Off The Map Discussion Board for Christians, Atheists and People In-between

Siamang · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1144

Maybe it's just me and the fact that I'm into this stuff, so I'm noticing it more. Maybe there's nothing more than what's been happening usually.

But I get the feeling that there's some movement in the public dialogue here in the US regarding atheism.

I'm not going to call it an awakening, for I don't like the loaded nature of that term. But I get the distinct impression of being on the front-side of a curve here. Sam Harris has got two bestsellers. Dawkins book is also coming out. More and more atheists are gaining notice in the media, like Hemant and Julia Sweeney.

Whereas 20 years ago an atheist was most likely a lone iconoclast with very little connection to a larger community that shared her beliefs... today that picture is quite different. If nothing else, I would really like this movement to get across the message: It's okay not to believe.

Anyone else sensing something, or is it my imagination?

Julie Marie · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 867 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC

I'm seeing more and more atheist mentions - I was thinking it was just because I was noticing since I've got cyber-friends who are atheists now...but maybe there is more going on.

Karen · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 847

It's definitely interesting that a movie like 'Jesus Camp' - which arguably points up the "dark side" of childhood religious training - comes out in the very same week that Dawkins introduces his website, with a major goal being to counteract religious indoctrination of children.

There seems to be some synergy there. I also note that Harris's book is 4 on the Amazon topseller list and Dawkins's is 11.

Maybe we're finally getting to a time where "atheist" isn't a word people flinch at anymore - at least in certain parts of the country? Not in Isaone's neighborhood, of course, but in some places.

Eliza · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 800 Location: Seattle WA

I was wondering the same thing just this past week or so, especially with Sam Harris's 2 books doing well. Maybe in some part due to the poor showing of an administration w/ ties to the Religious Right? Maybe in some part due to influences like The Daily Show & The Colbert Report, popular & outspoken in questioning conservative positions (and, just about everything)? Maybe just a pendulum swing, & we'll get bopped by the thing as it swings back in a while...

Julie Marie · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 867 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC

I do think that the bald faced powergrabbing of those on the religous right have displayed over the past 4 years, on the heels of their apparent victory, has been a turnoff to many. And this comes from a self described conservative evangelical with the bookshelf and CD collection to prove it. I was as insulated as a person can get in 21st century America.

But somewhere along the way I noticed the tone of my Chrisitan "leaders" had become demanding, intolerant, and imperious. I doubt I'm the only one of "us" who noticed. Once I realized this, I started to change and I imagine there alot of "us" rethinking our position.

Not to mention, for those who were NOT CE Xians before the Carl Rove Architecture...I can only imagine how hungry they are to get some alternative thoughts out there in the marketplace of ideas....

David S · Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 8:22 am Post subject:

Gee I take a break to get some work down and that's when something happens.

Seriously though I've noticed some media around the various books being published but I dunno if there's something larger than that. We'll see if there's any staying power.

Until I see a backlash against religion become so outrageously Christianized I don't think there's really anything serious happening.

Eliza · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 800 Location: Seattle WA

Maybe small, but I think serious.

This You Tube video, Jon Stewart on "War on Xmas" seems to me an example of change, with potential to exert further effect:

(1) He refers to his show as "godless"
(2) He uses humor (which seems irreverent), but also references American history (religious history) & the Constitution to support his argument - imo that adds weight, rationality.
(3) His show is very popular. Alot of people see him (and Stephen Colbert) bring this kind of "mirror showing" to lots of topics of public interest, esp. politics, and religion esp. where it intersects with politics & the media.

TXatheist · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 1150

Siamang,
Imo since Newdow stood up I think I personally have become more outspoken. I can't say I see it happening more but I've noticed atheism points of interest for years now. I'll actually tune into Faux News if I know Michael Newdow, Dan Barker or Ellen Johnson are going to be on there.

Karen · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 847

Anybody see Aaron Sorkin's new show - Studio 60 - on Monday? It may fall into this "is something happening?" column. The show deals with the issues of censorship, the religious right, patriotism and the "culture wars."

They had a game show sketch (the show is set behind-the-scenes at a show like SNL) called "Science-Schmiance" where the "panelists" were a fundamentalist Jew, Muslim and Christian, along with Tom Cruise and a witch. (That's pretty out-there to start with.)

The host asked questions like "How old is the earth" and then countered the fundamentalist responses ("The bible says the earth is 6,000 years old") with scientific findings (articulated in an incredulous "isn't that crazy!" tone) which were "rebutted" when the audience yelled, "Science-Schmiance!!"

Pretty much an "out-there" challenge from a skeptical (if not atheistic) viewpoint. The show revolves around how heartland viewers complain about these things and how the writers have to consider or ignore that pressure. It's pretty good so far. Monday's episode was definitely the best of the first three.

Karen · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 847

I'm still not sure that "something's happening" - though I'm a little more persuaded after the Dawkins' lecture - but apparently some Christians think there is: