Difference between revisions of "Atheophobia"

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'''Atheophobia''' is a fear and/or hatred of [[atheism]]/atheists.<ref>[http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/atheophobia Atheophobia]</ref><ref>[http://www.allwords.com/word-atheophobia.html?PageSpeed=noscript Definition of atheophobia] at Allwords.com</ref>
 
'''Atheophobia''' is a fear and/or hatred of [[atheism]]/atheists.<ref>[http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/atheophobia Atheophobia]</ref><ref>[http://www.allwords.com/word-atheophobia.html?PageSpeed=noscript Definition of atheophobia] at Allwords.com</ref>
  
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The [[communism|communist]] and atheist [[Mao Zedong]]'s regime persecuted religious individuals and Chinese atheist officials still engage in religious persecution (see also: [[Communism and religious persecution]] and [[Atheism and communism]]).  
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Concerning [[distrust of atheists]], sociological research indicates that atheists are widely distrusted in both religious cultures and nonreligious cultures.<ref name="USATodayviewsonatheists">[http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-12-10/religion-atheism/51777612/1 Study: Atheists distrusted as much as rapists]</ref><ref name="CPviewsonatheists">[http://www.christianpost.com/news/atheists-widely-distrusted-even-among-themselves-culturally-ingrained-uk-study-finds-160480/ Atheists Widely Distrusted, Even Among Themselves, UK Study Finds], Christian Post, 2015</ref><ref name="Independentviewsonatheists">[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/anti-atheist-distrust-deeply-and-culturally-ingrained-study-finds-a6952276.html Anti-atheist distrust ‘deeply and culturally ingrained’, study finds], ''The Independent'', 2015</ref><ref>Edgell, Gerteis & Hartmann 2006</ref>  According to a study published in the ''International Journal for The Psychology of Religion'': "anti-atheist prejudice is not confined either to dominantly religious countries or to religious individuals, but rather appears to be a robust judgment about atheists."<ref name="Independentviewsonatheists"/> The study found that many atheists do not trust other atheists as well.<ref name="Independentviewsonatheists"/>
  
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[[Militant atheism]] is one of the causes of atheophobia.
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Various atheists have attempted to change the public's perception of atheism and atheists, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful (see: [[Attempts to positively rebrand atheism]]).
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== Militant atheism and atheophobia ==
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''See also:'' [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and intolerance]]
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Historically, atheism has generally been an integral part of [[communism|communist]] ideology (see: [[Atheism and communism]]).  Communists engage in religious persecution (see: [[Communism and religious persecution]]). In addition, atheistic communist regimes engaged in mass murder in the 20th century (see: [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]]). [[Militant atheism]] is one of the causes of atheophobia.
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Recently the term ''militant atheist'' has been used to describe adherents of the [[New Atheism]] movement,<ref name="New Atheism">{{cite web|url=http://biologos.org/blog/ian-hutchinson-on-the-new-atheists|title =Ian Hutchinson on the New Atheists|publisher=BioLogos Foundation|quote=Ian Hutchinson tells us in this video discussion that New Atheism -- a term used to describe recent intellectual attacks against religion -- is actually a misnomer. It is better, he says, to call the movement “Militant Atheism”. In fact, the arguments made by New Atheists are not new at all, but rather extensions of intellectual threads which have existed since the late 19th century. The only unique quality of this movement is the degree of criticism and edge with which its members write and speak about religion. According to Hutchinson, the books written by New Atheists in the past decade simply restate many of the same arguments which have emanated from atheist thinkers for decades. The militant edge of these arguments is what makes “New” Atheism unique and elevates it to a level of popularity within a subset of the population. It is because these Militant Atheists show no respect at all for religion, says Hutchinson, that they are receiving status as a new movement.|author=Ian H. Hutchinson|accessdate = 29 September 2011}}</ref> which is characterized by the belief that religion "should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized and exposed."<ref name="CNN">
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{{cite web|author=Simon Hooper|title=The rise of the 'New Atheists'|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2006-11-08/world/atheism.feature_1_new-atheists-new-atheism-religion?_s=PM:WORLD|publisher=[[Cable News Network (CNN)]]|quote=What the New Atheists share is a belief that religion should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized and exposed by rational argument wherever its influence arises.|accessdate=10 March 2011}}
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</ref><ref name="Tolerated">
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{{cite book|author=Amarnath Amarasingam|title=Religion and the New Atheism (Studies in Critical Social Sciences: Studies in Critical Research on Religion 1)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ri65bB04dlwC&pg=PA8&dq=new+atheism+tolerance&hl=en&ei=_t4dTuGyEYvfgQeYkID3CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=new%20atheism%20tolerance&f=false|publisher=Brill Academic Publishers|quote=For the new atheists, tolerance of intolerance (often presented in the guise of relativism of multiculturalism) is one of the greatest dangers in contemporary society.|accessdate=10 March 2011}}
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</ref><ref name="Virus">
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{{cite book|author=[[Stephen Prothero]]|title=God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World--and Why Their Differences Matter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U8lom4oVPJEC&pg=PA321&dq=new+atheism+tolerance&hl=en&ei=4eAdTpfDFMbv0gHQ24n5Bw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC0Q6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=new%20atheism%20tolerance&f=false|publisher=[[HarperOne]]|quote=For these New Atheists and their acolytes, the problem is not religious fanaticism. The problem is religion itlself. So-called moderates only spread the "mind viruses" of religion by making them appear to be less authoritarian, misogynistic, and irrational than they actually are.|accessdate=10 March 2011}}
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</ref>  The intolerance of atheists who are [[antitheism|antitheists]] is also a cause of atheophobia (see: [[Atheism and intolerance]]).
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__TOC__
  
 
== Fear of atheism/atheists unjustifiable ==
 
== Fear of atheism/atheists unjustifiable ==
  
 
=== Fear of atheism unjustifiable ===
 
=== Fear of atheism unjustifiable ===
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[[File:Rafik B. Hariri Building south.jpg|thumbnail|right|220px|In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.<ref>http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups</ref>]]
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[[File:Rafik B. Hariri Building south.jpg|thumbnail|left|220px|In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.<ref>http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups</ref>]]
 
A fear of atheism is unjustified given that atheism lacks proof and evidence that it is true and due to the fact that [[Christianity]] has an abundance of evidence to support its veracity (see: [[Christian apologetics]] and [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|Refutations of atheism]] and [http://www.conservapedia.com/Atheism#Criticism_of_atheism_and_the_atheist_community Criticisms of atheism]). The most rational response of Christians to atheism is to engage in Christian [[evangelism]], disseminate Christian apologetics material and to use various means to thwart state [[atheist indoctrination]] in their societies.   
 
A fear of atheism is unjustified given that atheism lacks proof and evidence that it is true and due to the fact that [[Christianity]] has an abundance of evidence to support its veracity (see: [[Christian apologetics]] and [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|Refutations of atheism]] and [http://www.conservapedia.com/Atheism#Criticism_of_atheism_and_the_atheist_community Criticisms of atheism]). The most rational response of Christians to atheism is to engage in Christian [[evangelism]], disseminate Christian apologetics material and to use various means to thwart state [[atheist indoctrination]] in their societies.   
  
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Given the lack of substance of atheism, it is not surprising that atheism has a lower retention rate than other worldviews in terms of its adherents (see: [[Atheism has a lower retention rate compared to other worldviews]] and [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism]]).  A 2012 study by the General Social Survey of the social science research organization NORC at the University of Chicago found that belief in God rises with age, even in atheistic nations (see: [[Atheism and immaturity]]).<ref>[http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2012/04/18/belief-god-rises-age-even-atheist-nations Belief in God rises with age, even in atheist nations]</ref>
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Given the lack of substance of atheism, it is not surprising that atheism has a low retention rate among those raised in atheist households in the United States and many people are abandoning atheism in  [[communism|communist]] China and former communist countries (see: [[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]] and [[Desecularization]] and [[Global atheism]]).  A 2012 study by the General Social Survey of the social science research organization NORC at the University of Chicago found that belief in God rises with age, even in atheistic nations (see: [[Atheism and immaturity]]).<ref>[http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2012/04/18/belief-god-rises-age-even-atheist-nations Belief in God rises with age, even in atheist nations]</ref>
  
 
=== Fear of atheists unjustifiable ===
 
=== Fear of atheists unjustifiable ===
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Atheism, as defined by the ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', the ''Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', and other [[philosophy]] reference works, is the denial of the existence of [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
Atheism, as defined by the ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', the ''Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', and other [[philosophy]] reference works, is the denial of the existence of [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
*Smart, J. J. C. (August 8, 2011). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atheism-agnosticism "Atheism and agnosticism"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Retrieved July 17, 2014.
 
*Smart, J. J. C. (August 8, 2011). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atheism-agnosticism "Atheism and agnosticism"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Retrieved July 17, 2014.
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*Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D. (23 June 2007). [http://creation.com/atheism-is-more-rational "Atheism is more rational?"]. Retrieved July 17, 2014.  See [[Creation Ministries International]], [[Jonathan Sarfati]].
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*Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D. (23 June 2007). [https://creation.com/atheism-is-more-rational "Atheism is more rational?"]. Retrieved July 17, 2014.  See [[Creation Ministries International]], [[Jonathan Sarfati]].
 
*Day, Donn R. (2007). [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism - etymology"].  Retrieved July 15, 2014.</ref>  A fear of atheists is also unwarranted given the cowardly nature of most atheists and their inability to intellectually justify their denial of the existence of God (see: [[Atheism and cowardice]]).   
 
*Day, Donn R. (2007). [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism - etymology"].  Retrieved July 15, 2014.</ref>  A fear of atheists is also unwarranted given the cowardly nature of most atheists and their inability to intellectually justify their denial of the existence of God (see: [[Atheism and cowardice]]).   
  
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==== Militant atheists using the power of the state to spread atheism ====
 
==== Militant atheists using the power of the state to spread atheism ====
 
[[File:Bezhnoznik u stanka 15-1929.jpg|thumb|260px|A Soviet propaganda poster disseminated in the ''Bezbozhnik'' (''Atheist'') magazine depicting [[Jesus]] being dumped from a wheelbarrow by an industrial worker as well as a smashed church [[bell]]; the text advocates Industrialisation Day as an alternative replacement to the [[Christian]] Transfiguration Day. see: [[Militant atheism]] ]]  
 
[[File:Bezhnoznik u stanka 15-1929.jpg|thumb|260px|A Soviet propaganda poster disseminated in the ''Bezbozhnik'' (''Atheist'') magazine depicting [[Jesus]] being dumped from a wheelbarrow by an industrial worker as well as a smashed church [[bell]]; the text advocates Industrialisation Day as an alternative replacement to the [[Christian]] Transfiguration Day. see: [[Militant atheism]] ]]  
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According to the [[University of Cambridge]], historically, the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the [[Marxism-Leninism|Marxist-Leninists]] to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninism">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130728215151/http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title=Investigating atheism: 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=July 17, 2014}}</ref> Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg, a Soviet physicist, wrote that the "[[Bolshevik]] communists were not merely atheists but, according to [[Lenin]]'s terminology, [[militant atheist]]s."<ref name="Lenin & militant atheism">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=ufC9Ar8iuDcC&pg=PA161&dq=The+Bolshevik+communists+were+not+merely+atheists+but,+according+to+Lenin%27s+terminology,+militant+atheists.&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1oFUUdj6PIiK0QGvq4CAAw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=The%20Bolshevik%20communists%20were%20not%20merely%20atheists%20but%2C%20according%20to%20Lenin's%20terminology%2C%20militant%20atheists.&f=false|title =''On Superconductivity and Superfluidity: A Scientific Autobiography'' |author=Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg|publisher = Springer Science+Business Media|pages=161|year=2009|quote=The Bolshevik communists were not merely atheists but, according to Lenin's terminology, militant atheists.|accessdate = July 17, 2014}}</ref> However, prior to this, the [[Reign of Terror]] of the [[French Revolution]] established an [[atheist state]], with the official ideology being the [[Cult of Reason]]; during this time thousands of believers were suppressed and executed by the [[guillotine]].<ref>Multiple references:
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According to the [[University of Cambridge]], historically, the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the [[Marxism-Leninism|Marxist-Leninists]] to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninism">{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728215151/http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title=Investigating atheism: 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=July 17, 2014}}</ref> Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg, a Soviet physicist, wrote that the "[[Bolshevik]] communists were not merely atheists but, according to [[Lenin]]'s terminology, [[militant atheist]]s."<ref name="Lenin & militant atheism">{{cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ufC9Ar8iuDcC&pg=PA161&dq=The+Bolshevik+communists+were+not+merely+atheists+but,+according+to+Lenin%27s+terminology,+militant+atheists.&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1oFUUdj6PIiK0QGvq4CAAw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=The%20Bolshevik%20communists%20were%20not%20merely%20atheists%20but%2C%20according%20to%20Lenin's%20terminology%2C%20militant%20atheists.&f=false|title =''On Superconductivity and Superfluidity: A Scientific Autobiography'' |author=Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg|publisher = Springer Science+Business Media|pages=161|year=2009|quote=The Bolshevik communists were not merely atheists but, according to Lenin's terminology, militant atheists.|accessdate = July 17, 2014}}</ref> However, prior to this, the [[Reign of Terror]] of the [[French Revolution]] established an [[atheist state]], with the official ideology being the [[Cult of Reason]]; during this time thousands of believers were suppressed and executed by the [[guillotine]].<ref>Multiple references:
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<!-- 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: The eBook''|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 to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a list of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Terror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|pages=461|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}
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<!-- Guillotine -->*{{cite book|url = https://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: The eBook''|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 to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a list of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Terror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|pages=461|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}
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<!-- 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=In allusion to the monstrous transactions of this portentous period, it has been eloquently 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.'<br>"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.'|pages=105–6|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}
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<!-- France -->*{{cite book|url = https://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=In allusion to the monstrous transactions of this portentous period, it has been eloquently 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.'<br>"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.'|pages=105–6|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}
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<!-- 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.<br>"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 not 'ultimately' but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract 'reason' and 'liberty' degenerated 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'.<br>"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.|pages=57|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}</ref>
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<!-- Reign of Terror -->*{{cite book|url = https://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.<br>"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 not 'ultimately' but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract 'reason' and 'liberty' degenerated 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'.<br>"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.|pages=57|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}</ref>
  
 
However, [[state atheism]] ultimately came to end in Russia and the satellite nations of the former [[Soviet Union]] due to the collapse of Soviet [[communism]]/empire (see: [[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]).   
 
However, [[state atheism]] ultimately came to end in Russia and the satellite nations of the former [[Soviet Union]] due to the collapse of Soviet [[communism]]/empire (see: [[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]).   
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== Hatred of atheism ==
 
== Hatred of atheism ==
 
[[Image:St Paul Preaching.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Saint Paul|St. Paul]] defends his preaching (Giovanni Ricco)]]
 
[[Image:St Paul Preaching.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Saint Paul|St. Paul]] defends his preaching (Giovanni Ricco)]]
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The [[Saint Paul|Apostle Paul]] taught "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9). Since atheism is evil and has produced and abundance of evil works in history, hating atheism is entirely justified (see: [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Moral failures of the atheist community]]).
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The [[Saint Paul|Apostle Paul]] taught "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9). Since atheism is evil and has produced and abundance of evil works in history, hating atheism is entirely justified (see: [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheist population and immorality]]).
 
== Hatred of atheists ==
 
== Hatred of atheists ==
  
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*[http://www.religionnews.com/2014/12/17/atheists-new-persecuted-minority-international-report-concludes-commentary/ Atheists: the new persecuted minority, international report concludes (COMMENTARY)] by Bob Churchill | Religion News|December 17, 2014
 
*[http://www.religionnews.com/2014/12/17/atheists-new-persecuted-minority-international-report-concludes-commentary/ Atheists: the new persecuted minority, international report concludes (COMMENTARY)] by Bob Churchill | Religion News|December 17, 2014
 
*[http://observers.france24.com/content/20150401-bangladesh-atheist-blogger-murders-rahman Bangladesh struck by wave of atheist blogger murders], France 24 News, 1/04/2015 / BANGLADESH
 
*[http://observers.france24.com/content/20150401-bangladesh-atheist-blogger-murders-rahman Bangladesh struck by wave of atheist blogger murders], France 24 News, 1/04/2015 / BANGLADESH
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*[http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/us-religion-atheists-idUSBRE8B900520121210 Atheists around world suffer persecution, discrimination: report] By Robert Evans, Reuters, Sun Dec 9, 2012 9:20pm EST</ref>  For more information, please see: [[Persecution of atheists]]
+
*[https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/us-religion-atheists-idUSBRE8B900520121210 Atheists around world suffer persecution, discrimination: report] By Robert Evans, Reuters, Sun Dec 9, 2012 9:20pm EST</ref>  For more information, please see: [[Persecution of atheists]]
  
 
=== Hate crimes in the United States against atheists/agnostics are very low in number ===
 
=== Hate crimes in the United States against atheists/agnostics are very low in number ===
  
−
According to a 2007 Pew Forum survey, about 4% of Americans are atheists/agnostics.<ref>[http://religions.pewforum.org/reports Pew Forum Religious Landscape Survey - Key findings]</ref> A 2008 [[Gallup poll]] showed that 6% of the U.S. population believed that no god or universal spirit exists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/109108/belief-god-far-lower-western-us.aspx |title=Belief in God Far Lower in Western U.S |publisher=Gallup.com |accessdate=2012-02-05}}</ref>
+
According to a 2007 Pew Forum survey, about 4% of Americans are atheists/agnostics.<ref>[http://religions.pewforum.org/reports Pew Forum Religious Landscape Survey - Key findings]</ref> A 2008 [[Gallup poll]] showed that 6% of the U.S. population believed that no god or universal spirit exists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallup.com/poll/109108/belief-god-far-lower-western-us.aspx |title=Belief in God Far Lower in Western U.S |publisher=Gallup.com |accessdate=2012-02-05}}</ref>
  
−
According to 2013 [[FBI]] statistics, 6/10 of a percent of hates crimes were against atheists/agnostics.<ref>[http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/hate-crime/2013/topic-pages/victims/victims_final 2013 FBI hate crime statistics]</ref><ref>[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/06/atheism-the-next-civil-rights-movement.html Atheism: The Next Civil Rights movement], Vlad Chituc, ''The Daily Beast'', 4-6-2015</ref>
+
According to 2013 [[FBI]] statistics, 6/10 of a percent of hates crimes were against atheists/agnostics.<ref>[http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/hate-crime/2013/topic-pages/victims/victims_final 2013 FBI hate crime statistics]</ref><ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/06/atheism-the-next-civil-rights-movement.html Atheism: The Next Civil Rights movement], Vlad Chituc, ''The Daily Beast'', 4-6-2015</ref>
  
 
=== Low amount of atheist martyrdom compared to Christendom ===
 
=== Low amount of atheist martyrdom compared to Christendom ===
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In addition, Christians currently experience the greatest amount of persecution in the world given that Christianity is the most [[Global Christianity|geographically diverse religious community in the world]] and Christians are a minority in many countries. See: [[Christian persecution]]
 
In addition, Christians currently experience the greatest amount of persecution in the world given that Christianity is the most [[Global Christianity|geographically diverse religious community in the world]] and Christians are a minority in many countries. See: [[Christian persecution]]
 +
 +
The majority of violence against atheists occurs in Muslim countries (see: [[Atheism vs. Islam#History, violence, atheism and Islam|History, violence, atheism and Islam]]).
  
 
=== Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists ===
 
=== Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists ===
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''See also:'' [[Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists]]
 
''See also:'' [[Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists]]
  
−
Although it is not reported in the press often, due the press preferring to focus on controversy and conflict, as it garners more viewership/readers, many Christians quietly pray for atheists/[[agnosticism|agnostics]] - even those of the [[militant atheism|militant variety]] such as [[Richard Dawkins]].<ref>[http://creation.com/dawkins-upset Richard Dawkins upset that public doesn’t like him] by Warren Nunn, Published by [[Creation Ministries International]] 13 May 2014 (GMT+10)</ref> The late atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]] had many Christians praying for him before he passed away and were saddened when he died.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-grieve-death-of-christopher-hitchens-share-hopes-for-deathbed-conversion-65035/ Christians Grieve Death of Christopher Hitchens; Share Hopes for Deathbed Conversion] by Eryn Sun, ''Christian Post'' Reporter, December 16, 2011</ref>
+
Although it is not reported in the press often, due the press preferring to focus on controversy and conflict, as it garners more viewership/readers, many Christians quietly pray for atheists/[[agnosticism|agnostics]] - even those of the [[militant atheism|militant variety]] such as [[Richard Dawkins]].<ref>[https://creation.com/dawkins-upset Richard Dawkins upset that public doesn’t like him] by Warren Nunn, Published by [[Creation Ministries International]] 13 May 2014 (GMT+10)</ref> The late atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]] had many Christians praying for him before he passed away and were saddened when he died.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-grieve-death-of-christopher-hitchens-share-hopes-for-deathbed-conversion-65035/ Christians Grieve Death of Christopher Hitchens; Share Hopes for Deathbed Conversion] by Eryn Sun, ''Christian Post'' Reporter, December 16, 2011</ref>
  
 
Richard Wurmbrand, who endured years of torture by an atheistic [[communism|communist]] government and wrote the wrote the book ''Tortured for Christ'', indicated that he had a compassion even for those who tortured him by "looking at men .. not as they are, but as they will be ... I could also see in our persecutors ... a future Apostle Paul ... (and) the jailer in Philippi who became a convert."<ref>[[DC Talk|dc Talk]] and The Voice of the Martyrs. ''Jesus Freaks: Stories of those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks.'' Bethany House Publishers, 1999, p. 67</ref>  
 
Richard Wurmbrand, who endured years of torture by an atheistic [[communism|communist]] government and wrote the wrote the book ''Tortured for Christ'', indicated that he had a compassion even for those who tortured him by "looking at men .. not as they are, but as they will be ... I could also see in our persecutors ... a future Apostle Paul ... (and) the jailer in Philippi who became a convert."<ref>[[DC Talk|dc Talk]] and The Voice of the Martyrs. ''Jesus Freaks: Stories of those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks.'' Bethany House Publishers, 1999, p. 67</ref>  
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''See also:'' [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheism and social outcasts]]
 
''See also:'' [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheism and social outcasts]]
  
−
Atheism is an arrogant ideology which has a lot of arrogant, angry, quarrelsome and immoral adherents (see: [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Atheism and anger]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and  [[Moral failures of the atheist community]] and [[Atheism and love]]).  As a result, atheists often create a lot antipathy towards themselves - especially atheists who are [[militant atheism|militant atheists]]/misotheists (see: [[Views on atheists]]).  
+
Atheism is an arrogant ideology which has a lot of arrogant, angry, quarrelsome and immoral adherents (see: [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Atheism and anger]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and  [[Atheist population and immorality]] and [[Atheism and love]]).  As a result, atheists often create a lot antipathy towards themselves - especially atheists who are [[militant atheism|militant atheists]]/misotheists (see: [[Views on atheists]]).  
  
 
In addition, in the [[United States]], many [[American atheism|American atheists]] [[Atheism and politics|are leftists]] who engage in [[identity politics]].  As a result, many atheists like to whine about how they are viewed negatively in society which has a tendency to foster additional antipathy towards them (See [[Atheist whining]]).  Given the foolish nature of atheism and given that atheists in the United States tend to be white males, identity politics has not gained much traction in the political realm (see: [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheism and women]]). Furthermore, many conservative theists dislike that fact that atheists have engaged in pushing their ideology in the educational system (see: [[Atheist indoctrination]]).
 
In addition, in the [[United States]], many [[American atheism|American atheists]] [[Atheism and politics|are leftists]] who engage in [[identity politics]].  As a result, many atheists like to whine about how they are viewed negatively in society which has a tendency to foster additional antipathy towards them (See [[Atheist whining]]).  Given the foolish nature of atheism and given that atheists in the United States tend to be white males, identity politics has not gained much traction in the political realm (see: [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheism and women]]). Furthermore, many conservative theists dislike that fact that atheists have engaged in pushing their ideology in the educational system (see: [[Atheist indoctrination]]).
  
−
== Fear of death and fear of atheism ==
+
== Fear of death and distrust of atheists ==
  
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and death]]
+
''See also:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Views on atheists]]
−
 
+
[[File:Gravestone.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|According to a study performed in the United States by the researchers Wink and Scott, very religious people fear death the least.<ref>[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm Fear of death: worst if you’re a little religious?], World of Science]
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The very religious fear death the least (see: [[Atheist fear of death]] and [[Atheism and death]]).  
+
*J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2005, Jul;60(4):P207-14. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15980288 Does religiousness buffer against the fear of death and dying in late adulthood? Findings from a longitudinal study]. Wink P1, Scott J.</ref>]]
 +
The very religious fear death the least (see: [[Atheism and death anxiety]] and [[Atheism and death]]).  
  
 
However, there is research suggesting that among religious people who fear death,  antagonism toward atheists can be driven by their fear of death.<ref>[http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550615584200 ''What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice''] by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen, Sheldon Solomon, Sage</ref>  
 
However, there is research suggesting that among religious people who fear death,  antagonism toward atheists can be driven by their fear of death.<ref>[http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550615584200 ''What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice''] by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen, Sheldon Solomon, Sage</ref>  
  
−
An abstract of the Sage journal article ''What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice'' by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen, Sheldon Solomon indicates:
+
An abstract of the Sage journal article ''What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice'' by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen and Sheldon Solomon indicates:
 
{{Cquote|Terror management theory posits that the uniquely human awareness of death gives rise to potentially paralyzing terror that is assuaged by embracing cultural worldviews that provide a sense that one is a valuable participant in a meaningful universe. We propose that pervasive and pronounced anti-atheist prejudices stem, in part, from the existential threat posed by conflicting worldview beliefs. Two studies were conducted to establish that existential concerns contribute to anti-atheist sentiments. Experiment 1 found that a subtle reminder of death increased disparagement, social distancing, and distrust of atheists. Experiment 2 found that asking people to think about atheism increased the accessibility of implicit death thoughts. These studies provide the first empirical link between existential concerns and anti-atheist prejudices<ref>[http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550615584200 ''What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice''] by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen, Sheldon Solomon, Sage</ref>}}
 
{{Cquote|Terror management theory posits that the uniquely human awareness of death gives rise to potentially paralyzing terror that is assuaged by embracing cultural worldviews that provide a sense that one is a valuable participant in a meaningful universe. We propose that pervasive and pronounced anti-atheist prejudices stem, in part, from the existential threat posed by conflicting worldview beliefs. Two studies were conducted to establish that existential concerns contribute to anti-atheist sentiments. Experiment 1 found that a subtle reminder of death increased disparagement, social distancing, and distrust of atheists. Experiment 2 found that asking people to think about atheism increased the accessibility of implicit death thoughts. These studies provide the first empirical link between existential concerns and anti-atheist prejudices<ref>[http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550615584200 ''What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice''] by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen, Sheldon Solomon, Sage</ref>}}
  
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== Global desecularization and atheists lacking in confidence ==
+
''Discover'' magazine wrote about the study by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen and Sheldon Solomon:
−
[[File:Birkbeck College, University of London.jpg|right|thumbnail|250px|[[Eric Kaufmann]], a professor at [[Birkbeck College, University of London]], using a wealth of demographic studies, argues that there will be a significant decline of global atheism in the 21st century which will impact the [[Western World]].<ref>
+
{{cquote|These death thoughts help trigger a subconscious dislike of atheists, said study leader Corey Cook, a social psychologist at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Not only do thoughts of death put people in a negative frame of mind, Cook told Live Science, but they also prompt people to hold more tightly onto their own values.<ref>[http://news.discovery.com/human/psychology/atheists-inspire-thoughts-of-death-in-many-americans-150523.htm Atheists Inspire Thoughts of Death in Many Americans] by Stephanie Pappas, LiveScience, ''Discover'' magazine, May 23, 2015 09:25 AM ET</ref>}}
−
*[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]
+
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*[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html Eric Kaufmann: Shall The Religious Inherit The Earth?]
+
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*[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics Eric Kaufmann's Atheist Demographic series]
+
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[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Eric Kaufmann: Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?, Australian Broadcasting Corporation]</ref>]]
+
−
''See also:'' [[Global atheism]] [[Desecularization]] and [[Atheism and leadership]] and [[Atheism and cowardice]]
+
−
 
+
−
On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported:
+
−
{{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>}}
+
−
 
+
−
On December 23, 2012, Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]] who teaches at Birbeck College, University of London wrote:
+
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{{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.
+
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<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>}}
+
−
 
+
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=== Quote about atheists lacking in confidence from British scholar Eric Kaufmann ===
+
−
 
+
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''See also:'' [[Global atheism]] and [[Atheism Quotes|Atheism quotes]]
+
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{{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." - the agnostic professor [[Eric Kaufmann]], Birbeck College, University of London, UK, 2010<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}
+
  
 
== Theophobia among atheists ==
 
== Theophobia among atheists ==
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The [[New Atheism|New Atheists]] [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Sam Harris]] and the late [[Christopher Hitchens]] have received multiple accusations of engaging in [[Islamophobia|Islamophobic]] behavior.<ref>
 
The [[New Atheism|New Atheists]] [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Sam Harris]] and the late [[Christopher Hitchens]] have received multiple accusations of engaging in [[Islamophobia|Islamophobic]] behavior.<ref>
−
*[http://www.salon.com/2013/03/30/dawkins_harris_hitchens_new_atheists_flirt_with_islamophobia/ Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens: New Atheists flirt with Islamophobia] by Nathan Lean, ''Salon'', March 30, 2013
+
*[https://www.salon.com/2013/03/30/dawkins_harris_hitchens_new_atheists_flirt_with_islamophobia/ Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens: New Atheists flirt with Islamophobia] by Nathan Lean, ''Salon'', March 30, 2013
−
*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/03/sam-harris-muslim-animus Sam Harris, the New Atheists, and anti-Muslim animus] by Glenn Greenwald, ''The Guardian'', April 3, 2013</ref> On the other hand, defenders of atheist criticisms of [[Islam]]/Muslims indicated that New Atheists should be able to criticize Islam without being accused of Islamophobia.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/04/new-atheism-should-be-able-criticise-islam-without-being-accused-islamophobia New Atheism should be able to criticise Islam without being accused of Islamophobia] by Andrew Zak Williams, ''New Statesman'', Published 19 April 2013</ref>
+
*[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/03/sam-harris-muslim-animus Sam Harris, the New Atheists, and anti-Muslim animus] by Glenn Greenwald, ''The Guardian'', April 3, 2013</ref> On the other hand, defenders of atheist criticisms of [[Islam]]/Muslims indicated that New Atheists should be able to criticize Islam without being accused of Islamophobia.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/04/new-atheism-should-be-able-criticise-islam-without-being-accused-islamophobia New Atheism should be able to criticise Islam without being accused of Islamophobia] by Andrew Zak Williams, ''New Statesman'', Published 19 April 2013</ref>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
  
−
*[[Atheist fear of death]]
+
*[[Blasphemy laws]]
 +
*[[Sociology of "atheism is un-American" view]]
 +
*[[Atheism and death anxiety]]
 
*[[Atheism and loneliness]]
 
*[[Atheism and loneliness]]
 
*[[Closet atheist]]
 
*[[Closet atheist]]
 +
*[[Atheology]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 23:57, January 1, 2020

Mao Zedong's regime persecuted religious individuals. Communist officials in China still engage in religious persecution. Militant atheism is one of the causes of atheophobia.

Atheophobia is a fear and/or hatred of atheism/atheists.[1][2]

Concerning distrust of atheists, sociological research indicates that atheists are widely distrusted in both religious cultures and nonreligious cultures.[3][4][5][6] According to a study published in the International Journal for The Psychology of Religion: "anti-atheist prejudice is not confined either to dominantly religious countries or to religious individuals, but rather appears to be a robust judgment about atheists."[5] The study found that many atheists do not trust other atheists as well.[5]

Various atheists have attempted to change the public's perception of atheism and atheists, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful (see: Attempts to positively rebrand atheism).

Militant atheism and atheophobia

See also: Militant atheism and Atheism and intolerance

Historically, atheism has generally been an integral part of communist ideology (see: Atheism and communism). Communists engage in religious persecution (see: Communism and religious persecution). In addition, atheistic communist regimes engaged in mass murder in the 20th century (see: Atheism and mass murder). Militant atheism is one of the causes of atheophobia.

Recently the term militant atheist has been used to describe adherents of the New Atheism movement,[7] which is characterized by the belief that religion "should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized and exposed."[8][9][10] The intolerance of atheists who are antitheists is also a cause of atheophobia (see: Atheism and intolerance).

Fear of atheism/atheists unjustifiable

Fear of atheism unjustifiable

In 2012, a Georgetown University study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.[11]

A fear of atheism is unjustified given that atheism lacks proof and evidence that it is true and due to the fact that Christianity has an abundance of evidence to support its veracity (see: Christian apologetics and Refutations of atheism and Criticisms of atheism). The most rational response of Christians to atheism is to engage in Christian evangelism, disseminate Christian apologetics material and to use various means to thwart state atheist indoctrination in their societies.

Given the lack of substance of atheism, it is not surprising that atheism has a low retention rate among those raised in atheist households in the United States and many people are abandoning atheism in communist China and former communist countries (see: Atheism and its retention rate in individuals and Desecularization and Global atheism). A 2012 study by the General Social Survey of the social science research organization NORC at the University of Chicago found that belief in God rises with age, even in atheistic nations (see: Atheism and immaturity).[12]

Fear of atheists unjustifiable

Atheism, as defined by the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and other philosophy reference works, is the denial of the existence of God.[13] A fear of atheists is also unwarranted given the cowardly nature of most atheists and their inability to intellectually justify their denial of the existence of God (see: Atheism and cowardice).

Furthermore, the Bible teaches "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1). In addition, the Bible instructs "The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted." (Proverbs 29:25).

Militant atheists using the power of the state to spread atheism

A Soviet propaganda poster disseminated in the Bezbozhnik (Atheist) magazine depicting Jesus being dumped from a wheelbarrow by an industrial worker as well as a smashed church bell; the text advocates Industrialisation Day as an alternative replacement to the Christian Transfiguration Day. see: Militant atheism

According to the University of Cambridge, historically, the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power."[14] Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg, a Soviet physicist, wrote that the "Bolshevik communists were not merely atheists but, according to Lenin's terminology, militant atheists."[15] However, prior to this, the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution established an atheist state, with the official ideology being the Cult of Reason; during this time thousands of believers were suppressed and executed by the guillotine.[16]

However, state atheism ultimately came to end in Russia and the satellite nations of the former Soviet Union due to the collapse of Soviet communism/empire (see: Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union).

China's state atheism is under siege due to Christianity seeing rapid growth throughout China (See: Growth of Christianity in China).

Atheist indoctrination in the Western World through educational systems

In the Western World, given the apathy and timidity of many atheists, generally speaking, most atheists do not engage in street evangelism, door to door evangelism and other evangelism approaches which require boldness. As a result, militant atheists have often chosen to use the power of state to advance atheist indoctrination using methods such as educational systems.

Internet atheism

Another approach that atheists often engage in order to spread atheistic beliefs is the internet (See: Internet atheism). Internet atheists have developed a reputation for being ill-mannered and bullying on the internet (see: Atheism and profanity and Atheist bullying and Atheism and social intelligence and Internet atheism).

Hatred of atheism

St. Paul defends his preaching (Giovanni Ricco)

The Apostle Paul taught "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9). Since atheism is evil and has produced and abundance of evil works in history, hating atheism is entirely justified (see: Atheism and mass murder and Atheism and morality and Atheist population and immorality).

Hatred of atheists

Persecution of atheists

See also: Persecution of atheists

As atheism vs. Islam conflict has increased in the world, there are growing reports of Islamic governments imprisoning/executing atheists and radical Islamacists killing atheists, but they are still relatively few in number.[17] For more information, please see: Persecution of atheists

Hate crimes in the United States against atheists/agnostics are very low in number

According to a 2007 Pew Forum survey, about 4% of Americans are atheists/agnostics.[18] A 2008 Gallup poll showed that 6% of the U.S. population believed that no god or universal spirit exists.[19]

According to 2013 FBI statistics, 6/10 of a percent of hates crimes were against atheists/agnostics.[20][21]

Low amount of atheist martyrdom compared to Christendom

Protestant Christianity published the book the widely read book Foxe's Book of Martyrs. There is no "Atheists book of martyrs".

In addition, Christians currently experience the greatest amount of persecution in the world given that Christianity is the most geographically diverse religious community in the world and Christians are a minority in many countries. See: Christian persecution

The majority of violence against atheists occurs in Muslim countries (see: History, violence, atheism and Islam).

Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists

See also: Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists

Although it is not reported in the press often, due the press preferring to focus on controversy and conflict, as it garners more viewership/readers, many Christians quietly pray for atheists/agnostics - even those of the militant variety such as Richard Dawkins.[22] The late atheist Christopher Hitchens had many Christians praying for him before he passed away and were saddened when he died.[23]

Richard Wurmbrand, who endured years of torture by an atheistic communist government and wrote the wrote the book Tortured for Christ, indicated that he had a compassion even for those who tortured him by "looking at men .. not as they are, but as they will be ... I could also see in our persecutors ... a future Apostle Paul ... (and) the jailer in Philippi who became a convert."[24]

Jesus Christ said pray for those who persecute you and love your enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Hatred of atheists by non-Christians and immature Christians

See also: Views on atheists and Atheism and social outcasts

Atheism is an arrogant ideology which has a lot of arrogant, angry, quarrelsome and immoral adherents (see: Atheism and arrogance and Atheism and anger and Atheism and social intelligence and Atheist population and immorality and Atheism and love). As a result, atheists often create a lot antipathy towards themselves - especially atheists who are militant atheists/misotheists (see: Views on atheists).

In addition, in the United States, many American atheists are leftists who engage in identity politics. As a result, many atheists like to whine about how they are viewed negatively in society which has a tendency to foster additional antipathy towards them (See Atheist whining). Given the foolish nature of atheism and given that atheists in the United States tend to be white males, identity politics has not gained much traction in the political realm (see: Western atheism and race and Atheism and women). Furthermore, many conservative theists dislike that fact that atheists have engaged in pushing their ideology in the educational system (see: Atheist indoctrination).

Fear of death and distrust of atheists

See also: Atheism and death and Views on atheists

According to a study performed in the United States by the researchers Wink and Scott, very religious people fear death the least.[25]

The very religious fear death the least (see: Atheism and death anxiety and Atheism and death).

However, there is research suggesting that among religious people who fear death, antagonism toward atheists can be driven by their fear of death.[26]

An abstract of the Sage journal article What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen and Sheldon Solomon indicates:

“ Terror management theory posits that the uniquely human awareness of death gives rise to potentially paralyzing terror that is assuaged by embracing cultural worldviews that provide a sense that one is a valuable participant in a meaningful universe. We propose that pervasive and pronounced anti-atheist prejudices stem, in part, from the existential threat posed by conflicting worldview beliefs. Two studies were conducted to establish that existential concerns contribute to anti-atheist sentiments. Experiment 1 found that a subtle reminder of death increased disparagement, social distancing, and distrust of atheists. Experiment 2 found that asking people to think about atheism increased the accessibility of implicit death thoughts. These studies provide the first empirical link between existential concerns and anti-atheist prejudices[27] ”

Discover magazine wrote about the study by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen and Sheldon Solomon:

“ These death thoughts help trigger a subconscious dislike of atheists, said study leader Corey Cook, a social psychologist at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Not only do thoughts of death put people in a negative frame of mind, Cook told Live Science, but they also prompt people to hold more tightly onto their own values.[28] ”

Theophobia among atheists

Last Judgment by Johann Georg Unruhe - Damned souls going to Hell.

Theophobia is a fear of religion and/or God/gods. A portion of atheists fear God and the existence of Hell plays a role in this matter (see: Atheism and Hell).

For example, the journalist and ex-atheist Peter Hitchens, who is the brother of the late atheist Christopher Hitchens, said upon seeing an art exhibit of Michelangelo's painting The Last Judgment he came to the realization that he might be judged which startled him.[29] This started a train of thought within Peter Hichens that eventually led him to become a Christian.[30]

For more information, please see: Atheism and Hell.

New Atheists and accusations of Islamophobia

The New Atheists Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and the late Christopher Hitchens have received multiple accusations of engaging in Islamophobic behavior.[31] On the other hand, defenders of atheist criticisms of Islam/Muslims indicated that New Atheists should be able to criticize Islam without being accused of Islamophobia.[32]

See also

External links

Decline of global atheism:

Notes

  1. ↑ Atheophobia
  2. ↑ Definition of atheophobia at Allwords.com
  3. ↑ Study: Atheists distrusted as much as rapists
  4. ↑ Atheists Widely Distrusted, Even Among Themselves, UK Study Finds, Christian Post, 2015
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Anti-atheist distrust ‘deeply and culturally ingrained’, study finds, The Independent, 2015
  6. ↑ Edgell, Gerteis & Hartmann 2006
  7. ↑ Ian H. Hutchinson. Ian Hutchinson on the New Atheists. BioLogos Foundation. Retrieved on 29 September 2011. “Ian Hutchinson tells us in this video discussion that New Atheism -- a term used to describe recent intellectual attacks against religion -- is actually a misnomer. It is better, he says, to call the movement “Militant Atheism”. In fact, the arguments made by New Atheists are not new at all, but rather extensions of intellectual threads which have existed since the late 19th century. The only unique quality of this movement is the degree of criticism and edge with which its members write and speak about religion. According to Hutchinson, the books written by New Atheists in the past decade simply restate many of the same arguments which have emanated from atheist thinkers for decades. The militant edge of these arguments is what makes “New” Atheism unique and elevates it to a level of popularity within a subset of the population. It is because these Militant Atheists show no respect at all for religion, says Hutchinson, that they are receiving status as a new movement.”
  8. ↑ Simon Hooper. The rise of the 'New Atheists'. Cable News Network (CNN). Retrieved on 10 March 2011. “What the New Atheists share is a belief that religion should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized and exposed by rational argument wherever its influence arises.”
  9. ↑ Amarnath Amarasingam. Religion and the New Atheism (Studies in Critical Social Sciences: Studies in Critical Research on Religion 1). Brill Academic Publishers. Retrieved on 10 March 2011. “For the new atheists, tolerance of intolerance (often presented in the guise of relativism of multiculturalism) is one of the greatest dangers in contemporary society.” 
  10. ↑ Stephen Prothero. God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World--and Why Their Differences Matter. HarperOne. Retrieved on 10 March 2011. “For these New Atheists and their acolytes, the problem is not religious fanaticism. The problem is religion itlself. So-called moderates only spread the "mind viruses" of religion by making them appear to be less authoritarian, misogynistic, and irrational than they actually are.” 
  11. ↑ http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups
  12. ↑ Belief in God rises with age, even in atheist nations
  13. ↑ Multiple references:
  14. ↑ Investigating atheism: Marxism. University of Cambridge (2008). Retrieved on July 17, 2014. “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.”
  15. ↑ Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg (2009). On Superconductivity and Superfluidity: A Scientific Autobiography. Springer Science+Business Media, 161. Retrieved on July 17, 2014. “The Bolshevik communists were not merely atheists but, according to Lenin's terminology, militant atheists.” 
  16. ↑ Multiple references:
    James Adair (2007). Christianity: The eBook. JBE Online Books, 461. Retrieved on July 18, 2014. “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 to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a list of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Terror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.” 
    William Belsham (1801). Memoirs of the Reign of George III. to the Session of Parliament ending A.D. 1793, Volume 5. G.G. & J. Robinson, 105–6. Retrieved on July 18, 2014. “In allusion to the monstrous transactions of this portentous period, it has been eloquently 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.'”     
    William Kilpatrick (2012). Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West. Ignatius Press, 57. Retrieved on July 18, 2014. “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 not 'ultimately' but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract 'reason' and 'liberty' degenerated 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.”     
  17. ↑
  18. ↑ Pew Forum Religious Landscape Survey - Key findings
  19. ↑ Belief in God Far Lower in Western U.S. Gallup.com. Retrieved on 2012-02-05.
  20. ↑ 2013 FBI hate crime statistics
  21. ↑ Atheism: The Next Civil Rights movement, Vlad Chituc, The Daily Beast, 4-6-2015
  22. ↑ Richard Dawkins upset that public doesn’t like him by Warren Nunn, Published by Creation Ministries International 13 May 2014 (GMT+10)
  23. ↑ Christians Grieve Death of Christopher Hitchens; Share Hopes for Deathbed Conversion by Eryn Sun, Christian Post Reporter, December 16, 2011
  24. ↑ dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs. Jesus Freaks: Stories of those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks. Bethany House Publishers, 1999, p. 67
  25. ↑ Fear of death: worst if you’re a little religious?, World of Science]
  26. ↑ What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen, Sheldon Solomon, Sage
  27. ↑ What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice by Corey L. Cook, Florette Cohen, Sheldon Solomon, Sage
  28. ↑ Atheists Inspire Thoughts of Death in Many Americans by Stephanie Pappas, LiveScience, Discover magazine, May 23, 2015 09:25 AM ET
  29. ↑ Interview of Peter Hitchens - Video at Vimeo
  30. ↑ Interview of Peter Hitchens - Video at Vimeo
  31. ↑
  32. ↑ New Atheism should be able to criticise Islam without being accused of Islamophobia by Andrew Zak Williams, New Statesman, Published 19 April 2013
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