this well, and Dawkins and Dennett deserve much credit for carrying the banner. But creating a strong and vocal base is not sufficient to bring about social change. It requires a second wave, different in character from the first. The second wave must convince moderate people outside the marginalized group that discrimination against the minority group is real, harmful, and intolerable.

When I got a chance to ask Professors Dawkins and [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] about this observation, suggesting that in order to isolate intolerant fundamentalist Christian views, the new atheist movement in the US should consider more outreach to liberal Christians, their answers were interesting. Dennett acknowledged that a second wave was needed, but ultimately agreed with Dawkins’ reluctance to reach out to liberal Christians.<ref>[https://thehumanist.com/commentary/advancing-the-atheist-movement-dawkins-dennett-and-the-second-wave Advancing the Atheist Movement: Dawkins, Dennett, and the Second Wave] by Geoffrey Lee Hodge</ref>}}

{{See also|Atheism and liberal Christianity alliances}}

=== Reluctance of many atheists to tell others about their atheism in theistic cultures ===

It is common in theistic cultures for atheists to be reluctant to tell others about their atheism (see: [[Atheism and apathy]]).

=== Theistic cultures are often highly resistant to accepting atheists ===

''See also:'' [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]

[[Social science]] data indicates that in theistic cultures that distrust of atheists is enduring and deep seated (see: [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

At the present time, there is widespread pessimism about the atheist movement among atheists (see: [[Decline of the atheist movement]]).

== Atheist Michael Nugent on the global atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Global atheism]] and [[Secular Europe]] and [[Asian atheism]]

[[File:Michael Nugent.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Michael Nugent]] ]]

According to the Irish atheist [[Michael Nugent]]: "The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements."<ref name="michaelnugent.com">"[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/19/the-atheist-movement-is-global-it-is-not-defined-by-the-mostly-american-deep-rifts-disagreements/ The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements]." by Michael Nugent</ref>

Nugent further indicates:
{{Cquote|‘Some of these more mainstream media analyses imply that there is a single ‘atheist movement’, and that it is best analysed through some opinions of some mostly [[American atheism|American bloggers and activists]] who, while committed and sincere and doing good work, are not representative of atheist activism worldwide.’<ref name="michaelnugent.com">"[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/19/the-atheist-movement-is-global-it-is-not-defined-by-the-mostly-american-deep-rifts-disagreements/ The atheist movement is global. It is not defined by the mostly American ‘deep rifts’ disagreements]." by Michael Nugent</ref>}}

Nugent has spent a great deal of time publicly criticizing fellow atheist [[PZ Myers]] online, while at the same time criticizing Myers for publicly criticizing other atheists (Nugent privately asked Myers to change his behavior as well).<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2014/12/michael-nugent-vs-pz-myers.html Michael Nugent vs. PZ Myers], Atheist Revolution website</ref><ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/?s=PZ+Myers Michael Nugent website - Search "PZ Myers"]</ref>

Furthermore, Irish atheists have a reputation for being ill-tempered/quarrelsome just like their American counterparts.<ref name="independent.ie">[http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/were-sorry-so-very-very-sorry-the-first-atheist-schism-26539122.html We're sorry. So very, very sorry. THE FIRST ATHEIST SCHISM?], ''Irish Independent''</ref> According to the ''Irish Independent'', "If there's one thing you can take for granted, it's that atheists tend to be a rather cranky bunch."<ref name="independent.ie"/> See also: [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence]]

== Composition and structure of the American atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist organizations]]
[[File:David Silverman.JPG|thumbnail|left|150px|[[David Silverman]] is president of the [[American Atheists]] organization.]]
The ''Journal of Contemporary Religion'' says about the composition and structure of the American atheist movement:
{{Cquote|The organisational structure of the atheist movement is characterised by plurality and eclecticism. Based around no predominant group and possessing no formal leadership or tangible set of governing arrangements, this movement assumes a non-hierarchical and decentralised form that operates within a number of organisations set up to promote a range of atheist, secularist, and humanist (collectively referred to here as ‘ASH’) ideas and causes. Notable organisations include: the American Humanist Association (established in 1941), American Atheists (formed in 1963), the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]] (1978), the Council for Secular Humanism (1980), the Atheist Alliance of America (1991), the [[Center for Inquiry]] (1991), the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (1998), the [[Secular Student Alliance]] (2000), the Secular Coalition for America (2002), and the United Coalition of Reason (2009).

At the present time, little is known about the specific composition of such groups and the reasons why individuals become actively involved in the atheism movement are still being debated (e.g. LeDrew). Research suggests that a majority of atheists positively engage in efforts to promote atheism in some form (Silver), but it appears that only a small percentage become involved in formal organisations of this kind. Research also indicates that atheists who are actively participating in formal non-religious organisations tend to belong to a number of different groups at any one time (Hunsberger and Altemeyer).<ref name="tandfonline.com">[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13537903.2014.945722 Divided We Stand: The Politics of the Atheist Movement in the United States] by Steven Kettell]''Journal of Contemporary Religion'', Volume 29, Issue 3, 2014</ref>}}

=== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau on American atheist movements ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

The atheist Georgetown professor Jacques Berlinerblau declared:
{{cquote|American atheist movements, though fancying themselves a lion, are more like the gimpy little zebra crossing the river full of crocs. In terms of both political gains and popular appeal, nonbelievers in the United States have little to show. They are encircled by cunning, swarming [religious] Revivalist adversaries who know how to play the atheist card. The gimpy zebra remark was a little goofing on this over-the-top chest-thumping that emerges from Movement Atheists. They wildly overestimate their numbers. They tend to overestimate the efficacy of their activism. They underestimate how disciplined and organized their adversaries in the religious right are, too. They fail to recognize that mocking religious people in public is entirely inimical to the goals they wish to achieve."<ref>[http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2012-09/professor-jacques-berlinerblau-tells-atheists-stop-whining Professor Jacques Berlinerblau tells atheists: Stop whining!], Christian Century, Sep 14, 2012 by Kimberly Winston</ref>}}

== Atheist movement and its public speakers ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and public speaking]]
[[File:JAMES RANDI.jpg|thumbnail|170px|right|[[James Randi]] ]]
The news website Vox reported about [[Reason Rally 2016]]:
{{Cquote|It is clear, too, that almost nobody who takes the stage at Reason Rally was ever trained as a preacher. The whole thing is languid, urgent words in measured tones. The goal is an "end to bigotry," in the pitch of a polite request, to "reject" a supernatural worldview with all the force of tepid applause. Jamie Raskin says the job of politicians is to "listen to scientists" and closes with "Put your thinking caps on America!" [[Penn Jillette]] struggles to get a video playing, chokes up over Hitchens, then plays a Bob Dylan knockoff about his love for all people. The [[James Randi|Amazing Randi]] devotes half an hour to a muted jeremiad against the obscure "facilitated communication" hoax. Peter says he does not know what "FC" is, but he'll look into it.<ref>[http://www.vox.com/2016/6/29/12051872/reason-rally American atheists are on the rise. They have radically different visions of the future], Vox</ref>}}

The atheist [[Jerry Coyne]] said about [[atheist conferences]] which he attended:
{{cquote|But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks.

...a few things bothered me, most notably the air of self-congratulation (which I excused on the grounds of enthusiastic people finding like-minded folks for the first time), the “fanboyness” directed at some of the famous atheists (they hardly let poor [[Richard Dawkins' cult of personality|Richard]] alone, and I’m not sure he liked that!), and the lameness of quite a few of the talks. Again, how much new can you say about atheism?<ref name="whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com">[https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/are-there-too-many-atheist-meetings/ Are there too many atheist meetings?] by Jerry Coyne</ref>}}

== Reason Rally ==

The [[Reason Rally]] was billed as the largest secular event in history.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/12/06/is_mocking_religion_enough_harris_dawkins_and_the_future_of_atheistsecular_politics/ Is mocking religion enough? Harris, Dawkins and the future of atheist/secular politics] by Richard Cimino and Christopher Smith, Salon magazine</ref> It was held in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2012.

According to the ''Religion News Service'' 8,000-10,000 people showed up for the rally.<ref>Winston, Kimberly (March 24, 2012). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/atheist-rally_n_1377443.html#s811235&title=Reason_Rally_on Atheists Rally On National Mall; The 'Reason Rally' Largest Gathering Of Nonbelievers (PHOTOS)]". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2012-05-02.</ref> ''The Atlantic'' reported 20,000 individuals were in attendance.<ref>Benjamin Fearnow & Mickey Woods, [http://www.theatlantic.com/national/print/2012/03/richard-dawkins-preaches-to-nonbelievers-at-reason-rally/255012/ "Richard Dawkins Preaches to Nonbelievers at Reason Rally"], ''The Atlantic'', March 24, 2012.</ref>

[[Reason Rally 2016]] was sparsely attended.

YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after Reason Rally 2016 had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. Hitchens is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref name="Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally'">[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

== Scott Simon of National Public Radio on organized atheism and its small measure of charitable work ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and charity]] and [[Atheism and love]]

Scott Simon of [[National Public Radio]] (NPR): "I have covered a lot of wars, famines and tragedies. And it seems to me, truly every theatre of suffering I have ever been to, there is a dauntless nun, priest, clergy or religious person, who is working very selflessly and bravery there for the good of human beings. But I don't run into [[Atheist movement|organized atheists]] who do this.

[[New Atheism|New atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]: "Perhaps there is not enough of them."...

Scott Simon, NPR: "But I do wonder am I just not seeing the world correctly to see large numbers of well-motivated atheists lending their lives to trying to better the world... If I might put it this way, are they just more concerned about being right intellectually."<ref>[http://www.npr.org/2017/05/27/530337283/richard-dawkins-on-terrorism-and-religion Richard Dawkins On Terrorism And Religion]</ref>

== Growth of evangelical Christianity in secular geographic regions ==

*[[Growth of Christianity in China|Growth of Christianity in atheistic China]]

*[[Secular Europe|Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century]]

*[[Atheism vs. Christianity]]

== Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Irreligion in Australia]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== Atheist movement apathetic about atheist art ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist art]] and [[Atheism and culture]]

The atheist and feminist writer Any Roth wrote about the atheist population having apathy about atheist art: "Does art matter to atheism? This is actually an interesting question that I don’t think movement atheist thinks much about."<ref>[http://skepchick.org/2014/04/three-reasons-art-should-matter-to-atheism/]</ref>

Historically, religious institutions sponsored great works of art and architecture. Atheist groups do not have a tradition of sponsoring great works of art and architecture.

In contrast to the atheist movement, Christians and other religious faiths historically are prolific in terms of producing musical/art works related to their faith/worldview and many great works have been produced over the centuries (See also: [[Atheist art]] and [[Argument from beauty]]).

== See also ==

*[[Atheism and leadership]]
*[[Famous atheists]]
*[[Schools of atheist thought]]
*[[New Atheism vs. old atheism]]
*[[History of Atheism|History of atheism]]
*[[Militant atheism]]
*[[Atheism and beliefs]]
*[[Atheism is a religion]]
*[[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]
*[[British atheism]]
*[[Madalyn Murray O'Hair]]

Essay:

*[[Essay: Why the atheist movement is a lost cause|Why the atheist movement is a lost cause]]

== External links ==

*[http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/religion/article/68423-sociologist-stephen-ledrew-on-the-rift-in-the-atheism-movement.html Sociologist Stephen LeDrew on the Rift in the Atheism Movement], ''Publishers Weekly''

*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/the-atheist-movement-becomes-the-atheist-circus/ The Atheist Movement Becomes The Atheist Circus]

*[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/becoming-disillusioned-with-the-atheist-movement/ Becoming Disillusioned with the Atheist Movement]

*[http://www.buzzfeed.com/markoppenheimer/will-misogyny-bring-down-the-atheist-movement Will Misogyny Bring Down The Atheist Movement]

*[http://www.dailygrail.com/Skepticism/2013/8/Is-the-Week-Organized-Skepticism-Imploded Is This the Week that Organized Skepticism Imploded?]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

Decline of the atheist movement

2017-11-10T04:11:26Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference */

[[File:Jacques Berlinerblau.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>]]
A number of [[Atheism|atheists]] have declared that the "[[atheist movement]] is dead".<ref>
*[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blogs]]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/10/now-that-that-poseur-atheist-aron-ra.html Atheist Aron Ra indicates the atheist movement is dead. Now that that Aron Ra has surrendered....], ''[[Examining Atheism]]''
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

After the [[Elevatorgate]] controversy in 2011 (a controversy involving [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[feminism|feminist]] [[Rebecca Watson]]), which caused a significant rift with the atheism movement, atheist [[Jen McCreight]] and the website Atheist Revolution indicated that the atheist movement was essentially dead/destroyed.<ref>
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

In 2017, atheist [[David Smalley]] has indicated that [[leftism|leftist]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] atheists were "killing the atheist movement" through being contentious and divisive (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Smalley indicated that the atheist movement was disintegrating.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Former [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], who subscribes to progressive politics, says he is no longer a member of the atheist movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>

The [[atheist activist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] argues that there never was an atheist movement and that people who wanted their to be an atheist movement wrongly assumed "there’s some list of beliefs everyone has to subscribe to." (See also: [[Schools of atheist thought]])<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/11/01/the-atheist-movement-isnt-dead-because-there-never-was-one/ The Atheist “Movement” Isn’t Dead Because There Never Was One] by HEMANT MEHTA</ref> Similarly, a blogger at [[Freethought Blogs]] indicates: "To be honest, I never saw "atheism” as much of a “movement” as an uneasy coalition, which may, in fact, now be unraveling."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blog]]</ref>

The atheist movement saw a number of setbacks during the latter portion of the 20th century and beyond in terms of historical events/trends (See: [[Causes of desecularization]]). As a result, it has lost a considerable amount of confidence (see also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

[[Atheist organizations]] have experienced large drops in donations to their organizations (see: [[Atheist organizations and fundraising]]).

== Decline of New Atheism ==

''See also:'' [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism]] and [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]

[[Image:Th2-full.jpg‎|right|thumbnail|left|150px|In 2007, Dr. Theo Hobson wrote that [[atheism]] is "pretentious and cowardly".<ref>[http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/theo_hobson/2007/06/atheism_is_pretentious_and_cow.html Atheism is pretentious and cowardly] by Dr. Theo Hobson</ref> See also: [[Atheism and cowardice]]]]
[[New Atheism]] is a form of [[militant atheism]] in terms of its [[rhetoric]].

The term New Atheism, which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a movement spawned by a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008. These authors include [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]] and [[Victor J. Stenger]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>

[[Theo Hobson]] wrote in ''The Spectator'' in 2013:
{{Cquote|The [[Atheism|atheist]] spring that began just over a decade ago is over, thank [[God]]. Richard Dawkins is now seen by many, even many non-believers, as a joke figure...

Atheism is still with us. But the movement that threatened to form has petered out. Crucially, atheism’s younger advocates are reluctant to compete for the role of Dawkins’s disciple. They are more likely to bemoan the new atheist approach and call for large injections of nuance. A good example is the pop-philosopher Julian Baggini. He is a stalwart atheist who likes a bit of a scrap with believers, but he’s also able to admit that religion has its virtues, that humanism needs to learn from it. For example, he has observed that a sense of gratitude is problematically lacking in secular culture, and suggested that humanists should consider ritual practices such as fasting.<ref>[http://www.spectator.co.uk/2013/04/after-the-new-atheism/ Richard Dawkins has lost: meet the new new atheists] by Theo Hobson</ref>}}

== Decline of the secular left ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of the secular left]] and [[Atheism and politics]]

[[Atheism|Atheist]] Dr. [[Gordon Stein]] wrote:
{{cquote|Atheism has long ceased to be a rare and oft-ignored philosophical outlook...It has transformed itself into an active political programme with clear objectives which, though they vary from state to state, unequivocally include the elimination of state religion, religious education, and the enshrinement of [[scientism]]."<ref>Gordon Stein, ''Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion,'' 74.</ref>}}

Atheists commonly use the political realm to advance their atheistic ideology (see: [[Atheist agenda|Political activities of atheists]]).

Historically, atheists have screwed towards the [[Leftism|left]] side of the political aisle (see: [[Secular left]]).<ref>[http://atheism.about.com/od/Atheist-Agnostic-Belief-Survey/a/Atheists-Agnostics-America-Politically-Liberal.htm Atheists & Agnostics in America Tend to be Politically Liberal]</ref><ref name="Marxism-Leninsim">{{cite web|url = http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title =Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 [[Russian Revolution]], which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="Guillotine">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=bf3m7IVAa9gC&pg=PA461&dq=France+atheism+guillotine++Christians+executed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=l4lUUaTRBufG0QGe0IHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=France%20atheism%20guillotine%20%20Christians%20executed&f=false|title =Christianity|author=James Adair|publisher = JBE Online Books|year=2007|quote=Although the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes toAlthough the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a ist of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rosseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Teror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|page=461|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="France">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=9WkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =Memoirs of the reign of George III. to the session of parliament ending A.D. 1793, Volume 5|page=105|author=William Belsham|publisher = G.G. & J. Robinson|year=1801|quote=Reign of this portentous period, it has been eloquently tenor, and energetically observed, " that the reign of atheism in France was avowed the reign of terror. In the full madness of their career, in the highest climax of their horrors, they shut up the temples of God, abolished His worship, and proclaimed death to be an eternal sleep:-in the very centre of Christendom, Revelation underwent a total eclipse, while atheism, performing on a darkened theatre its strange and fearful tragedy, confounded the first elements of society, blended every age, rank, and sex ,indiscriminate proscription and massacre, and convulsed all Europe to its centre, that the imperishable memorial of these events might teach the last generations of mankind to consider religion as the pillar of society, the parent of social order, and the safe-guard of nations." It is wonderful that, amid the horrors of this dismal period, while "the death dance of democratic revolution" was still in rapid movement, among the tears of affliction, and the cries of despair, "the masque, the song, the theatric scene, the buffoon laughter, went on as regularly as in the gay hour of festive peace."|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="Reign of Terror">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Tt5rqiCP1p8C&pg=PA57&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West|author=William Kilpatrick|publisher = [[Ignatius Press]]|year=2012|quote=Actually, it's helpful to think in terms of two Enlightenments: the Enlightenment that cut itself off from God. The former led to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. The latter led to the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the suppression of church by state, and the godless philosophies of Marx and Nietzsche and their offspring-National Socialism and communism. More recently the abandonment of God has led to the regime of cultural relativism that regards rights as arbitrary constructions. It's this second Enlightenment tradition that Cardinal Ratzinger referred to when he wrote, "The radical detachment of the Enlightenment philosophy from its roots ultimately leads it to dispense with man." Actually this transition happened no "ultimately" but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract "reason" and "liberty" degenearated quickly into the mass murders committed during the antireligious Reign of Terror in France. "Liberty, what crimes are committed in your name", said Madam Rolande as she faced the statue of Liberty in the Place de la Revolution movements before her death at the guillotine. She was one of the early victims of a succession of secular systems based on rootless notions of "liberty", "equality", and "reason". As many historians have pointed out, the atheist regimes of modern times are guilty of far more crimes than any committed in the name of religion. Communist governments alone were guilty of more than one hundred million murders, most of them committed against their own people.|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref> However, the [[secular right]] has been growing within the atheist population and this is partly due to the [[alt-right]] movement.

Within [[Europe]] and [[China]], there is a growing threat to [[secular left]]ism (see: [[Decline of the secular left]]). In addition, within the atheist movement there is increased friction due to political polarization with the [[atheist population]] (see: [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]).
[[File:PZ Myers at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[PZ Myers]] ]]
In 2017, the [[American atheism|American atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], quoting fellow [[leftism|leftist]] Alex Nichols, wrote:
{{Cquote|...the growing popularity of jibes associating outspoken atheists with fedoras, neckbeards, and virginity, led to an exodus of [[liberal]]s and [[leftism|leftists]] from the “atheist” tent. Those who remained for the most part [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|lacked in social skills and self-awareness]], and the results were disastrous.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/10/17/poisoning-of-a-movement/ Poisoning of a movement] by PZ Myers</ref>}}

At the same time, Myers has been criticized for his divisiveness and poor social skills.
In April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger PZ Myers."<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/ Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of Myers, "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref>

According to an international study done by William Bainbridge, [[atheism]] is frequent among people whose interpersonal social obligations are weak and is also linked to lower fertility rates in advanced industrial nations (See also: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]).<ref> Bainbridge, William (2005). "[http://www.religjournal.com/pdf/ijrr01002.pdf Atheism]" (PDF). Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. 1 (Article 2): 1–26.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

=== Donald Trump's election and the secular left ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]] and [[United States, irreligion vs. religion and demographics]]
[[File:Donald Trump official photo.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|[[Donald Trump]] ]]
The election of President [[Donald Trump]] in 2016 was a significant blow to secular leftists.

The ''Religion News Service'' reported:
{{Cquote|For the last decade, atheists, [[Secular humanism|humanists]] and others secularists have worked hard to organize a “secular vote” that would counter the political clout of the [[religious right]].

President-elect [[Donald J. Trump]]’s victory dealt that movement a body blow when he garnered 81 percent of the white [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]] vote and 60 percent of the white [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] vote. [[Mormonism|Mormons]], too, voted overwhelmingly for Trump.

Despite Trump’s not being a particularly religious person, his platform was seen as anti-secular in many atheist and humanist circles. He said he would appoint religiously conservative Supreme Court justices, ban [[Islam|Muslim]] immigrants, favor [[Christianity]] and repeal the [[Johnson Amendment]], which prohibits certain tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political candidates — issues antithetical to organized atheism and [[Secular humanism|humanism]].<ref>[http://religionnews.com/2016/11/09/dealt-a-body-blow-atheists-and-humanists-regroup/ Dealt a body blow, atheists and humanists regroup] by Kimberly Winston, ''Religion News Service'', November 9, 2016</ref>}}

== World's religious population gaining in global market share ==
[[File: Blue Marble.jpg|right|180px|thumbnail|[[Atheism]] is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Global atheism statistics]] and [[Global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]]

On December 23, 2012, Kaufmann wrote:
{{cquote|I argue that 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious.

On the other hand, the secular West and East Asia has very low fertility and a rapidly aging population... In the coming decades, the developed world's demand for workers to pay its pensions and work in its service sector will soar alongside the booming supply of young people in the third world. Ergo, we can expect significant immigration to the secular West which will import religious revival on the back of ethnic change. In addition, those with religious beliefs tend to have higher birth rates than the secular population, with fundamentalists having far larger families. The epicentre of these trends will be in immigration gateway cities like New York (a third white), Amsterdam (half Dutch), Los Angeles (28% white), and London, 45% white British.
<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/97-of-worlds-population-growth-is.html 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious], Tuesday, April 30, 2013</ref>}}

Kaufmann told a secular audience in [[Australia]]: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Shall the religious inherit the earth]</ref>

Atheism is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref> See: [[Global atheism statistics]] and [[Desecularization]]

In 2012, the CSGC reported that every day there are 800 less [[atheism|atheists]] per day, 1,100 less non-religious ([[agnosticism|agnostic]]) people per day and 83,000 more people professing to be Christians per day.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/05/globally-worldviews-of-atheism-and-non.html Globally the worldviews of atheism and non-religious (agnostic) are declining while global Christianity is exploding in adherents]</ref><ref>[http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/StatusOfGlobalMission.pdf Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Status of Global Missions]</ref>

In 2011, the ''American Spectator'' declared:
{{cquote|The report estimates about 80,000 new [[Christianity|Christians]] every day, 79,000 new [[Islam|Muslims]] every day, and 300 fewer atheists every day. These atheists are presumably disproportionately represented in the [[Western World|West]], while religion is thriving in the Global South, where [[Charismatic movement|charismatic Christianity]] is exploding."<ref>[http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/28/thriving-christianity Thriving Christianity]</ref>}}

== Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates ==

''See also:'' [[Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates]]

A significant problem [[atheist activist]]s as far as the propagation of atheism is that secularization rates are now zero in a significant amount of Western developed countries (see: [[Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates]].

=== United States ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

In June 2016, ''American Interest'' reported about [[American atheism]]:
{{Cquote|First of all, religious belief is still very powerful and widespread, and there is nothing inevitable about its decline. In fact, the proportion of people who say they believe in God actually ticked modestly upward, from 86 percent to 89 percent, since [[Gallup Poll|Gallup]] last asked the question in 2014.<ref>[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/06/30/atheism-is-rising-but/ Atheism is Rising, But…], American Interest</ref>}}

=== British atheism/nonreligion ===

''See also:'' [[British atheism]]

''The Guardian'' published an article in 2017 entitled ''Nearly 50% are of [[Nones|no religion]] – but has [[UK]] hit ‘peak secular’?'' which declared:
{{Cquote|But, Bullivant told the Observer that the “growth of no religion may have stalled”. After consistent decline, in the past few years the proportion of [[nones]] appears to have stabilised. “Younger people tend to be more non-religious, so you’d expect it to keep going – but it hasn’t. The steady growth of non-Christian religions is a contributing factor, but I wonder if everyone who is going to give up their Anglican affiliation has done so by now? We’ve seen a vast shedding of nominal Christianity, and perhaps it’s now down to its hardcore.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/uk-losing-faith-religion-young-reject-parents-beliefs ''Nearly 50% are of no religion – but has UK hit ‘peak secular’?''], ''The Guardian'', 2017</ref>}}

=== France and Protestant Europe ===

''See also:'' [[European desecularization in the 21st century]] and [[French atheism]]

In April 2010, Eric Kaufmann declared "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[Europe]] and [[France]]."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-academic-eric-kaufmann-says.html British academic Eric Kaufmann says "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of Protestant Europe and France".</ref>

== European atheist Jürgen Habermas ==

[[Jürgen Habermas]] is a prominent German sociologist and philosopher. Habermas describes himself as a "a methodical atheist".<ref>[http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/20037?eng=y The Church Is Under Siege. But Habermas, the Atheist, Is Coming to its Defense]</ref>

In a 2006 essay, Habermas wrote: “secular citizens in Europe must learn to live, the sooner the better, in a post-secular society and in so doing they will be following the example of religious citizens, who have already come to terms with the ethical expectations of democratic citizenship. So far secular citizens have not been expected to make a similar effort.”<ref>[http://moderndiplomacy.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1633:jurgen-habermas-on-the-vision-of-a-post-secular-europe&Itemid=569 Jurgen Habermas on the Vision of a Post-Secular Europe], Modern Diplomacy</ref>

== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau ==

In 2011, [[Georgetown University]] professor and [[Atheism|atheist]] [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>

== YouTube atheist Thunderf00t ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist conferences]] and [[Atheism and apathy]]
[[File:Thunderf00t.jpg|thumbnail|200px|YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] ]]
YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after the [[Reason Rally 2016]] had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]] is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

In recent times, the number of people attending [[atheist conferences]] has grown smaller.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/tippling/2017/07/13/10923/ Whoever I Don’t Like Is Ruining the Atheist Movement] by Jeremiah Traeger</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luT2vQ3ctKU #ReasonRally Crash n burn. Thanks SJWs!] by [[Thunderf00t]]</ref> Atheist [[David Smalley]] wrote: "And we wonder why we’re [[Atheism and politics|losing elections]], [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising#Atheist organizations and fundraising|losing funding]], and our conferences are getting smaller."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

== Atheist Joshua Kelly ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]

In 2015, the atheist author Joshua Kelly wrote:
{{cquote|...since the death of [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]]: angry atheism lost its most charismatic champion. Call it what you like: [[New Atheism]], fire-brand atheism, etc., had a surge with the Four Horsemen in the middle of the last decade and in the last four years has generally peetered out to a kind that is more docile, [[Political correctness|politically correct]], and even apologetic.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/12/uproar-against-dawkins-is-sign-of-new-atheism-retrogression/ Uproar Against Dawkins Is Sign of New Atheism Retrogression] by Joshua Kelly</ref>}}

== Atheist Revolution on stagnation in the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Stagnation of atheist apologetics]]

An atheist at the website ''Atheist Revolution'' declared:
{{Cquote|I should note that doubts and feelings of disillusionment are nothing new for me. In looking back over some old posts, I can see them emerging in late 2010. I noted the [http://www.atheistrev.com/2010/10/is-atheist-movement-really-moving.html stagnation in our movement] as a source of frustration.<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2012/10/feeling-disillusioned-with-atheist.html Feeling Disillusioned With the Atheist Movement], Atheist Revolution</ref>}}

In an ''Atheist Revolution'' article entitled ''Is the atheist movement really moving''? an atheist declares:
{{Cquote|...[atheists] can can take virtually any suggestion anyone comes up with and shred it into oblivion without breaking a sweat. But when we offer something we think represents an improvement, it meets the same fate. Are we moving closer to any sort of action..?<ref>[Is the Atheist Movement Really Moving?], Atheist Revolution</ref>}}

== Seth Andrews on atheist activists dropping out of public atheism==
[[File:Seth Andrews.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Seth Andrews]] signing one of this books after a 2016 speaking engagement in [[San Jose]], California.]]
In 2017, the [[atheist activist]] [[Seth Andrews]] declared about the atheist activist dropping out of public atheism:
{{Cquote|You know lately when I look around on [[social media]] and in the media in general really. I see these proclamations. Proclamations that the atheist movement is on life support. It's dying. It's probably beyond saving.

Now I know some people out there are very weary of all the public infighting and the squabbling and the division and just the general nastiness out there between various camps. And I totally get that. I totally get it.

Some people draw a big circle around [[New Atheism]]... And they declare New Atheism is dead or it's dying or irrelevant or whatever...

As an atheist activist myself, I can understand myself why some activists have just left the party...

They just got tired of it. All [[Atheism and politics|the politics]] and the posturing and the trolls and the bad faith operators out there. They have seen first hand that atheists are not immune to scandal, to ugliness to irrationality. To this [[Atheism and anger|unhealthy rage]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyuI-XZer9Q Is the Atheist Movement Dying?] by Seth Andrews</ref><ref>[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/11/seth-andrews-keeps-hearing-reports-of.html Atheist activist Seth Andrews keeps seeing reports on social media and the media that the atheist movement is dying]. ''[[Examining Atheism]]''</ref>}}

== Atheist philosopher John Gray on what scares the New Atheists ==

''See also:'' [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism]]
[[File:John Gray.JPG|thumbnail|left|200px|The [[economist]] Tomáš Sedláček (left) and the [[atheism|atheist]] [[philosophy|philosopher]] John Gray (right) at ZURICH.MINDS 2012]]
[[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]] in his Guardian article entitled ''What scares the new atheists?'' wrote:
{{cquote|The rise of violent [[jihad]]ism is only the most obvious example of a rejection of secular life. Jihadist thinking comes in numerous varieties, mixing strands from 20th century ideologies, such as [[Nazism]] and [[Vladimir Lenin|Leninism]], with elements deriving from the 18th century Wahhabist Islamic fundamentalist movement. What all Islamist movements have in common is a categorical rejection of any secular realm. But the ongoing reversal in secularisation is not a peculiarly Islamic phenomenon.

The [[Desecularization|resurgence of religion]] is a worldwide development. Russian Orthodoxy is stronger than it has been for over a century, while China is the scene of a reawakening of its indigenous faiths and of underground movements that could [[Growth of Christianity in China|make it the largest Christian country]] in the world by the end of this century. Despite tentative shifts in opinion that have been hailed as evidence it is becoming less pious, the US remains massively and [[American atheism#American atheist activists exaggerating the number of atheists in the United States|pervasively religious]] – it’s inconceivable that a professed unbeliever could become president, for example. It’s inconceivable that a professed unbeliever could become president of the United States

For secular thinkers, the continuing vitality of religion calls into question the belief that history underpins their values.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/what-scares-the-new-atheists What scares the new atheists] by [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]], ''The Guardian''</ref>}}

== Atheist Eddie Tabash ==

[[File:Edward Tabash 2013.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Eddie Tabash]]

(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Wikimedia Commons], see [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en license agreement])]]
The American atheist activist [[Eddie Tabash]] said at the 2010 Michigan Atheists State Convention:
{{Cquote|In every generation there has been a promising beginning of a true vanguard movement that will finally achieve widespread public acceptance for nonbelief. Yet, in each generation there has been an ultimately disappointing failure to actually register the [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic alternative]] to supernatural claims in the public consciousness...

Now given the confounding extent to which religion is entrenched in our society, it could take a minimum of 100 years of sustained, intense effort to even begin to cut into the current monolithic stranglehold that religion has on American mass culture,
<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iix6OjLH6aM Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash]</ref>}}

The likelihood that the [[American atheism|American atheist]] population will engage in 100 years of sustained, intense atheist activism is remote (see: [[Atheism and apathy]] and [[Views on atheists]] and [[American atheism#Demographics and trends in American secularism|Demographics and trends in American secularism]]).

Also, a 100-year sustained and intense effort of atheist activism would require a high degree of cohesiveness and cooperation among atheists. Tabash said in a speech to the Michigan Atheists State Convention, "Since we are a bit of a cantankerous, opinionated lot...".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ld9Rfw5HUs Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash - Part 2 of 4]</ref> See also: [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

Tabash said in a 2007 speech to the Atheist Alliance International organization:
{{Cquote|The other likely future is one in which by a shift of only one vote on the United States Supreme Court, we will essentially become a [[theocracy]] in which all branches of government we be freed to favor [[religion]] collectively over nonbelief.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u1S3C5yWjc Eddie Tabash: Speech and Q&A at AAI 07]</ref>}}

== Eric Kaufmann: Secularism is exhausted and unconfident ==

[[Eric Kaufmann]], an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] professor whose academic research specialty is how demographic changes affect religion/irreligion and politics, wrote in 2010:
{{cquote|Worldwide, the [[Desecularization|march of religion]] can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and lacking in confidence... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, [[socialism]] and 1960s anarchist-[[liberalism]]. Ironically, secularism's demographic deficit means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}

According the American atheist author Kevin Davis, atheism has an "unshakeable stigma".<ref>[http://www.peacock-panache.com/2016/11/lifetree-meeting-atheism-26370.html An Atheist Walks into a Christian Meeting about Atheism] by Kevin Davis</ref> See also: [[Views on atheists]]

== Atheist PZ Myers ==
[[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|[[PZ Myers]]]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

On September 27, 2014 in a blog post entitled ''The Atheist Disillusionment'', [[PZ Myers]] declared:
{{cquote|I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink, because organized atheism is happily in the process of destroying itself with regressive social attitudes, scandals, and their bizarre focus on irrelevant metaphysical differences that don’t help people...

Unless we change.

I don’t know that we can.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] - PZ Myers, September 27, 2014</ref>}}

In 2016, Myers published a blog post entitled ''Atheism seems to be amazingly doomed'' <ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2016/06/30/atheism-seems-to-be-amazingly-doomed/ ''Atheism seems to be amazingly doomed''] by PZ Myers</ref> In the blog post he indicated that YouTube's [[TheAmazingAtheist]] engaged in [[racism]] and the feedback he received from viewers was far more positive than it was negative. See also: [[Western atheism and race]]

== Atheist vlogger Aron Ra ==

In 2017, the atheist vlogger [[Aron Ra]] wrote to some of his fellow atheists: "...since ya'll have effectively killed what was left of the atheist movement".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arTrjbPAdD8 AronRa Claims Mythcon Killed The Atheist Movement || Facebook Comments]</ref>

== Blair Scott about atheist infighting with the atheist movement ==
[[File:David Silverman Rally.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[David Silverman]] is the president of the [[American Atheists]] organization.]]
''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence]]

[[Blair Scott]] served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors. Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]]. On December 1, 2012 he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheist due to infighting within the American [[atheist movement]].<ref>[http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ An Open Letter from Blair Scott]</ref>

Mr. Blair wrote:
{{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating..me.<ref>[http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ An Open Letter from Blair Scott]</ref>}}

== Atheist David Smalley on the atheist movement and its infighting ==

The atheist [[David Smalley]] said about the [[atheist movement]]: "We're eating our own... We’re disintegrating."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

== The day Elevatorgate occurred has been called the day the atheist movement died ==

''See also:'' [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]

[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the atheist community and to the public at large.<ref>
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]
*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]
*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/richard-dawkins-women-chilly-climate Richard Dawkins, check the evidence on the 'chilly climate' for women] by Emily Band, ''The Guardian'', July 24, 2011
*[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/07/05/richard-dawkins-and-male-privilege/#.VYgS0LZmLUA Richard Dawkins and male privilege] By Phil Plait, ''Discover Magazine'', July 5, 2011 10:30 am
*[http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/09/is-richard-dawkins-destroying-his-reputation Is Richard Dawkins destroying his reputation?] by Sophie Elmhirst, ''The Guardian'', June 9, 2015
</ref> Watson is a feminist.<ref>Rebecca Watson (July 5, 2011). "[http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion The Privilege Delusion]". Skepchick</ref>

Richard Dawkins is still widely criticized for igniting deep fractures in the atheist movement through his Elevatorgate controversy. For example, on November 26, 2013, the atheist activist and blogger [[Jen McCreight]] posted at Twitter the message: "Did anyone on Dawkins AMA ask how he feels about singlehandedly destroying the [[atheist movement]] with the Dear Muslima yet?"<ref>[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]</ref> In December 2013, atheist Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution called July 2, 2011, which is the day that Elevatorgate occurred, "The day the atheist movement died."<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution</ref>

== Atheist organizations and fundraising difficulties ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising]] and [[Atheism and charity]]

=== Atheist activist Lee Moore: Donations to American atheist organizations are down due to infighting within the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

In 2017, the atheist activist Lee Moore declared:
{{Cquote|If you look at the major atheist groups right now, like the national groups, the ones that are doing the real activist work... They are not bringing in the kind of donations they used to. Most of them are starved for cash. They're downsizing left and right. Because people aren't just giving like they used to. And I talked to a lot of the major donors out there and they said, "Well, we're kind of tired of seeing the atheist community just fight amongst itself and not really get anything done. We'd rather not give money if we don't think it's going to go somewhere."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvG6LKUbOdk Lee Moore and Steve Shives Talk About the Future of the Atheist Movement],
- video quote comes 21 minutes and 13 seconds into the video</ref>}}

=== Atheist Hemant Mehta on fundraising from fellow nonbelievers ===

[[Secular humanism]] is a [[Schools of atheist thought|type of atheism/agnosticism]].

Foundation Beyond Belief is a charitable foundation created to focus on "[[Humanism|humanist]] generosity and compassion."<ref>[https://foundationbeyondbelief.org/inside-fbb/about/ Foundation Beyond Belief]</ref>

The [[atheist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] said about raising money from fellow nonbelievers:
"Meanwhile, I’ve had one hell of a time convincing people to give to the Foundation Beyond Belief — and I help lead that organization."
<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/01/08/a-few-thoughts-about-fundraising/ A Few Thoughts About Fundraising]</ref>

=== Canadian atheist activist Pat O'Brien on the difficulty of atheist fundraising ===

''See also:'' [[Canada and irreligion]]

The Canadian atheist activist Pat O'Brien is a Canadian atheist, an activist, and ex-president of Humanist Canada and British Columbia Humanist Association ([[Secular humanism]] is a form of atheism).

O'Brien said about the willingness atheists/humanists to support national and provincial atheist organizations: "The biggest problem is fundraising. It is difficult to get Humanists to part with their money."<ref>[https://conatusnews.com/%E2%80%8Bpat-obrien-ex-president-humanist-canada/ Interview – Pat O’Brien on Humanism in Canada and British Columbia] by Scott Jacobsen, Conatus News, 2016</ref>

=== David Gorski's complaint about atheist nonprofits ===
[[File:Richard Dawkins photo.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|180px|right|The [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]] had a scandal related to an embezzlement allegation.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref><ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref> See: [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]] ]]

David Gorski at Scienceblogs wrote about atheist/skeptic organizations and financial mismanagement:
{{cquote|In any case, this makes me wonder: What is it about rationalist/skeptic groups that make them seemingly have such a hard time running their organizations well from a financial standpoint? After all, just a couple of months ago the [[Center for Inquiry]] (CFI) sent out letters desperately begging for more contributions. The reason was that CFI had one large benefactor whose yearly contribution funded approximately 20-25% of the yearly CFI budget. As clueless as I may be about finances, even I know that you don’t use such donations to run the operating expenses of an organization, because you can’t count on them from year to year and it’s too big a chunk. You use this money for special short-term projects and a rainy day fund. Not surprisingly, when this mysterious donor stopped donating earlier this year, suddently CFI was in deep doo-doo from a financial standpoint, prompting the desperate plea for donations and deep budget cuts. I realize that the down economy has played havoc with many nonprofit and charitable organizations, but these issues with skeptical organizations seem to go beyond just that.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref>}}

=== Secular Student Alliance report of fundraising problems ===

In October 2015, the [[Secular Student Alliance]] tweeted that it "desperately" needed $100,000 by the end of the month. The SSA Executive director August Brunsman reported that fundraising had lagged.<ref>Eberhard, JT (30 May 2016). "[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd/2015/10/secular-student-alliance-running-a-desperate-fundraiser/ Secular Student Alliance running a 'desperate' fundraiser]". WWJTD.</ref>

=== Inside Philanthropy website commentary atheist philanthropy related to universities ===

According to the website ''Inside Philanthropy'':
{{Cquote|Universities lack the kind of entrenched atheist architecture—endowments, departments, conferences and the like—that religious studies departments have enjoyed for centuries.

What's more, there are several major funders who've put muscle behind religious scholarship on campus, such as the Lilly Endowment and the Templeton Foundation. But we've never seen a gift for related to aethism [sic] — either on a campus or elsewhere. Nor have our data gathering friends the Foundation Center, which reports exactly zero grants related to atheism in a database covers tens of foundations. (That said, some grants have gone to groups that put forth a "secular" agenda.)<ref>[Beyond Belief: As Americans Warm to Atheism, Will Donors Follow?] by Mike Scutari, ''Inside Philanthropy''</ref>}}

=== Atheist nonprofit scandals ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]]

== Australian atheist movement and the cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Atheist movement|Atheist movement]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== Atheist Francois Tremblay ==

[[File:512px-Collage of Six Cats-01.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|In his essay ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose'', the atheist Francois Tremblay compared unifying atheists to herding cats.<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose''] by Francois Tremblay</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]]

The atheist Francois Tremblay wrote in his essay ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose'':
{{cquote|Atheism, as [[Definition of atheism|commonly defined]] by atheists, expresses a lack of belief, or disbelief, in deities. It is not a positive belief in anything, but a negative concept. That is why atheists, inasmuch as they are atheists, are nothing like a coherent or concerted group. Organizations like American Atheists serve a role of broadcasting information more than anything else, because there cannot be concerted action when nobody agrees on what to do (except of course on direct concerns like the rights of atheists or separation of church and state). Most atheists disagree strongly on whenever atheism should be propagated, or promoted, and on the matter of doing so.

Another problem of atheism qua atheism is that it does not contain its own basis. What I mean by this is that atheism is a punctual, [[ontological]] belief, which is itself the implicit or explicit result of [[metaphysics|metaphysical]] and [[Atheism and epistemology|epistemological deductions]]. Any reply to an attack on this basis cannot come directly from atheism. Concentrating oneself only on being an atheist is like trying to build a house from the second floor up. It may look less costly on paper, and for people who only build houses in their imagination this may be a good way of seeing it, but it's not good enough for a serious endeavour. And most importantly, it's too fragile. I see too many religionists attacking atheism from the bottom and atheists being unable to adequately reply to the arguments. If the atheist cannot answer to his most fundamental beliefs on the nature of reality and cognition, then his atheism is worthless in terms of validation. It is nothing more than a big paper tiger, made from the finest cardboard.

One last problem that undermines any propagation of atheism is inspiration. Let's be honest here, "there is no god!" is [[Atheism and inspiration|not a very motivating call]] for most people.<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose''] by Francois Tremblay</ref>}}

== Atheist Martin S. Pribble ==

The atheist activist Martin S. Pribble wrote in 2011:
{{Cquote|... I am beginning to feel that the atheistic movement is treading water somewhat, not really making much change in the world. It seems to me it is more akin to beating ones head against an immovable object rather than spreading encouragement for people to learn... Nothing is changing, and I doubt if we will ever see a single mind change from an engagement on Twitter over whether the Bible is the true word of God.

I feel we are lacking focus...

I know I’m not the only person who realises this. I have seen a few people finding the fight a disillusioning experience...<ref>[http://martinspribble.com/2011/11/is-the-atheist-movement-dead-in-the-water/ Is the atheist movement dead on the water?]</ref>}}

In 2013, Pribble wrote in ''Slate'':
{{Cquote|For the last five years I have considered myself an “activist atheist.”...

But I’m through with it, and I no longer want to be part of the online atheist “community.”...

The times of satisfaction are outweighed by feelings of frustration and hopelessness...

There is no point in it. All this back-and-forth sniping serves to do is to make us feel a sense of superiority to the person making the claims and does nothing for them except leave them with a smugness about their assumption that “atheists are all mean.”...

Atheists and nonbelievers make up such a [[Atheist Population|small part of the world’s population]] that we can never hope to change the world by ourselves—certainly not, if our primary weapon is yelling at people we don’t agree with. Most theists in the world are not completely delusional...<ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/12/why_i_m_quitting_the_online_atheism_community.html Leaving the Tribe] by Martin Pribble</ref>}}

== See also ==

*[[Growth of global desecularization]]

*[[Acceleration of 21st century desecularization]]

*[[Causes of desecularization]]

*[[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]

*[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]

*[[Growth of Christianity in China]]

*[[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]]

*[[High morale of Christendom]]

== External links ==

*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/4-pieces-of-grim-news-for-atheists-who.html 7 pieces of GRIM news for the atheist who asked: "What's killing the atheist movement?"]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-21st-century-and-atheist-movement.html The atheist movement and battle fatigue]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/11/another-sign-atheist-movement-in.html Another sign the atheist movement in America has imploded: Cancelled atheist conferences]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Atheism]]

Decline of the atheist movement

2017-11-10T04:08:27Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference */

[[File:Jacques Berlinerblau.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>]]
A number of [[Atheism|atheists]] have declared that the "[[atheist movement]] is dead".<ref>
*[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blogs]]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/10/now-that-that-poseur-atheist-aron-ra.html Atheist Aron Ra indicates the atheist movement is dead. Now that that Aron Ra has surrendered....], ''[[Examining Atheism]]''
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

After the [[Elevatorgate]] controversy in 2011 (a controversy involving [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[feminism|feminist]] [[Rebecca Watson]]), which caused a significant rift with the atheism movement, atheist [[Jen McCreight]] and the website Atheist Revolution indicated that the atheist movement was essentially dead/destroyed.<ref>
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

In 2017, atheist [[David Smalley]] has indicated that [[leftism|leftist]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] atheists were "killing the atheist movement" through being contentious and divisive (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Smalley indicated that the atheist movement was disintegrating.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Former [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], who subscribes to progressive politics, says he is no longer a member of the atheist movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>

The [[atheist activist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] argues that there never was an atheist movement and that people who wanted their to be an atheist movement wrongly assumed "there’s some list of beliefs everyone has to subscribe to." (See also: [[Schools of atheist thought]])<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/11/01/the-atheist-movement-isnt-dead-because-there-never-was-one/ The Atheist “Movement” Isn’t Dead Because There Never Was One] by HEMANT MEHTA</ref> Similarly, a blogger at [[Freethought Blogs]] indicates: "To be honest, I never saw "atheism” as much of a “movement” as an uneasy coalition, which may, in fact, now be unraveling."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blog]]</ref>

The atheist movement saw a number of setbacks during the latter portion of the 20th century and beyond in terms of historical events/trends (See: [[Causes of desecularization]]). As a result, it has lost a considerable amount of confidence (see also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

[[Atheist organizations]] have experienced large drops in donations to their organizations (see: [[Atheist organizations and fundraising]]).

== Decline of New Atheism ==

''See also:'' [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism]] and [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]

[[Image:Th2-full.jpg‎|right|thumbnail|left|150px|In 2007, Dr. Theo Hobson wrote that [[atheism]] is "pretentious and cowardly".<ref>[http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/theo_hobson/2007/06/atheism_is_pretentious_and_cow.html Atheism is pretentious and cowardly] by Dr. Theo Hobson</ref> See also: [[Atheism and cowardice]]]]
[[New Atheism]] is a form of [[militant atheism]] in terms of its [[rhetoric]].

The term New Atheism, which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a movement spawned by a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008. These authors include [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]] and [[Victor J. Stenger]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>

[[Theo Hobson]] wrote in ''The Spectator'' in 2013:
{{Cquote|The [[Atheism|atheist]] spring that began just over a decade ago is over, thank [[God]]. Richard Dawkins is now seen by many, even many non-believers, as a joke figure...

Atheism is still with us. But the movement that threatened to form has petered out. Crucially, atheism’s younger advocates are reluctant to compete for the role of Dawkins’s disciple. They are more likely to bemoan the new atheist approach and call for large injections of nuance. A good example is the pop-philosopher Julian Baggini. He is a stalwart atheist who likes a bit of a scrap with believers, but he’s also able to admit that religion has its virtues, that humanism needs to learn from it. For example, he has observed that a sense of gratitude is problematically lacking in secular culture, and suggested that humanists should consider ritual practices such as fasting.<ref>[http://www.spectator.co.uk/2013/04/after-the-new-atheism/ Richard Dawkins has lost: meet the new new atheists] by Theo Hobson</ref>}}

== Decline of the secular left ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of the secular left]] and [[Atheism and politics]]

[[Atheism|Atheist]] Dr. [[Gordon Stein]] wrote:
{{cquote|Atheism has long ceased to be a rare and oft-ignored philosophical outlook...It has transformed itself into an active political programme with clear objectives which, though they vary from state to state, unequivocally include the elimination of state religion, religious education, and the enshrinement of [[scientism]]."<ref>Gordon Stein, ''Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion,'' 74.</ref>}}

Atheists commonly use the political realm to advance their atheistic ideology (see: [[Atheist agenda|Political activities of atheists]]).

Historically, atheists have screwed towards the [[Leftism|left]] side of the political aisle (see: [[Secular left]]).<ref>[http://atheism.about.com/od/Atheist-Agnostic-Belief-Survey/a/Atheists-Agnostics-America-Politically-Liberal.htm Atheists & Agnostics in America Tend to be Politically Liberal]</ref><ref name="Marxism-Leninsim">{{cite web|url = http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title =Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 [[Russian Revolution]], which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="Guillotine">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=bf3m7IVAa9gC&pg=PA461&dq=France+atheism+guillotine++Christians+executed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=l4lUUaTRBufG0QGe0IHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=France%20atheism%20guillotine%20%20Christians%20executed&f=false|title =Christianity|author=James Adair|publisher = JBE Online Books|year=2007|quote=Although the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes toAlthough the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a ist of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rosseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Teror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|page=461|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="France">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=9WkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =Memoirs of the reign of George III. to the session of parliament ending A.D. 1793, Volume 5|page=105|author=William Belsham|publisher = G.G. & J. Robinson|year=1801|quote=Reign of this portentous period, it has been eloquently tenor, and energetically observed, " that the reign of atheism in France was avowed the reign of terror. In the full madness of their career, in the highest climax of their horrors, they shut up the temples of God, abolished His worship, and proclaimed death to be an eternal sleep:-in the very centre of Christendom, Revelation underwent a total eclipse, while atheism, performing on a darkened theatre its strange and fearful tragedy, confounded the first elements of society, blended every age, rank, and sex ,indiscriminate proscription and massacre, and convulsed all Europe to its centre, that the imperishable memorial of these events might teach the last generations of mankind to consider religion as the pillar of society, the parent of social order, and the safe-guard of nations." It is wonderful that, amid the horrors of this dismal period, while "the death dance of democratic revolution" was still in rapid movement, among the tears of affliction, and the cries of despair, "the masque, the song, the theatric scene, the buffoon laughter, went on as regularly as in the gay hour of festive peace."|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="Reign of Terror">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Tt5rqiCP1p8C&pg=PA57&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West|author=William Kilpatrick|publisher = [[Ignatius Press]]|year=2012|quote=Actually, it's helpful to think in terms of two Enlightenments: the Enlightenment that cut itself off from God. The former led to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. The latter led to the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the suppression of church by state, and the godless philosophies of Marx and Nietzsche and their offspring-National Socialism and communism. More recently the abandonment of God has led to the regime of cultural relativism that regards rights as arbitrary constructions. It's this second Enlightenment tradition that Cardinal Ratzinger referred to when he wrote, "The radical detachment of the Enlightenment philosophy from its roots ultimately leads it to dispense with man." Actually this transition happened no "ultimately" but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract "reason" and "liberty" degenearated quickly into the mass murders committed during the antireligious Reign of Terror in France. "Liberty, what crimes are committed in your name", said Madam Rolande as she faced the statue of Liberty in the Place de la Revolution movements before her death at the guillotine. She was one of the early victims of a succession of secular systems based on rootless notions of "liberty", "equality", and "reason". As many historians have pointed out, the atheist regimes of modern times are guilty of far more crimes than any committed in the name of religion. Communist governments alone were guilty of more than one hundred million murders, most of them committed against their own people.|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref> However, the [[secular right]] has been growing within the atheist population and this is partly due to the [[alt-right]] movement.

Within [[Europe]] and [[China]], there is a growing threat to [[secular left]]ism (see: [[Decline of the secular left]]). In addition, within the atheist movement there is increased friction due to political polarization with the [[atheist population]] (see: [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]).
[[File:PZ Myers at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[PZ Myers]] ]]
In 2017, the [[American atheism|American atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], quoting fellow [[leftism|leftist]] Alex Nichols, wrote:
{{Cquote|...the growing popularity of jibes associating outspoken atheists with fedoras, neckbeards, and virginity, led to an exodus of [[liberal]]s and [[leftism|leftists]] from the “atheist” tent. Those who remained for the most part [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|lacked in social skills and self-awareness]], and the results were disastrous.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/10/17/poisoning-of-a-movement/ Poisoning of a movement] by PZ Myers</ref>}}

At the same time, Myers has been criticized for his divisiveness and poor social skills.
In April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger PZ Myers."<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/ Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of Myers, "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref>

According to an international study done by William Bainbridge, [[atheism]] is frequent among people whose interpersonal social obligations are weak and is also linked to lower fertility rates in advanced industrial nations (See also: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]).<ref> Bainbridge, William (2005). "[http://www.religjournal.com/pdf/ijrr01002.pdf Atheism]" (PDF). Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. 1 (Article 2): 1–26.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

=== Donald Trump's election and the secular left ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]] and [[United States, irreligion vs. religion and demographics]]
[[File:Donald Trump official photo.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|[[Donald Trump]] ]]
The election of President [[Donald Trump]] in 2016 was a significant blow to secular leftists.

The ''Religion News Service'' reported:
{{Cquote|For the last decade, atheists, [[Secular humanism|humanists]] and others secularists have worked hard to organize a “secular vote” that would counter the political clout of the [[religious right]].

President-elect [[Donald J. Trump]]’s victory dealt that movement a body blow when he garnered 81 percent of the white [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]] vote and 60 percent of the white [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] vote. [[Mormonism|Mormons]], too, voted overwhelmingly for Trump.

Despite Trump’s not being a particularly religious person, his platform was seen as anti-secular in many atheist and humanist circles. He said he would appoint religiously conservative Supreme Court justices, ban [[Islam|Muslim]] immigrants, favor [[Christianity]] and repeal the [[Johnson Amendment]], which prohibits certain tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political candidates — issues antithetical to organized atheism and [[Secular humanism|humanism]].<ref>[http://religionnews.com/2016/11/09/dealt-a-body-blow-atheists-and-humanists-regroup/ Dealt a body blow, atheists and humanists regroup] by Kimberly Winston, ''Religion News Service'', November 9, 2016</ref>}}

== World's religious population gaining in global market share ==
[[File: Blue Marble.jpg|right|180px|thumbnail|[[Atheism]] is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Global atheism statistics]] and [[Global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]]

On December 23, 2012, Kaufmann wrote:
{{cquote|I argue that 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious.

On the other hand, the secular West and East Asia has very low fertility and a rapidly aging population... In the coming decades, the developed world's demand for workers to pay its pensions and work in its service sector will soar alongside the booming supply of young people in the third world. Ergo, we can expect significant immigration to the secular West which will import religious revival on the back of ethnic change. In addition, those with religious beliefs tend to have higher birth rates than the secular population, with fundamentalists having far larger families. The epicentre of these trends will be in immigration gateway cities like New York (a third white), Amsterdam (half Dutch), Los Angeles (28% white), and London, 45% white British.
<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/97-of-worlds-population-growth-is.html 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious], Tuesday, April 30, 2013</ref>}}

Kaufmann told a secular audience in [[Australia]]: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Shall the religious inherit the earth]</ref>

Atheism is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref> See: [[Global atheism statistics]] and [[Desecularization]]

In 2012, the CSGC reported that every day there are 800 less [[atheism|atheists]] per day, 1,100 less non-religious ([[agnosticism|agnostic]]) people per day and 83,000 more people professing to be Christians per day.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/05/globally-worldviews-of-atheism-and-non.html Globally the worldviews of atheism and non-religious (agnostic) are declining while global Christianity is exploding in adherents]</ref><ref>[http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/StatusOfGlobalMission.pdf Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Status of Global Missions]</ref>

In 2011, the ''American Spectator'' declared:
{{cquote|The report estimates about 80,000 new [[Christianity|Christians]] every day, 79,000 new [[Islam|Muslims]] every day, and 300 fewer atheists every day. These atheists are presumably disproportionately represented in the [[Western World|West]], while religion is thriving in the Global South, where [[Charismatic movement|charismatic Christianity]] is exploding."<ref>[http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/28/thriving-christianity Thriving Christianity]</ref>}}

== Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates ==

''See also:'' [[Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates]]

A significant problem [[atheist activist]]s as far as the propagation of atheism is that secularization rates are now zero in a significant amount of Western developed countries (see: [[Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates]].

=== United States ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

In June 2016, ''American Interest'' reported about [[American atheism]]:
{{Cquote|First of all, religious belief is still very powerful and widespread, and there is nothing inevitable about its decline. In fact, the proportion of people who say they believe in God actually ticked modestly upward, from 86 percent to 89 percent, since [[Gallup Poll|Gallup]] last asked the question in 2014.<ref>[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/06/30/atheism-is-rising-but/ Atheism is Rising, But…], American Interest</ref>}}

=== British atheism/nonreligion ===

''See also:'' [[British atheism]]

''The Guardian'' published an article in 2017 entitled ''Nearly 50% are of [[Nones|no religion]] – but has [[UK]] hit ‘peak secular’?'' which declared:
{{Cquote|But, Bullivant told the Observer that the “growth of no religion may have stalled”. After consistent decline, in the past few years the proportion of [[nones]] appears to have stabilised. “Younger people tend to be more non-religious, so you’d expect it to keep going – but it hasn’t. The steady growth of non-Christian religions is a contributing factor, but I wonder if everyone who is going to give up their Anglican affiliation has done so by now? We’ve seen a vast shedding of nominal Christianity, and perhaps it’s now down to its hardcore.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/uk-losing-faith-religion-young-reject-parents-beliefs ''Nearly 50% are of no religion – but has UK hit ‘peak secular’?''], ''The Guardian'', 2017</ref>}}

=== France and Protestant Europe ===

''See also:'' [[European desecularization in the 21st century]] and [[French atheism]]

In April 2010, Eric Kaufmann declared "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[Europe]] and [[France]]."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-academic-eric-kaufmann-says.html British academic Eric Kaufmann says "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of Protestant Europe and France".</ref>

== European atheist Jürgen Habermas ==

[[Jürgen Habermas]] is a prominent German sociologist and philosopher. Habermas describes himself as a "a methodical atheist".<ref>[http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/20037?eng=y The Church Is Under Siege. But Habermas, the Atheist, Is Coming to its Defense]</ref>

In a 2006 essay, Habermas wrote: “secular citizens in Europe must learn to live, the sooner the better, in a post-secular society and in so doing they will be following the example of religious citizens, who have already come to terms with the ethical expectations of democratic citizenship. So far secular citizens have not been expected to make a similar effort.”<ref>[http://moderndiplomacy.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1633:jurgen-habermas-on-the-vision-of-a-post-secular-europe&Itemid=569 Jurgen Habermas on the Vision of a Post-Secular Europe], Modern Diplomacy</ref>

== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau ==

In 2011, [[Georgetown University]] professor and [[Atheism|atheist]] [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>

== YouTube atheist Thunderf00t ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist conferences]] and [[Atheism and apathy]]
[[File:Thunderf00t.jpg|thumbnail|200px|YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] ]]
YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after the [[Reason Rally 2016]] had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]] is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

In recent times, the number of people attending [[atheist conferences]] has grown smaller.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/tippling/2017/07/13/10923/ Whoever I Don’t Like Is Ruining the Atheist Movement] by Jeremiah Traeger</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luT2vQ3ctKU #ReasonRally Crash n burn. Thanks SJWs!] by [[Thunderf00t]]</ref> Atheist [[David Smalley]] wrote: "And we wonder why we’re [[Atheism and politics|losing elections]], [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising#Atheist organizations and fundraising|losing funding]], and our conferences are getting smaller."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

== Atheist Joshua Kelly ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]

In 2015, the atheist author Joshua Kelly wrote:
{{cquote|...since the death of [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]]: angry atheism lost its most charismatic champion. Call it what you like: [[New Atheism]], fire-brand atheism, etc., had a surge with the Four Horsemen in the middle of the last decade and in the last four years has generally peetered out to a kind that is more docile, [[Political correctness|politically correct]], and even apologetic.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/12/uproar-against-dawkins-is-sign-of-new-atheism-retrogression/ Uproar Against Dawkins Is Sign of New Atheism Retrogression] by Joshua Kelly</ref>}}

== Atheist Revolution on stagnation in the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Stagnation of atheist apologetics]]

An atheist at the website ''Atheist Revolution'' declared:
{{Cquote|I should note that doubts and feelings of disillusionment are nothing new for me. In looking back over some old posts, I can see them emerging in late 2010. I noted the [http://www.atheistrev.com/2010/10/is-atheist-movement-really-moving.html stagnation in our movement] as a source of frustration.<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2012/10/feeling-disillusioned-with-atheist.html Feeling Disillusioned With the Atheist Movement], Atheist Revolution</ref>}}

In an ''Atheist Revolution'' article entitled ''Is the atheist movement really moving''? an atheist declares:
{{Cquote|...[atheists] can can take virtually any suggestion anyone comes up with and shred it into oblivion without breaking a sweat. But when we offer something we think represents an improvement, it meets the same fate. Are we moving closer to any sort of action..?<ref>[Is the Atheist Movement Really Moving?], Atheist Revolution</ref>}}

== Seth Andrews on atheist activists dropping out of public atheism==
[[File:Seth Andrews.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Seth Andrews]] signing one of this books after a 2016 speaking engagement in [[San Jose]], California.]]
In 2017, the [[atheist activist]] [[Seth Andrews]] declared about the atheist activist dropping out of public atheism:
{{Cquote|You know lately when I look around on [[social media]] and in the media in general really. I see these proclamations. Proclamations that the atheist movement is on life support. It's dying. It's probably beyond saving.

Now I know some people out there are very weary of all the public infighting and the squabbling and the division and just the general nastiness out there between various camps. And I totally get that. I totally get it.

Some people draw a big circle around [[New Atheism]]... And they declare New Atheism is dead or it's dying or irrelevant or whatever...

As an atheist activist myself, I can understand myself why some activists have just left the party...

They just got tired of it. All [[Atheism and politics|the politics]] and the posturing and the trolls and the bad faith operators out there. They have seen first hand that atheists are not immune to scandal, to ugliness to irrationality. To this [[Atheism and anger|unhealthy rage]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyuI-XZer9Q Is the Atheist Movement Dying?] by Seth Andrews</ref><ref>[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/11/seth-andrews-keeps-hearing-reports-of.html Atheist activist Seth Andrews keeps seeing reports on social media and the media that the atheist movement is dying]. ''[[Examining Atheism]]''</ref>}}

== Atheist philosopher John Gray on what scares the New Atheists ==

''See also:'' [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism]]
[[File:John Gray.JPG|thumbnail|left|200px|The [[economist]] Tomáš Sedláček (left) and the [[atheism|atheist]] [[philosophy|philosopher]] John Gray (right) at ZURICH.MINDS 2012]]
[[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]] in his Guardian article entitled ''What scares the new atheists?'' wrote:
{{cquote|The rise of violent [[jihad]]ism is only the most obvious example of a rejection of secular life. Jihadist thinking comes in numerous varieties, mixing strands from 20th century ideologies, such as [[Nazism]] and [[Vladimir Lenin|Leninism]], with elements deriving from the 18th century Wahhabist Islamic fundamentalist movement. What all Islamist movements have in common is a categorical rejection of any secular realm. But the ongoing reversal in secularisation is not a peculiarly Islamic phenomenon.

The [[Desecularization|resurgence of religion]] is a worldwide development. Russian Orthodoxy is stronger than it has been for over a century, while China is the scene of a reawakening of its indigenous faiths and of underground movements that could [[Growth of Christianity in China|make it the largest Christian country]] in the world by the end of this century. Despite tentative shifts in opinion that have been hailed as evidence it is becoming less pious, the US remains massively and [[American atheism#American atheist activists exaggerating the number of atheists in the United States|pervasively religious]] – it’s inconceivable that a professed unbeliever could become president, for example. It’s inconceivable that a professed unbeliever could become president of the United States

For secular thinkers, the continuing vitality of religion calls into question the belief that history underpins their values.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/what-scares-the-new-atheists What scares the new atheists] by [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]], ''The Guardian''</ref>}}

== Atheist Eddie Tabash ==

[[File:Edward Tabash 2013.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Eddie Tabash]]

(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Wikimedia Commons], see [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en license agreement])]]
The American atheist activist [[Eddie Tabash]] said at the 2010 Michigan Atheists State Convention:
{{Cquote|In every generation there has been a promising beginning of a true vanguard movement that will finally achieve widespread public acceptance for nonbelief. Yet, in each generation there has been an ultimately disappointing failure to actually register the [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic alternative]] to supernatural claims in the public consciousness...

Now given the confounding extent to which religion is entrenched in our society, it could take a minimum of 100 years of sustained, intense effort to even begin to cut into the current monolithic stranglehold that religion has on American mass culture,
<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iix6OjLH6aM Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash]</ref>}}

The likelihood that the [[American atheism|American atheist]] population will engage in 100 years of sustained, intense atheist activism is remote (see: [[Atheism and apathy]] and [[Views on atheists]] and [[American atheism#Demographics and trends in American secularism|Demographics and trends in American secularism]]).

Also, a 100-year sustained and intense effort of atheist activism would require a high degree of cohesiveness and cooperation among atheists. Tabash said in a speech to the Michigan Atheists State Convention, "Since we are a bit of a cantankerous, opinionated lot...".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ld9Rfw5HUs Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash - Part 2 of 4]</ref> See also: [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

Tabash said in a 2007 speech to the Atheist Alliance International organization:
{{Cquote|The other likely future is one in which by a shift of only one vote on the United States Supreme Court, we will essentially become a [[theocracy]] in which all branches of government we be freed to favor [[religion]] collectively over nonbelief.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u1S3C5yWjc Eddie Tabash: Speech and Q&A at AAI 07]</ref>}}

== Eric Kaufmann: Secularism is exhausted and unconfident ==

[[Eric Kaufmann]], an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] professor whose academic research specialty is how demographic changes affect religion/irreligion and politics, wrote in 2010:
{{cquote|Worldwide, the [[Desecularization|march of religion]] can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and lacking in confidence... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, [[socialism]] and 1960s anarchist-[[liberalism]]. Ironically, secularism's demographic deficit means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}

According the American atheist author Kevin Davis, atheism has an "unshakeable stigma".<ref>[http://www.peacock-panache.com/2016/11/lifetree-meeting-atheism-26370.html An Atheist Walks into a Christian Meeting about Atheism] by Kevin Davis</ref> See also: [[Views on atheists]]

== Atheist PZ Myers ==
[[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|[[PZ Myers]]]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

On September 27, 2014 in a blog post entitled ''The Atheist Disillusionment'', [[PZ Myers]] declared:
{{cquote|I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink, because organized atheism is happily in the process of destroying itself with regressive social attitudes, scandals, and their bizarre focus on irrelevant metaphysical differences that don’t help people...

Unless we change.

I don’t know that we can.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] - PZ Myers, September 27, 2014</ref>}}

In 2016, Myers published a blog post entitled ''Atheism seems to be amazingly doomed'' <ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2016/06/30/atheism-seems-to-be-amazingly-doomed/ ''Atheism seems to be amazingly doomed''] by PZ Myers</ref> In the blog post he indicated that YouTube's [[TheAmazingAtheist]] engaged in [[racism]] and the feedback he received from viewers was far more positive than it was negative. See also: [[Western atheism and race]]

== Atheist vlogger Aron Ra ==

In 2017, the atheist vlogger [[Aron Ra]] wrote to some of his fellow atheists: "...since ya'll have effectively killed what was left of the atheist movement".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arTrjbPAdD8 AronRa Claims Mythcon Killed The Atheist Movement || Facebook Comments]</ref>

== Blair Scott about atheist infighting with the atheist movement ==
[[File:David Silverman Rally.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[David Silverman]] is the president of the [[American Atheists]] organization.]]
''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence]]

[[Blair Scott]] served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors. Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]]. On December 1, 2012 he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheist due to infighting within the American [[atheist movement]].<ref>[http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ An Open Letter from Blair Scott]</ref>

Mr. Blair wrote:
{{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating..me.<ref>[http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ An Open Letter from Blair Scott]</ref>}}

== Atheist David Smalley on the atheist movement and its infighting ==

The atheist [[David Smalley]] said about the [[atheist movement]]: "We're eating our own... We’re disintegrating."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

== The day Elevatorgate occurred has been called the day the atheist movement died ==

''See also:'' [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]

[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the atheist community and to the public at large.<ref>
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]
*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]
*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/richard-dawkins-women-chilly-climate Richard Dawkins, check the evidence on the 'chilly climate' for women] by Emily Band, ''The Guardian'', July 24, 2011
*[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/07/05/richard-dawkins-and-male-privilege/#.VYgS0LZmLUA Richard Dawkins and male privilege] By Phil Plait, ''Discover Magazine'', July 5, 2011 10:30 am
*[http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/09/is-richard-dawkins-destroying-his-reputation Is Richard Dawkins destroying his reputation?] by Sophie Elmhirst, ''The Guardian'', June 9, 2015
</ref> Watson is a feminist.<ref>Rebecca Watson (July 5, 2011). "[http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion The Privilege Delusion]". Skepchick</ref>

Richard Dawkins is still widely criticized for igniting deep fractures in the atheist movement through his Elevatorgate controversy. For example, on November 26, 2013, the atheist activist and blogger [[Jen McCreight]] posted at Twitter the message: "Did anyone on Dawkins AMA ask how he feels about singlehandedly destroying the [[atheist movement]] with the Dear Muslima yet?"<ref>[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]</ref> In December 2013, atheist Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution called July 2, 2011, which is the day that Elevatorgate occurred, "The day the atheist movement died."<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution</ref>

== Atheist organizations and fundraising difficulties ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising]] and [[Atheism and charity]]

=== Atheist activist Lee Moore: Donations to American atheist organizations are down due to infighting within the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

In 2017, the atheist activist Lee Moore declared:
{{Cquote|If you look at the major atheist groups right now, like the national groups, the ones that are doing the real activist work... They are not bringing in the kind of donations they used to. Most of them are starved for cash. They're downsizing left and right. Because people aren't just giving like they used to. And I talked to a lot of the major donors out there and they said, "Well, we're kind of tired of seeing the atheist community just fight amongst itself and not really get anything done. We'd rather not give money if we don't think it's going to go somewhere."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvG6LKUbOdk Lee Moore and Steve Shives Talk About the Future of the Atheist Movement],
- video quote comes 21 minutes and 13 seconds into the video</ref>}}

=== Atheist Hemant Mehta on fundraising from fellow nonbelievers ===

[[Secular humanism]] is a [[Schools of atheist thought|type of atheism/agnosticism]].

Foundation Beyond Belief is a charitable foundation created to focus on "[[Humanism|humanist]] generosity and compassion."<ref>[https://foundationbeyondbelief.org/inside-fbb/about/ Foundation Beyond Belief]</ref>

The [[atheist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] said about raising money from fellow nonbelievers:
"Meanwhile, I’ve had one hell of a time convincing people to give to the Foundation Beyond Belief — and I help lead that organization."
<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/01/08/a-few-thoughts-about-fundraising/ A Few Thoughts About Fundraising]</ref>

=== Canadian atheist activist Pat O'Brien on the difficulty of atheist fundraising ===

''See also:'' [[Canada and irreligion]]

The Canadian atheist activist Pat O'Brien is a Canadian atheist, an activist, and ex-president of Humanist Canada and British Columbia Humanist Association ([[Secular humanism]] is a form of atheism).

O'Brien said about the willingness atheists/humanists to support national and provincial atheist organizations: "The biggest problem is fundraising. It is difficult to get Humanists to part with their money."<ref>[https://conatusnews.com/%E2%80%8Bpat-obrien-ex-president-humanist-canada/ Interview – Pat O’Brien on Humanism in Canada and British Columbia] by Scott Jacobsen, Conatus News, 2016</ref>

=== David Gorski's complaint about atheist nonprofits ===
[[File:Richard Dawkins photo.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|180px|right|The [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]] had a scandal related to an embezzlement allegation.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref><ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref> See: [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]] ]]

David Gorski at Scienceblogs wrote about atheist/skeptic organizations and financial mismanagement:
{{cquote|In any case, this makes me wonder: What is it about rationalist/skeptic groups that make them seemingly have such a hard time running their organizations well from a financial standpoint? After all, just a couple of months ago the [[Center for Inquiry]] (CFI) sent out letters desperately begging for more contributions. The reason was that CFI had one large benefactor whose yearly contribution funded approximately 20-25% of the yearly CFI budget. As clueless as I may be about finances, even I know that you don’t use such donations to run the operating expenses of an organization, because you can’t count on them from year to year and it’s too big a chunk. You use this money for special short-term projects and a rainy day fund. Not surprisingly, when this mysterious donor stopped donating earlier this year, suddently CFI was in deep doo-doo from a financial standpoint, prompting the desperate plea for donations and deep budget cuts. I realize that the down economy has played havoc with many nonprofit and charitable organizations, but these issues with skeptical organizations seem to go beyond just that.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref>}}

=== Secular Student Alliance report of fundraising problems ===

In October 2015, the [[Secular Student Alliance]] tweeted that it "desperately" needed $100,000 by the end of the month. The SSA Executive director August Brunsman reported that fundraising had lagged.<ref>Eberhard, JT (30 May 2016). "[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd/2015/10/secular-student-alliance-running-a-desperate-fundraiser/ Secular Student Alliance running a 'desperate' fundraiser]". WWJTD.</ref>

=== Inside Philanthropy website commentary atheist philanthropy related to universities ===

According to the website ''Inside Philanthropy'':
{{Cquote|Universities lack the kind of entrenched atheist architecture—endowments, departments, conferences and the like—that religious studies departments have enjoyed for centuries.

What's more, there are several major funders who've put muscle behind religious scholarship on campus, such as the Lilly Endowment and the Templeton Foundation. But we've never seen a gift for related to aethism [sic] — either on a campus or elsewhere. Nor have our data gathering friends the Foundation Center, which reports exactly zero grants related to atheism in a database covers tens of foundations. (That said, some grants have gone to groups that put forth a "secular" agenda.)<ref>[Beyond Belief: As Americans Warm to Atheism, Will Donors Follow?] by Mike Scutari, ''Inside Philanthropy''</ref>}}

=== Atheist nonprofit scandals ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]]

== Australian atheist movement and cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Atheist movement|Atheist movement]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== Atheist Francois Tremblay ==

[[File:512px-Collage of Six Cats-01.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|In his essay ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose'', the atheist Francois Tremblay compared unifying atheists to herding cats.<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose''] by Francois Tremblay</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]]

The atheist Francois Tremblay wrote in his essay ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose'':
{{cquote|Atheism, as [[Definition of atheism|commonly defined]] by atheists, expresses a lack of belief, or disbelief, in deities. It is not a positive belief in anything, but a negative concept. That is why atheists, inasmuch as they are atheists, are nothing like a coherent or concerted group. Organizations like American Atheists serve a role of broadcasting information more than anything else, because there cannot be concerted action when nobody agrees on what to do (except of course on direct concerns like the rights of atheists or separation of church and state). Most atheists disagree strongly on whenever atheism should be propagated, or promoted, and on the matter of doing so.

Another problem of atheism qua atheism is that it does not contain its own basis. What I mean by this is that atheism is a punctual, [[ontological]] belief, which is itself the implicit or explicit result of [[metaphysics|metaphysical]] and [[Atheism and epistemology|epistemological deductions]]. Any reply to an attack on this basis cannot come directly from atheism. Concentrating oneself only on being an atheist is like trying to build a house from the second floor up. It may look less costly on paper, and for people who only build houses in their imagination this may be a good way of seeing it, but it's not good enough for a serious endeavour. And most importantly, it's too fragile. I see too many religionists attacking atheism from the bottom and atheists being unable to adequately reply to the arguments. If the atheist cannot answer to his most fundamental beliefs on the nature of reality and cognition, then his atheism is worthless in terms of validation. It is nothing more than a big paper tiger, made from the finest cardboard.

One last problem that undermines any propagation of atheism is inspiration. Let's be honest here, "there is no god!" is [[Atheism and inspiration|not a very motivating call]] for most people.<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose''] by Francois Tremblay</ref>}}

== Atheist Martin S. Pribble ==

The atheist activist Martin S. Pribble wrote in 2011:
{{Cquote|... I am beginning to feel that the atheistic movement is treading water somewhat, not really making much change in the world. It seems to me it is more akin to beating ones head against an immovable object rather than spreading encouragement for people to learn... Nothing is changing, and I doubt if we will ever see a single mind change from an engagement on Twitter over whether the Bible is the true word of God.

I feel we are lacking focus...

I know I’m not the only person who realises this. I have seen a few people finding the fight a disillusioning experience...<ref>[http://martinspribble.com/2011/11/is-the-atheist-movement-dead-in-the-water/ Is the atheist movement dead on the water?]</ref>}}

In 2013, Pribble wrote in ''Slate'':
{{Cquote|For the last five years I have considered myself an “activist atheist.”...

But I’m through with it, and I no longer want to be part of the online atheist “community.”...

The times of satisfaction are outweighed by feelings of frustration and hopelessness...

There is no point in it. All this back-and-forth sniping serves to do is to make us feel a sense of superiority to the person making the claims and does nothing for them except leave them with a smugness about their assumption that “atheists are all mean.”...

Atheists and nonbelievers make up such a [[Atheist Population|small part of the world’s population]] that we can never hope to change the world by ourselves—certainly not, if our primary weapon is yelling at people we don’t agree with. Most theists in the world are not completely delusional...<ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/12/why_i_m_quitting_the_online_atheism_community.html Leaving the Tribe] by Martin Pribble</ref>}}

== See also ==

*[[Growth of global desecularization]]

*[[Acceleration of 21st century desecularization]]

*[[Causes of desecularization]]

*[[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]

*[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]

*[[Growth of Christianity in China]]

*[[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]]

*[[High morale of Christendom]]

== External links ==

*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/4-pieces-of-grim-news-for-atheists-who.html 7 pieces of GRIM news for the atheist who asked: "What's killing the atheist movement?"]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-21st-century-and-atheist-movement.html The atheist movement and battle fatigue]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/11/another-sign-atheist-movement-in.html Another sign the atheist movement in America has imploded: Cancelled atheist conferences]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Atheism]]

Decline of the atheist movement

2017-11-10T04:07:49Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Atheist nonprofit scandals */

[[File:Jacques Berlinerblau.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>]]
A number of [[Atheism|atheists]] have declared that the "[[atheist movement]] is dead".<ref>
*[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blogs]]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/10/now-that-that-poseur-atheist-aron-ra.html Atheist Aron Ra indicates the atheist movement is dead. Now that that Aron Ra has surrendered....], ''[[Examining Atheism]]''
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

After the [[Elevatorgate]] controversy in 2011 (a controversy involving [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[feminism|feminist]] [[Rebecca Watson]]), which caused a significant rift with the atheism movement, atheist [[Jen McCreight]] and the website Atheist Revolution indicated that the atheist movement was essentially dead/destroyed.<ref>
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal destroying the atheist movement], [[Jen McCreight]], Twitter</ref>

In 2017, atheist [[David Smalley]] has indicated that [[leftism|leftist]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] atheists were "killing the atheist movement" through being contentious and divisive (see also: [[Atheist factions]]).<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Smalley indicated that the atheist movement was disintegrating.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref> Former [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], who subscribes to progressive politics, says he is no longer a member of the atheist movement.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/08/26/get-out-a-message-for-the-atheist-movement/ Get Out! A message for the atheist movement] by PZ Myers</ref>

The [[atheist activist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] argues that there never was an atheist movement and that people who wanted their to be an atheist movement wrongly assumed "there’s some list of beliefs everyone has to subscribe to." (See also: [[Schools of atheist thought]])<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/11/01/the-atheist-movement-isnt-dead-because-there-never-was-one/ The Atheist “Movement” Isn’t Dead Because There Never Was One] by HEMANT MEHTA</ref> Similarly, a blogger at [[Freethought Blogs]] indicates: "To be honest, I never saw "atheism” as much of a “movement” as an uneasy coalition, which may, in fact, now be unraveling."<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/reasoner/2017/10/21/the-atheism-movement-dead-or-alive/ The “Atheism Movement:” Dead or Alive?], [[Freethought Blog]]</ref>

The atheist movement saw a number of setbacks during the latter portion of the 20th century and beyond in terms of historical events/trends (See: [[Causes of desecularization]]). As a result, it has lost a considerable amount of confidence (see also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).

[[Atheist organizations]] have experienced large drops in donations to their organizations (see: [[Atheist organizations and fundraising]]).

== Decline of New Atheism ==

''See also:'' [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism]] and [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]

[[Image:Th2-full.jpg‎|right|thumbnail|left|150px|In 2007, Dr. Theo Hobson wrote that [[atheism]] is "pretentious and cowardly".<ref>[http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/theo_hobson/2007/06/atheism_is_pretentious_and_cow.html Atheism is pretentious and cowardly] by Dr. Theo Hobson</ref> See also: [[Atheism and cowardice]]]]
[[New Atheism]] is a form of [[militant atheism]] in terms of its [[rhetoric]].

The term New Atheism, which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a movement spawned by a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008. These authors include [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]] and [[Victor J. Stenger]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>

[[Theo Hobson]] wrote in ''The Spectator'' in 2013:
{{Cquote|The [[Atheism|atheist]] spring that began just over a decade ago is over, thank [[God]]. Richard Dawkins is now seen by many, even many non-believers, as a joke figure...

Atheism is still with us. But the movement that threatened to form has petered out. Crucially, atheism’s younger advocates are reluctant to compete for the role of Dawkins’s disciple. They are more likely to bemoan the new atheist approach and call for large injections of nuance. A good example is the pop-philosopher Julian Baggini. He is a stalwart atheist who likes a bit of a scrap with believers, but he’s also able to admit that religion has its virtues, that humanism needs to learn from it. For example, he has observed that a sense of gratitude is problematically lacking in secular culture, and suggested that humanists should consider ritual practices such as fasting.<ref>[http://www.spectator.co.uk/2013/04/after-the-new-atheism/ Richard Dawkins has lost: meet the new new atheists] by Theo Hobson</ref>}}

== Decline of the secular left ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of the secular left]] and [[Atheism and politics]]

[[Atheism|Atheist]] Dr. [[Gordon Stein]] wrote:
{{cquote|Atheism has long ceased to be a rare and oft-ignored philosophical outlook...It has transformed itself into an active political programme with clear objectives which, though they vary from state to state, unequivocally include the elimination of state religion, religious education, and the enshrinement of [[scientism]]."<ref>Gordon Stein, ''Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion,'' 74.</ref>}}

Atheists commonly use the political realm to advance their atheistic ideology (see: [[Atheist agenda|Political activities of atheists]]).

Historically, atheists have screwed towards the [[Leftism|left]] side of the political aisle (see: [[Secular left]]).<ref>[http://atheism.about.com/od/Atheist-Agnostic-Belief-Survey/a/Atheists-Agnostics-America-Politically-Liberal.htm Atheists & Agnostics in America Tend to be Politically Liberal]</ref><ref name="Marxism-Leninsim">{{cite web|url = http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title =Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 [[Russian Revolution]], which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="Guillotine">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=bf3m7IVAa9gC&pg=PA461&dq=France+atheism+guillotine++Christians+executed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=l4lUUaTRBufG0QGe0IHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=France%20atheism%20guillotine%20%20Christians%20executed&f=false|title =Christianity|author=James Adair|publisher = JBE Online Books|year=2007|quote=Although the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes toAlthough the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a ist of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rosseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Teror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|page=461|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="France">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=9WkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =Memoirs of the reign of George III. to the session of parliament ending A.D. 1793, Volume 5|page=105|author=William Belsham|publisher = G.G. & J. Robinson|year=1801|quote=Reign of this portentous period, it has been eloquently tenor, and energetically observed, " that the reign of atheism in France was avowed the reign of terror. In the full madness of their career, in the highest climax of their horrors, they shut up the temples of God, abolished His worship, and proclaimed death to be an eternal sleep:-in the very centre of Christendom, Revelation underwent a total eclipse, while atheism, performing on a darkened theatre its strange and fearful tragedy, confounded the first elements of society, blended every age, rank, and sex ,indiscriminate proscription and massacre, and convulsed all Europe to its centre, that the imperishable memorial of these events might teach the last generations of mankind to consider religion as the pillar of society, the parent of social order, and the safe-guard of nations." It is wonderful that, amid the horrors of this dismal period, while "the death dance of democratic revolution" was still in rapid movement, among the tears of affliction, and the cries of despair, "the masque, the song, the theatric scene, the buffoon laughter, went on as regularly as in the gay hour of festive peace."|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref><ref name="Reign of Terror">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Tt5rqiCP1p8C&pg=PA57&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West|author=William Kilpatrick|publisher = [[Ignatius Press]]|year=2012|quote=Actually, it's helpful to think in terms of two Enlightenments: the Enlightenment that cut itself off from God. The former led to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. The latter led to the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the suppression of church by state, and the godless philosophies of Marx and Nietzsche and their offspring-National Socialism and communism. More recently the abandonment of God has led to the regime of cultural relativism that regards rights as arbitrary constructions. It's this second Enlightenment tradition that Cardinal Ratzinger referred to when he wrote, "The radical detachment of the Enlightenment philosophy from its roots ultimately leads it to dispense with man." Actually this transition happened no "ultimately" but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract "reason" and "liberty" degenearated quickly into the mass murders committed during the antireligious Reign of Terror in France. "Liberty, what crimes are committed in your name", said Madam Rolande as she faced the statue of Liberty in the Place de la Revolution movements before her death at the guillotine. She was one of the early victims of a succession of secular systems based on rootless notions of "liberty", "equality", and "reason". As many historians have pointed out, the atheist regimes of modern times are guilty of far more crimes than any committed in the name of religion. Communist governments alone were guilty of more than one hundred million murders, most of them committed against their own people.|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref> However, the [[secular right]] has been growing within the atheist population and this is partly due to the [[alt-right]] movement.

Within [[Europe]] and [[China]], there is a growing threat to [[secular left]]ism (see: [[Decline of the secular left]]). In addition, within the atheist movement there is increased friction due to political polarization with the [[atheist population]] (see: [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]).
[[File:PZ Myers at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[PZ Myers]] ]]
In 2017, the [[American atheism|American atheist]] [[PZ Myers]], quoting fellow [[leftism|leftist]] Alex Nichols, wrote:
{{Cquote|...the growing popularity of jibes associating outspoken atheists with fedoras, neckbeards, and virginity, led to an exodus of [[liberal]]s and [[leftism|leftists]] from the “atheist” tent. Those who remained for the most part [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|lacked in social skills and self-awareness]], and the results were disastrous.<ref>[https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/10/17/poisoning-of-a-movement/ Poisoning of a movement] by PZ Myers</ref>}}

At the same time, Myers has been criticized for his divisiveness and poor social skills.
In April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger PZ Myers."<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/ Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of Myers, "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref>

According to an international study done by William Bainbridge, [[atheism]] is frequent among people whose interpersonal social obligations are weak and is also linked to lower fertility rates in advanced industrial nations (See also: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]).<ref> Bainbridge, William (2005). "[http://www.religjournal.com/pdf/ijrr01002.pdf Atheism]" (PDF). Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. 1 (Article 2): 1–26.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

=== Donald Trump's election and the secular left ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]] and [[United States, irreligion vs. religion and demographics]]
[[File:Donald Trump official photo.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|[[Donald Trump]] ]]
The election of President [[Donald Trump]] in 2016 was a significant blow to secular leftists.

The ''Religion News Service'' reported:
{{Cquote|For the last decade, atheists, [[Secular humanism|humanists]] and others secularists have worked hard to organize a “secular vote” that would counter the political clout of the [[religious right]].

President-elect [[Donald J. Trump]]’s victory dealt that movement a body blow when he garnered 81 percent of the white [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]] vote and 60 percent of the white [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] vote. [[Mormonism|Mormons]], too, voted overwhelmingly for Trump.

Despite Trump’s not being a particularly religious person, his platform was seen as anti-secular in many atheist and humanist circles. He said he would appoint religiously conservative Supreme Court justices, ban [[Islam|Muslim]] immigrants, favor [[Christianity]] and repeal the [[Johnson Amendment]], which prohibits certain tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political candidates — issues antithetical to organized atheism and [[Secular humanism|humanism]].<ref>[http://religionnews.com/2016/11/09/dealt-a-body-blow-atheists-and-humanists-regroup/ Dealt a body blow, atheists and humanists regroup] by Kimberly Winston, ''Religion News Service'', November 9, 2016</ref>}}

== World's religious population gaining in global market share ==
[[File: Blue Marble.jpg|right|180px|thumbnail|[[Atheism]] is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Global atheism statistics]] and [[Global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]]

On December 23, 2012, Kaufmann wrote:
{{cquote|I argue that 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious.

On the other hand, the secular West and East Asia has very low fertility and a rapidly aging population... In the coming decades, the developed world's demand for workers to pay its pensions and work in its service sector will soar alongside the booming supply of young people in the third world. Ergo, we can expect significant immigration to the secular West which will import religious revival on the back of ethnic change. In addition, those with religious beliefs tend to have higher birth rates than the secular population, with fundamentalists having far larger families. The epicentre of these trends will be in immigration gateway cities like New York (a third white), Amsterdam (half Dutch), Los Angeles (28% white), and London, 45% white British.
<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/97-of-worlds-population-growth-is.html 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious], Tuesday, April 30, 2013</ref>}}

Kaufmann told a secular audience in [[Australia]]: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Shall the religious inherit the earth]</ref>

Atheism is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref> See: [[Global atheism statistics]] and [[Desecularization]]

In 2012, the CSGC reported that every day there are 800 less [[atheism|atheists]] per day, 1,100 less non-religious ([[agnosticism|agnostic]]) people per day and 83,000 more people professing to be Christians per day.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/05/globally-worldviews-of-atheism-and-non.html Globally the worldviews of atheism and non-religious (agnostic) are declining while global Christianity is exploding in adherents]</ref><ref>[http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/StatusOfGlobalMission.pdf Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Status of Global Missions]</ref>

In 2011, the ''American Spectator'' declared:
{{cquote|The report estimates about 80,000 new [[Christianity|Christians]] every day, 79,000 new [[Islam|Muslims]] every day, and 300 fewer atheists every day. These atheists are presumably disproportionately represented in the [[Western World|West]], while religion is thriving in the Global South, where [[Charismatic movement|charismatic Christianity]] is exploding."<ref>[http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/28/thriving-christianity Thriving Christianity]</ref>}}

== Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates ==

''See also:'' [[Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates]]

A significant problem [[atheist activist]]s as far as the propagation of atheism is that secularization rates are now zero in a significant amount of Western developed countries (see: [[Western World areas with stagnant secularization rates]].

=== United States ===

''See also:'' [[American atheism]]

In June 2016, ''American Interest'' reported about [[American atheism]]:
{{Cquote|First of all, religious belief is still very powerful and widespread, and there is nothing inevitable about its decline. In fact, the proportion of people who say they believe in God actually ticked modestly upward, from 86 percent to 89 percent, since [[Gallup Poll|Gallup]] last asked the question in 2014.<ref>[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/06/30/atheism-is-rising-but/ Atheism is Rising, But…], American Interest</ref>}}

=== British atheism/nonreligion ===

''See also:'' [[British atheism]]

''The Guardian'' published an article in 2017 entitled ''Nearly 50% are of [[Nones|no religion]] – but has [[UK]] hit ‘peak secular’?'' which declared:
{{Cquote|But, Bullivant told the Observer that the “growth of no religion may have stalled”. After consistent decline, in the past few years the proportion of [[nones]] appears to have stabilised. “Younger people tend to be more non-religious, so you’d expect it to keep going – but it hasn’t. The steady growth of non-Christian religions is a contributing factor, but I wonder if everyone who is going to give up their Anglican affiliation has done so by now? We’ve seen a vast shedding of nominal Christianity, and perhaps it’s now down to its hardcore.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/uk-losing-faith-religion-young-reject-parents-beliefs ''Nearly 50% are of no religion – but has UK hit ‘peak secular’?''], ''The Guardian'', 2017</ref>}}

=== France and Protestant Europe ===

''See also:'' [[European desecularization in the 21st century]] and [[French atheism]]

In April 2010, Eric Kaufmann declared "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[Europe]] and [[France]]."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-academic-eric-kaufmann-says.html British academic Eric Kaufmann says "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of Protestant Europe and France".</ref>

== European atheist Jürgen Habermas ==

[[Jürgen Habermas]] is a prominent German sociologist and philosopher. Habermas describes himself as a "a methodical atheist".<ref>[http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/20037?eng=y The Church Is Under Siege. But Habermas, the Atheist, Is Coming to its Defense]</ref>

In a 2006 essay, Habermas wrote: “secular citizens in Europe must learn to live, the sooner the better, in a post-secular society and in so doing they will be following the example of religious citizens, who have already come to terms with the ethical expectations of democratic citizenship. So far secular citizens have not been expected to make a similar effort.”<ref>[http://moderndiplomacy.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1633:jurgen-habermas-on-the-vision-of-a-post-secular-europe&Itemid=569 Jurgen Habermas on the Vision of a Post-Secular Europe], Modern Diplomacy</ref>

== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau ==

In 2011, [[Georgetown University]] professor and [[Atheism|atheist]] [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>

== YouTube atheist Thunderf00t ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist conferences]] and [[Atheism and apathy]]
[[File:Thunderf00t.jpg|thumbnail|200px|YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] ]]
YouTube atheist [[Thunderfoot]] said about the atheist movement after the [[Reason Rally 2016]] had a very low turnout:
{{Cquote|I'm not sure there is anything in this movement worth saving. [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]] is dead. [[Richard Dawkins|Dawkins]] simply doesn't have the energy for this sort of thing anymore. [[Sam Harris|Harris]] went his own way. And [[Daniel Dennett|Dennett]] just kind of blended into the background. So what do you think when the largest gathering of the nonreligious in history pulls in... I don't know. Maybe 2,000 people. Is there anything worth saving?<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/even-atheists-bash-reason-rally/ Even atheists bash 'Reason Rally']</ref>}}

In recent times, the number of people attending [[atheist conferences]] has grown smaller.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/tippling/2017/07/13/10923/ Whoever I Don’t Like Is Ruining the Atheist Movement] by Jeremiah Traeger</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luT2vQ3ctKU #ReasonRally Crash n burn. Thanks SJWs!] by [[Thunderf00t]]</ref> Atheist [[David Smalley]] wrote: "And we wonder why we’re [[Atheism and politics|losing elections]], [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising#Atheist organizations and fundraising|losing funding]], and our conferences are getting smaller."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

== Atheist Joshua Kelly ==

''See also:'' [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]

In 2015, the atheist author Joshua Kelly wrote:
{{cquote|...since the death of [[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens]]: angry atheism lost its most charismatic champion. Call it what you like: [[New Atheism]], fire-brand atheism, etc., had a surge with the Four Horsemen in the middle of the last decade and in the last four years has generally peetered out to a kind that is more docile, [[Political correctness|politically correct]], and even apologetic.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/12/uproar-against-dawkins-is-sign-of-new-atheism-retrogression/ Uproar Against Dawkins Is Sign of New Atheism Retrogression] by Joshua Kelly</ref>}}

== Atheist Revolution on stagnation in the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Stagnation of atheist apologetics]]

An atheist at the website ''Atheist Revolution'' declared:
{{Cquote|I should note that doubts and feelings of disillusionment are nothing new for me. In looking back over some old posts, I can see them emerging in late 2010. I noted the [http://www.atheistrev.com/2010/10/is-atheist-movement-really-moving.html stagnation in our movement] as a source of frustration.<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2012/10/feeling-disillusioned-with-atheist.html Feeling Disillusioned With the Atheist Movement], Atheist Revolution</ref>}}

In an ''Atheist Revolution'' article entitled ''Is the atheist movement really moving''? an atheist declares:
{{Cquote|...[atheists] can can take virtually any suggestion anyone comes up with and shred it into oblivion without breaking a sweat. But when we offer something we think represents an improvement, it meets the same fate. Are we moving closer to any sort of action..?<ref>[Is the Atheist Movement Really Moving?], Atheist Revolution</ref>}}

== Seth Andrews on atheist activists dropping out of public atheism==
[[File:Seth Andrews.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Seth Andrews]] signing one of this books after a 2016 speaking engagement in [[San Jose]], California.]]
In 2017, the [[atheist activist]] [[Seth Andrews]] declared about the atheist activist dropping out of public atheism:
{{Cquote|You know lately when I look around on [[social media]] and in the media in general really. I see these proclamations. Proclamations that the atheist movement is on life support. It's dying. It's probably beyond saving.

Now I know some people out there are very weary of all the public infighting and the squabbling and the division and just the general nastiness out there between various camps. And I totally get that. I totally get it.

Some people draw a big circle around [[New Atheism]]... And they declare New Atheism is dead or it's dying or irrelevant or whatever...

As an atheist activist myself, I can understand myself why some activists have just left the party...

They just got tired of it. All [[Atheism and politics|the politics]] and the posturing and the trolls and the bad faith operators out there. They have seen first hand that atheists are not immune to scandal, to ugliness to irrationality. To this [[Atheism and anger|unhealthy rage]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyuI-XZer9Q Is the Atheist Movement Dying?] by Seth Andrews</ref><ref>[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2017/11/seth-andrews-keeps-hearing-reports-of.html Atheist activist Seth Andrews keeps seeing reports on social media and the media that the atheist movement is dying]. ''[[Examining Atheism]]''</ref>}}

== Atheist philosopher John Gray on what scares the New Atheists ==

''See also:'' [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism]]
[[File:John Gray.JPG|thumbnail|left|200px|The [[economist]] Tomáš Sedláček (left) and the [[atheism|atheist]] [[philosophy|philosopher]] John Gray (right) at ZURICH.MINDS 2012]]
[[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]] in his Guardian article entitled ''What scares the new atheists?'' wrote:
{{cquote|The rise of violent [[jihad]]ism is only the most obvious example of a rejection of secular life. Jihadist thinking comes in numerous varieties, mixing strands from 20th century ideologies, such as [[Nazism]] and [[Vladimir Lenin|Leninism]], with elements deriving from the 18th century Wahhabist Islamic fundamentalist movement. What all Islamist movements have in common is a categorical rejection of any secular realm. But the ongoing reversal in secularisation is not a peculiarly Islamic phenomenon.

The [[Desecularization|resurgence of religion]] is a worldwide development. Russian Orthodoxy is stronger than it has been for over a century, while China is the scene of a reawakening of its indigenous faiths and of underground movements that could [[Growth of Christianity in China|make it the largest Christian country]] in the world by the end of this century. Despite tentative shifts in opinion that have been hailed as evidence it is becoming less pious, the US remains massively and [[American atheism#American atheist activists exaggerating the number of atheists in the United States|pervasively religious]] – it’s inconceivable that a professed unbeliever could become president, for example. It’s inconceivable that a professed unbeliever could become president of the United States

For secular thinkers, the continuing vitality of religion calls into question the belief that history underpins their values.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/what-scares-the-new-atheists What scares the new atheists] by [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]], ''The Guardian''</ref>}}

== Atheist Eddie Tabash ==

[[File:Edward Tabash 2013.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Eddie Tabash]]

(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Wikimedia Commons], see [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en license agreement])]]
The American atheist activist [[Eddie Tabash]] said at the 2010 Michigan Atheists State Convention:
{{Cquote|In every generation there has been a promising beginning of a true vanguard movement that will finally achieve widespread public acceptance for nonbelief. Yet, in each generation there has been an ultimately disappointing failure to actually register the [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic alternative]] to supernatural claims in the public consciousness...

Now given the confounding extent to which religion is entrenched in our society, it could take a minimum of 100 years of sustained, intense effort to even begin to cut into the current monolithic stranglehold that religion has on American mass culture,
<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iix6OjLH6aM Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash]</ref>}}

The likelihood that the [[American atheism|American atheist]] population will engage in 100 years of sustained, intense atheist activism is remote (see: [[Atheism and apathy]] and [[Views on atheists]] and [[American atheism#Demographics and trends in American secularism|Demographics and trends in American secularism]]).

Also, a 100-year sustained and intense effort of atheist activism would require a high degree of cohesiveness and cooperation among atheists. Tabash said in a speech to the Michigan Atheists State Convention, "Since we are a bit of a cantankerous, opinionated lot...".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ld9Rfw5HUs Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash - Part 2 of 4]</ref> See also: [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

Tabash said in a 2007 speech to the Atheist Alliance International organization:
{{Cquote|The other likely future is one in which by a shift of only one vote on the United States Supreme Court, we will essentially become a [[theocracy]] in which all branches of government we be freed to favor [[religion]] collectively over nonbelief.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u1S3C5yWjc Eddie Tabash: Speech and Q&A at AAI 07]</ref>}}

== Eric Kaufmann: Secularism is exhausted and unconfident ==

[[Eric Kaufmann]], an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] professor whose academic research specialty is how demographic changes affect religion/irreligion and politics, wrote in 2010:
{{cquote|Worldwide, the [[Desecularization|march of religion]] can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and lacking in confidence... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, [[socialism]] and 1960s anarchist-[[liberalism]]. Ironically, secularism's demographic deficit means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}

According the American atheist author Kevin Davis, atheism has an "unshakeable stigma".<ref>[http://www.peacock-panache.com/2016/11/lifetree-meeting-atheism-26370.html An Atheist Walks into a Christian Meeting about Atheism] by Kevin Davis</ref> See also: [[Views on atheists]]

== Atheist PZ Myers ==
[[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|[[PZ Myers]]]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

On September 27, 2014 in a blog post entitled ''The Atheist Disillusionment'', [[PZ Myers]] declared:
{{cquote|I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as atheists will stagnate or even shrink, because organized atheism is happily in the process of destroying itself with regressive social attitudes, scandals, and their bizarre focus on irrelevant metaphysical differences that don’t help people...

Unless we change.

I don’t know that we can.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] - PZ Myers, September 27, 2014</ref>}}

In 2016, Myers published a blog post entitled ''Atheism seems to be amazingly doomed'' <ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2016/06/30/atheism-seems-to-be-amazingly-doomed/ ''Atheism seems to be amazingly doomed''] by PZ Myers</ref> In the blog post he indicated that YouTube's [[TheAmazingAtheist]] engaged in [[racism]] and the feedback he received from viewers was far more positive than it was negative. See also: [[Western atheism and race]]

== Atheist vlogger Aron Ra ==

In 2017, the atheist vlogger [[Aron Ra]] wrote to some of his fellow atheists: "...since ya'll have effectively killed what was left of the atheist movement".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arTrjbPAdD8 AronRa Claims Mythcon Killed The Atheist Movement || Facebook Comments]</ref>

== Blair Scott about atheist infighting with the atheist movement ==
[[File:David Silverman Rally.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[David Silverman]] is the president of the [[American Atheists]] organization.]]
''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence]]

[[Blair Scott]] served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors. Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]]. On December 1, 2012 he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheist due to infighting within the American [[atheist movement]].<ref>[http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ An Open Letter from Blair Scott]</ref>

Mr. Blair wrote:
{{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating..me.<ref>[http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ An Open Letter from Blair Scott]</ref>}}

== Atheist David Smalley on the atheist movement and its infighting ==

The atheist [[David Smalley]] said about the [[atheist movement]]: "We're eating our own... We’re disintegrating."<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref>

== The day Elevatorgate occurred has been called the day the atheist movement died ==

''See also:'' [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]

[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the atheist community and to the public at large.<ref>
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]
*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]
*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/richard-dawkins-women-chilly-climate Richard Dawkins, check the evidence on the 'chilly climate' for women] by Emily Band, ''The Guardian'', July 24, 2011
*[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/07/05/richard-dawkins-and-male-privilege/#.VYgS0LZmLUA Richard Dawkins and male privilege] By Phil Plait, ''Discover Magazine'', July 5, 2011 10:30 am
*[http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/09/is-richard-dawkins-destroying-his-reputation Is Richard Dawkins destroying his reputation?] by Sophie Elmhirst, ''The Guardian'', June 9, 2015
</ref> Watson is a feminist.<ref>Rebecca Watson (July 5, 2011). "[http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion The Privilege Delusion]". Skepchick</ref>

Richard Dawkins is still widely criticized for igniting deep fractures in the atheist movement through his Elevatorgate controversy. For example, on November 26, 2013, the atheist activist and blogger [[Jen McCreight]] posted at Twitter the message: "Did anyone on Dawkins AMA ask how he feels about singlehandedly destroying the [[atheist movement]] with the Dear Muslima yet?"<ref>[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]</ref> In December 2013, atheist Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution called July 2, 2011, which is the day that Elevatorgate occurred, "The day the atheist movement died."<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution</ref>

== Atheist organizations and fundraising difficulties ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising]] and [[Atheism and charity]]

=== Atheist activist Lee Moore: Donations to American atheist organizations are down due to infighting within the atheist movement ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]

In 2017, the atheist activist Lee Moore declared:
{{Cquote|If you look at the major atheist groups right now, like the national groups, the ones that are doing the real activist work... They are not bringing in the kind of donations they used to. Most of them are starved for cash. They're downsizing left and right. Because people aren't just giving like they used to. And I talked to a lot of the major donors out there and they said, "Well, we're kind of tired of seeing the atheist community just fight amongst itself and not really get anything done. We'd rather not give money if we don't think it's going to go somewhere."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvG6LKUbOdk Lee Moore and Steve Shives Talk About the Future of the Atheist Movement],
- video quote comes 21 minutes and 13 seconds into the video</ref>}}

=== Atheist Hemant Mehta on fundraising from fellow nonbelievers ===

[[Secular humanism]] is a [[Schools of atheist thought|type of atheism/agnosticism]].

Foundation Beyond Belief is a charitable foundation created to focus on "[[Humanism|humanist]] generosity and compassion."<ref>[https://foundationbeyondbelief.org/inside-fbb/about/ Foundation Beyond Belief]</ref>

The [[atheist]] [[Hemant Mehta]] said about raising money from fellow nonbelievers:
"Meanwhile, I’ve had one hell of a time convincing people to give to the Foundation Beyond Belief — and I help lead that organization."
<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/01/08/a-few-thoughts-about-fundraising/ A Few Thoughts About Fundraising]</ref>

=== Canadian atheist activist Pat O'Brien on the difficulty of atheist fundraising ===

''See also:'' [[Canada and irreligion]]

The Canadian atheist activist Pat O'Brien is a Canadian atheist, an activist, and ex-president of Humanist Canada and British Columbia Humanist Association ([[Secular humanism]] is a form of atheism).

O'Brien said about the willingness atheists/humanists to support national and provincial atheist organizations: "The biggest problem is fundraising. It is difficult to get Humanists to part with their money."<ref>[https://conatusnews.com/%E2%80%8Bpat-obrien-ex-president-humanist-canada/ Interview – Pat O’Brien on Humanism in Canada and British Columbia] by Scott Jacobsen, Conatus News, 2016</ref>

=== David Gorski's complaint about atheist nonprofits ===
[[File:Richard Dawkins photo.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|180px|right|The [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]] had a scandal related to an embezzlement allegation.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref><ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref> See: [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]] ]]

David Gorski at Scienceblogs wrote about atheist/skeptic organizations and financial mismanagement:
{{cquote|In any case, this makes me wonder: What is it about rationalist/skeptic groups that make them seemingly have such a hard time running their organizations well from a financial standpoint? After all, just a couple of months ago the [[Center for Inquiry]] (CFI) sent out letters desperately begging for more contributions. The reason was that CFI had one large benefactor whose yearly contribution funded approximately 20-25% of the yearly CFI budget. As clueless as I may be about finances, even I know that you don’t use such donations to run the operating expenses of an organization, because you can’t count on them from year to year and it’s too big a chunk. You use this money for special short-term projects and a rainy day fund. Not surprisingly, when this mysterious donor stopped donating earlier this year, suddently CFI was in deep doo-doo from a financial standpoint, prompting the desperate plea for donations and deep budget cuts. I realize that the down economy has played havoc with many nonprofit and charitable organizations, but these issues with skeptical organizations seem to go beyond just that.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref>}}

=== Secular Student Alliance report of fundraising problems ===

In October 2015, the [[Secular Student Alliance]] tweeted that it "desperately" needed $100,000 by the end of the month. The SSA Executive director August Brunsman reported that fundraising had lagged.<ref>Eberhard, JT (30 May 2016). "[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd/2015/10/secular-student-alliance-running-a-desperate-fundraiser/ Secular Student Alliance running a 'desperate' fundraiser]". WWJTD.</ref>

=== Inside Philanthropy website commentary atheist philanthropy related to universities ===

According to the website ''Inside Philanthropy'':
{{Cquote|Universities lack the kind of entrenched atheist architecture—endowments, departments, conferences and the like—that religious studies departments have enjoyed for centuries.

What's more, there are several major funders who've put muscle behind religious scholarship on campus, such as the Lilly Endowment and the Templeton Foundation. But we've never seen a gift for related to aethism [sic] — either on a campus or elsewhere. Nor have our data gathering friends the Foundation Center, which reports exactly zero grants related to atheism in a database covers tens of foundations. (That said, some grants have gone to groups that put forth a "secular" agenda.)<ref>[Beyond Belief: As Americans Warm to Atheism, Will Donors Follow?] by Mike Scutari, ''Inside Philanthropy''</ref>}}

=== Atheist nonprofit scandals ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]]

== Australian atheist movement and cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Atheist movement|Atheist movement]] [[Decline of the atheist movement]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== Atheist Francois Tremblay ==

[[File:512px-Collage of Six Cats-01.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|In his essay ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose'', the atheist Francois Tremblay compared unifying atheists to herding cats.<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose''] by Francois Tremblay</ref>]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]]

The atheist Francois Tremblay wrote in his essay ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose'':
{{cquote|Atheism, as [[Definition of atheism|commonly defined]] by atheists, expresses a lack of belief, or disbelief, in deities. It is not a positive belief in anything, but a negative concept. That is why atheists, inasmuch as they are atheists, are nothing like a coherent or concerted group. Organizations like American Atheists serve a role of broadcasting information more than anything else, because there cannot be concerted action when nobody agrees on what to do (except of course on direct concerns like the rights of atheists or separation of church and state). Most atheists disagree strongly on whenever atheism should be propagated, or promoted, and on the matter of doing so.

Another problem of atheism qua atheism is that it does not contain its own basis. What I mean by this is that atheism is a punctual, [[ontological]] belief, which is itself the implicit or explicit result of [[metaphysics|metaphysical]] and [[Atheism and epistemology|epistemological deductions]]. Any reply to an attack on this basis cannot come directly from atheism. Concentrating oneself only on being an atheist is like trying to build a house from the second floor up. It may look less costly on paper, and for people who only build houses in their imagination this may be a good way of seeing it, but it's not good enough for a serious endeavour. And most importantly, it's too fragile. I see too many religionists attacking atheism from the bottom and atheists being unable to adequately reply to the arguments. If the atheist cannot answer to his most fundamental beliefs on the nature of reality and cognition, then his atheism is worthless in terms of validation. It is nothing more than a big paper tiger, made from the finest cardboard.

One last problem that undermines any propagation of atheism is inspiration. Let's be honest here, "there is no god!" is [[Atheism and inspiration|not a very motivating call]] for most people.<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html ''Herding Cats: Why atheism will lose''] by Francois Tremblay</ref>}}

== Atheist Martin S. Pribble ==

The atheist activist Martin S. Pribble wrote in 2011:
{{Cquote|... I am beginning to feel that the atheistic movement is treading water somewhat, not really making much change in the world. It seems to me it is more akin to beating ones head against an immovable object rather than spreading encouragement for people to learn... Nothing is changing, and I doubt if we will ever see a single mind change from an engagement on Twitter over whether the Bible is the true word of God.

I feel we are lacking focus...

I know I’m not the only person who realises this. I have seen a few people finding the fight a disillusioning experience...<ref>[http://martinspribble.com/2011/11/is-the-atheist-movement-dead-in-the-water/ Is the atheist movement dead on the water?]</ref>}}

In 2013, Pribble wrote in ''Slate'':
{{Cquote|For the last five years I have considered myself an “activist atheist.”...

But I’m through with it, and I no longer want to be part of the online atheist “community.”...

The times of satisfaction are outweighed by feelings of frustration and hopelessness...

There is no point in it. All this back-and-forth sniping serves to do is to make us feel a sense of superiority to the person making the claims and does nothing for them except leave them with a smugness about their assumption that “atheists are all mean.”...

Atheists and nonbelievers make up such a [[Atheist Population|small part of the world’s population]] that we can never hope to change the world by ourselves—certainly not, if our primary weapon is yelling at people we don’t agree with. Most theists in the world are not completely delusional...<ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/12/why_i_m_quitting_the_online_atheism_community.html Leaving the Tribe] by Martin Pribble</ref>}}

== See also ==

*[[Growth of global desecularization]]

*[[Acceleration of 21st century desecularization]]

*[[Causes of desecularization]]

*[[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]

*[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]

*[[Growth of Christianity in China]]

*[[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]]

*[[High morale of Christendom]]

== External links ==

*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/4-pieces-of-grim-news-for-atheists-who.html 7 pieces of GRIM news for the atheist who asked: "What's killing the atheist movement?"]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-21st-century-and-atheist-movement.html The atheist movement and battle fatigue]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/11/another-sign-atheist-movement-in.html Another sign the atheist movement in America has imploded: Cancelled atheist conferences]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Atheism]]

Irreligion in Australia

2017-11-10T04:07:01Z

Wisdomcriesout: /* Australian atheist movement and cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference */

[[File:Flag of Australia.png|thumbnail|200px|[[Australia]]'s national IQ is 98.<ref name="CountryIQ">[https://iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country WORLD RANKING OF COUNTRIES BY THEIR AVERAGE]</ref> The ''Daily Mail'' reported in 2014, "Evidence suggests that the IQs of people in the [[UK]], [[Denmark]] and Australia have declined in the last decade."<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2730791/Are-STUPID-Britons-people-IQ-decline.html Are we becoming more STUPID? IQ scores are decreasing - and some experts argue it's because humans have reached their intellectual peak], ''Daily Mail'', 2014</ref>]]
After [[WWII]], [[Australia]] has become a very [[secular]] country.<ref>Stephanie Painter, Vivienne Ryan and Bethany Hiatt, (15 June 2010). "[https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/7399215/australians-losing-the-faith/ Australians losing the faith]". Newspaper. West Australian Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 15 June 2010</ref>

According to the ''Sydney Morning Herald'':
{{Cquote|Australia is one of the least devout countries in the Western world, although two-thirds of its population identifies itself as Christian, an international survey comparing religious expression in 21 countries has found.

Religion does not play a central part in the lives of many Australians: 48 per cent of Australians surveyed said they did not partake in personal prayer and 52 per cent said they rarely attended a place of worship for religious reasons.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/world-youth-day/gods-ok-its-just-the-religion-bit-we-dont-like/2008/07/10/1215658037568.html God's OK, it's just the religion bit we don't like]</ref>}}

== Australian atheist movement and cancellation of 2018 Global Atheist Conference ==

''See also:'' [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] and [[Atheist movement|Atheist movement]] [[Decline of the atheist movement]] and [[Atheist feminism]]

The [[2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled|2018 Global Atheist Convention that was cancelled]] was billed as the third Global Atheist Convention and its theme was "Reason to Hope".<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref><ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref> It was sponsored by the Atheist Foundation of Australia.<ref>[http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=29552 AFA Media Releases & Announcements]</ref>

Robert Martin from Melbourne’s City Bible Forum indicated about the cancellation of the 2018 Global Atheist Convention: "This is a massive blow to the Atheist Foundation as an organisation and to [[Atheist movement|organised atheism]] in Australia. Where to next? What do they stand for?”<ref>[https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/global-atheist-convention-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-interest/ Global Atheist Convention cancelled due to lack of interest], ''Eternity News''</ref>

== See also ==

*[[Irreligious Australia and loneliness]]
*[[Irreligious Australia and alcoholism]]
*[[Irreligious Australia and intelligence]]
== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category: Australia]]