New Atheism Analysis

Over the past ten years, atheism has been on a downhill spiral. The teachings and argumentation of Christian scholars found holes in the doctrines and beliefs of atheism. With the lack of offensive gain in the field of the form atheism that was common, a new form is beginning to take hold in the minds of individuals. The reboot of New Atheism is the "Newer" New atheism. "Newer" New Atheism takes a new outlook on the past teachings of New Atheism. After examination of the "Newer" New Atheism, differences from the New Atheism will be discussed, what tone the "Newer" New Atheism uses, the attractiveness of it to people, and ways to respond in an Apologetic manner. To begin, a background of New Atheism is necessary before explaining the "Newer"

In an article by Alister McGrath, he gave insight to New Atheism. The new atheism Alister McGrath addressed in his article was the virulent form of new atheism that came about ten-plus years ago. The form of new atheism McGrath wrote about could be described as demeaning, snobbish, and criticizing. New Atheism sought to ridicule all those against its underlying belief that there was no god or supernatural entity with a demeaning tone towards the religious. Its style of argumentation, rather than providing substantial proofs and evidence that there is no supernatural, sought to pick out holes and weaker points of the religious arguments. As Alister McGrath stated "…the New Atheism is increasingly being seen as a one-trick pony. It 's great for its predictable theatrical denunciations of religion…" McGrath even referred to David Bentley Hart who "remarked that the New Atheism is ‘so intellectually and morally trivial ' that it is bet classified as merely another ‘form of light entertainment. ' The main common ground between all New Atheists other than the belief of no supernatural is a common hatred and degradation of the religious

After all the darkness and hatred formed by New Atheism, in swoops the "Newer" New Atheism to save the day, at least for Atheists. After observing the dates on given sources, the "Newer" New Atheism or Atheism 2.0 (as referred to as by Alain de Botton) came about roughly four to five years ago. Atheism 2.0 takes a more positive stance on atheism versus the negative position taken by New Atheism. Two main proponents of Atheism 2.0 is Alain de Botton and The Human Project. Atheism 2.0 possess the characterizations of empowerment, tolerance, and optimism. Atheism 2.0 gives off a more uplifting and positive vibe rather than the tone previously given by New Atheism. Atheism 2.0 does make some arguments but does not outright argue against religion. In a video by The Human Project, they state their disapproval of religion by stating "A 1,000 years ago, we were all God 's creation, except the guys next door were heathens." The Human Project is pointing out their discontentment with the doctrine of religion and the hypocrisy they see in it. Also, The Human Project in their videos make two statements concerning religion, "How inspired is a trapped soul?" and "Any purpose with a final destination is shrink wrap on the human spirit." The statements made by Atheism 2.0 show that they believe religion is a burden on the human spirit and holding us back from reaching our full potential. The Human Project is arguing that humans need to further themselves from God and religion so they can