

WOF 409: The Rise and Fall of the New Atheism
11 snips Oct 23, 2023
This podcast explores the rise and fall of the New Atheism movement, discussing its appeal to young people and its failure to provide a satisfying alternative to religion. It also explores the search for meaning and the shifting landscape of atheism, as well as addressing questions about the gender of the Holy Spirit and introducing a book on Catholic classical education.
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Rise Fueled By Rhetoric And 9/11
- New Atheism was a post‑9/11 rhetorical movement that tied religion to violence and used provocative nastiness to mobilize emotion.
- Bishop Robert Barron argues their arguments were old but their tone and timing made them influential among youth.
Science + Social Media Amplified The Message
- Social media amplified shallow, emotional responses and spread atheist views quickly.
- Barron says scientism from scientists made religion seem obsolete and helped New Atheists' appeal.
Why Young People Embraced It
- Young people were drawn to rhetorically gifted critics like Dawkins and Hitchens who offered simple, emotive narratives.
- Barron links attraction to youthful resentment toward religious demands and desire for freedom.