What is a "fundamentalist atheist"?

Question

There was a recent question posted inquiring as to the difference between fundamentalist Christians and "fundamentalist atheists".

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgQN245Eo54fpjcBQcvGgm3sy6IX?qid=20070101111351AAqLtLQ&show=7

Please... SOMEONE... tell me what a "fundamentalist atheist" is.

Answer 1

"Fundamentalist" is a term used to distinguish between different attitudes to sacred texts. Fundamentalist Christians believe that the Bible is inerrant, historically and scientifically accurate, and the "Word of God" - although what the latter expression means, precisely, can be hard to pin down. Non fundamentalists hold that the Bible can be subjected to the tests and critical processes that can be used for any other text. The conclusion of most non fundamentalist Christians is that Biblical texts express the religious beliefs and world view of their authors, and should be read within that context.

Strictly speaking there is no such thing as a fundamentalist atheist because there is no sacred text that is beyond taking a critical approach. Conversely, in Islam the distinction is unhelpful, as most Muslim theology accepts the divine origin of the Koran, although there are many traditions about how that Word should be interpreted.

These days the term is sometimes used as a synonym for "extremist", or someone with strongly held or rigid views, but this misses the original meaning of the term.

Answer 2

I assume from the additional details they were meaning a "hard" atheist that absolutely 100% won't allow even the slightest possibly of a god. I never hear it put exactly that way before.

I don't think most of us fit that category. I am very sure there isn't one, but if pressed I would say there is a tiny chance.

Edit: Nikki -- Stalin wasn't an extremist because he was an atheist, so that isn't a good example.

Answer 3

I found this:
http://www.tektonics.org/parody/fundyath.html

Apparently anyone who argues against them can be called a fundamental atheist.

The History section is especially full of 'straw men'. It's all full of 'straw men'. I've never seen anyone claim Lord of the Rings is more believable than the Bible.

Answer 4

It is a play on words. They assume that it is a fundamental way to not believe in God. It matters not what they think, say or do. It is Satanism. The truth is not determined by who believes it. God does exist. It is impossible to really be an atheist....because there is a God and if you do not believe in him then you are a Satanic person....period!

Answer 5

Don't know, but let's add to the list of silly descriptives used on here.

Answer 6

an abortion clinic bomber is a christian extremist
joseph stalin was an example of an atheist extremist
hope this helps :)

:it was an atheist lead attrocity. please research as to why he killed millions of people. politics & to get rid of religious freedom. or the religious freedom could've been pol pot Another atheist extremist. thanks.

Answer 7

null and void I do believe.