Alex O'Connor, aka Cosmic Skeptic, discusses his changing relationship with new atheism and why he's reevaluating his early takes on Christianity. They explore the decline of the new atheism movement, the evolving perceptions of atheism and religion, and how personal experiences play a role in belief in God. The episode also includes a bonus interview with Alex discussing his YouTube channel and podcast.
The popularity of new atheism has declined, with people becoming less confident in the claim that religion is inherently bad.
The conversation around religion has moved beyond simply labeling it as bad and has become more focused on the cultural and experiential aspects of religious belief.
Deep dives
The Decline of New Atheism
The popularity of new atheism has declined, with people becoming less confident in the claim that religion is inherently bad. The meaning crisis and the rise of post-Christian culture may have contributed to this shift. Many people still think that certain forms of religious belief and faith-based thinking are problematic, but they acknowledge the need for nuance in discussing religion. The conversation around religion has moved beyond simply labeling it as bad and has become more focused on the cultural and experiential aspects of religious belief.
The Shift in Atheist Identities
The identity of being an atheist has evolved from being a defining characteristic to being just one aspect of a person's beliefs. Many people no longer explicitly identify as atheists unless it becomes relevant to the conversation. There is less pejorative connotation associated with the term, but self-proclaimed atheists who actively engage in atheism-related discussions may still be associated with the new atheist movement.
The Intellectual Landscape and Arguments
Intellectually, the landscape around belief in God hasn't dramatically shifted. The arguments for and against the existence of God remain largely the same, with occasional new perspectives or expressions of existing arguments. The decline of new atheism may have resulted in a reduced focus on atheism-related arguments, as people consider the broader cultural and experiential aspects of religious belief. Personal experiences play a significant role in religious belief, and a transformative experience of feeling unconditionally loved could potentially move the dial for an atheist.
A Cultural and Spiritual Rebirth
While an intellectual rebirth of belief in God may be less likely, there are signs of a cultural and spiritual shift in people's attitudes. The meaning crisis, along with the desire for cultural belonging and identity, has led to a growing interest in religious belief, including Christianity and Islam. People may be drawn to religious communities and practices for the sense of purpose, belonging, and moral guidance they offer. This shift is less about intellectual arguments and more about finding meaning, connection, and a sense of identity.
A bonus episode of full conversation with popular atheist YouTuber Alex O Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic). He talks to Justin about his own changing relationship with new atheism, and why he is rethinking some of his early takes on Christianity. The documentary format resumes next week.