What New Atheists Get Wrong About History w/ Historian Nathan Johnstone
Aug 7, 2024
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Historian Nathan Johnstone, author of "The New Atheism, Myth, and History," joins the conversation to unravel misconceptions about religious history. He critiques the simplistic portrayals of events like the Inquisition and witch hunts by new atheists, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding. Johnstone explores atheism's complex historical impact, including the dark legacies of atheistic regimes and the religious dimensions of Nazism. He highlights the importance of clear historical narratives to combat misinformation and foster deeper discussions.
The podcast critiques how New Atheists misrepresent historical events, particularly witch hunts and the Inquisition, to attack religion.
It highlights the oversimplification of torture's historical context, emphasizing legal motivations over purely religious dogma during the medieval period.
The discussion addresses that both atheistic and religious ideologies can lead to oppression, urging a balanced understanding of historical abuses across belief systems.
Deep dives
Motivation Behind the Book
The author expresses a genuine interest in discussing the concept of New Atheism, emphasizing their non-believer stance while critiquing the historical inaccuracies presented by prominent figures in the movement, such as Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins. Initially intending to write a shorter critique, the author found the topic so rich and complex that it expanded into a comprehensive academic study. The book ultimately aims to defend a more accurate portrayal of history against the New Atheist narrative, which the author argues is often outdated and oversimplified. By addressing these misrepresentations, the author seeks both to clarify historical events and to challenge the perceived authority of the New Atheists' interpretations.
Myths of Witch Hunts and the Inquisition
The podcast discusses prevalent myths surrounding witch hunts and the role of the Inquisition, often cited by New Atheist advocates to criticize religion. The author argues that this perspective inaccurately portrays Europe as a landscape riddled with witch trials when historical evidence shows that such events were relatively rare and localized. Contrary to claims made by figures like Sam Harris, the author points out that the Inquisition was more skeptical regarding witchcraft accusations, employing strict guidelines on evidence and significantly limiting executions. This nuanced view contrasts sharply with the generalization that religion, particularly Christianity, was the sole driver of witch hunts and brutality.
Rethinking Torture and its Historical Context
In addressing the use of torture in historical contexts, the discussion reveals how the New Atheists simplify the reasons behind such practices, attributing them solely to religious dogma. The author emphasizes that torture's historical reintroduction during the medieval period arose from legal rationalization efforts rather than purely religious motivations. Furthermore, the podcast highlights that while the medieval Church employed torture, it did so with strict legal frameworks compared to more chaotic secular tribunals. This complexity underscores the need to recognize that historical abuses are not straightforward expressions of religious belief but are interwoven with societal norms and legal practices.
Atheism and Historical Oppression
The podcast explores the often-ignored reality that atheistic ideologies have also led to oppression throughout history, challenging the notion that atheism inherently safeguards against such acts. The author argues that atheism, while not a prescriptive ideology, carries the potential to foster beliefs about the dangers associated with religion, potentially leading to repressive measures. The discussion also aligns atheism with a broader narrative about how any belief system, when held with fervor, can lead to persecution. By recognizing that both religious and non-religious ideologies can result in harmful outcomes, the author encourages a more balanced examination of historical events across all belief systems.
Misunderstanding Nazism and its Ideological Roots
Addressing the New Atheists' use of historical figures like Adolf Hitler, the podcast highlights how both sides of the God debate seek to claim Nazism for their arguments, often oversimplifying a complex reality. The author engages with the theory of political religion to suggest that Nazism might be better understood as a product of secularization rather than traditional religion. This theory posits that when traditional religious structures weaken, new forms of belief can emerge, such as the extreme nationalism promoted by the Nazis. This nuanced perspective undermines the simplistic view that equates Nazism directly with religious motivations, reminding listeners of the complex relationship between ideology, belief, and atrocity.
Historian Nathan Johnstone joins me to discuss his book, "The New Atheism, Myth, and History." We will discuss how many of the new atheists have misrepresented historical events and facts to attack religion. From the Inquisition to Nazi Germany, there are many blunders new atheists have made.
Link to book: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...https://www.amazon.com/New-Atheism-My...
