"New Atheists" : Traditional Atheism :: Neoconservatism : Traditional Conservatism?

Question

New Atheists:
http://www.wired.com/news/wiredmag/1,71985-0.html

Neoconservatives (Religious Right) and "New Atheists," though seemingly opposites, all appear to have the goal of polarizing groups that were formerly happy to "live and let live" (a few lively but friendly discussions on politics and religion notwithstanding.)

What do you think?

Answer 1

Somewhere along the road the neoconservatives got the idea that evangelizing includes brow beating and threats to force others to believe as they do. Any truly religious person will tell you that the only way to true faith is through your own heart. The whole point of evangelizing is literally to "spread the word" regarding your beliefs. That is where the similarity to atheists lies.

Traditionally, Atheism has never been a socially acceptable position. As a responsible adult in an open society, you have to accept atheists beliefs as their own just as you would for any religious believers. Atheism is simply a belief that the power over the lives of people is in their own being.

Since religious groups have become more and more political their spokespersons have begun to bastardize the traditional beliefs in order to gain power. The religious right spouts the fears that lie in the hearts of everyone and attempts to convince the public that the "non-believers" are to blame for them. In some respects, they go so far that the true believers stay out of the political conversations and the "band wagon" believers are ready to force anyone to their ways.

Atheists have never had a more socially acceptable place in modern history as they do now. In politics, it takes numbers to achieve what you want done. In order to get out from under the seemingly growing power of the RR, masses of atheists have been forced to identify (not to imply they were/are hiding their beliefs) publicly with one another.

There is a whole sector of our society that is nothing more than sheep and will follow the group that promises the most "happy" outlook to their lives. They are free game for the political machine that is using religious beliefs as fuel.

Answer 2

Well, there are moderates amongst the religious sect. Quite a bit of religious people actually don't mind other people's beliefs. It's because they don't speak against other beliefs, that they are not heard in the debate. The most vocal amongst the religious sect, is the religious conservatives. And they, of course, have the mindset to convert anyone whose beliefs don't coincide with theirs.

Atheists were formerly a smaller group, and are still growing. With their growth, their voice is now heard louder. Mostly of scientific background, their very nature makes them question the beliefs of religious people. They've always been on the other end of the spectrum, but it's just more apparent now.

Answer 3

I can't speak for every Republican or Conservative, but I call myself both and answer this way: Most conservative values are what the world would call a stricter way of living, but that we think makes for a simpler and happier and less complicated life. We believe in lifelong marriage between two people of the opposite sex (though this is changing for some to mean of the same sex), waiting to have sex until you are married or at the very least engaged, living responsibly, obeying laws of the land, paying off your own debts by working, treating others respectfully, giving back to others in need, and teaching all of these values to your children.

Answer 4

yeah, us atheists, have a whole NWO approach to politics now. Us disparate 5% of the population. Yeah, that's right-- NWO!

Answer 5

I don't get what you are trying to say.