What Is New About The New Atheism?

With the publication of best-selling books by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and the late Christopher Hitchens in 2004 to 2007, the New Atheism inaugurated a new chapter in public discourse about God. Offering a zealous, confident, proselytizing brand of atheism, it has divided opinion and gained a large, popular following as well as much criticism from religious believers, other atheists, and agnostics.

A number of key tenets of the New Atheism can be identified. First, and perhaps most fundamental, is the idea that belief in God is not just mistaken, but irrational and delusional. Ironically, however, the confidence with which such claims are made far outstrips the arguments presented in New Atheist literature. The New Atheists fail to draw on the best atheistic arguments available, largely ignoring the best theistic arguments.

Second, the New Atheists claim that belief in God is dangerous. Citing the role of religion in many conflicts around the world, they offer a simplistic analysis of the problem as well as a strategy for resolving it: religion is the problem and marginalizing religion is the solution. Third, and despite being corrected on the assumption many times, the New Atheists insist that faith is belief in the absence of evidence. This misconception plays a fundamental role in their thinking because faith is labeled as irrational and dangerous, and is indeed tantamount to child abuse when taught to children. It also means that different religions cannot be adequately distinguished because all are equally guilty of faith.

Fourth, the New Atheists claim that science, particularly evolution, has explained God away. This strategy faces serious problems. For one thing, there is no simple way to move from “science explains” to “science explains away.” That leap requires a philosophical argument, and this creates a dilemma for the New Atheists: They want to give the impression that it is the progress of science, not philosophy, that gets rid of God; however, their arguments are, at root, philosophical in nature—not to mention unconvincing. To make matters worse, modern observational science arguably provides some of the strongest reasons for belief in God.

Fifth, the New Atheists reserve a particular contempt for revelation. Belief in miracles is assumed unscientific, the very existence of Jesus is considered debatable, the four Gospels are treated as legends arbitrarily selected for inclusion in the New Testament and have been “seriously corrupted” over time. None of this stands up to scrutiny.

While none of the above tenets is unique to the New Atheism, the manner in which key writers have promoted their cause, and the political and cultural context in which they have done so, are key factors in its success. Often making effective use of ridicule, the New Atheists have produced a popular brand of atheism, suitably marketed for the Internet and social media, that appeals to many who are cynical and disaffected with religion. While the New Atheism’s intellectual case leaves a lot to be desired, Christians should not underestimate its impact and need to be prepared to respond to its claims.