Dive into the intriguing complexities of the New Atheism movement and its surprising parallels with the Woke Right. Explore how internal tensions could threaten anti-woke objectives and the nuances of critiquing Christian nationalism without attacking faith itself. Discover the connection between assertive Christianity and maintaining societal order, while examining the implications of political divisions shaped by woke ideologies. Reflect on the ideological intersections of atheism, Marxism, and contemporary debates that challenge our understanding of religion and politics.
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Lindsay's New Atheist Experience
James Lindsay was involved in the New Atheist Movement and wrote a book titled "God Doesn't, We Do" which aligned inadvertently with Marxist ideas.
He was once called the Karl Marx of New Atheism despite not having read Marx then and being against communism otherwise.
insights INSIGHT
Christian Nationalism's Human Shields
Criticism of Christian nationalism is often twisted into criticism of Christians generally.
Christian nationalists use sincere Christians as human shields to avoid political criticism.
insights INSIGHT
Woke Right Mirrors Woke Tactics
The 'woke right' mimics tactics of woke movements by adopting similar epistemologies and cancel culture behaviors.
This new right movement uses distorted versions of critical theory similar to new atheism’s dynamic.
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Karl Marx's Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 are a collection of writings that explore the nature of alienation, private property, and communism. These essays delve into Marx's early critique of capitalism, focusing on the dehumanizing effects of industrial labor. He examines how capitalism alienates workers from their labor, the products of their labor, their fellow workers, and ultimately, themselves. Marx's analysis lays the groundwork for his later, more mature works, such as Das Kapital. The manuscripts offer a profound and enduring critique of the social and economic structures of capitalism.
God Doesn't; We Do
James A. Lindsay
Kingdom Coming
Michelle Goldberg
In 'Kingdom Coming', Michelle Goldberg explores the growing influence of Christian nationalism in American politics, highlighting its impact on democracy and the values of the Enlightenment. The book delves into the parallel right-wing evangelical culture supported by Republican political patronage, illustrating how this movement seeks to transform the secular Republic into a Christian nation.
Everybody is wrong about God
James A. Lindsay
The Legal Basis of the Total State
Carl Schmitt
In 'The Legal Basis of the Total State', Carl Schmitt examines the legal underpinnings of a state that exercises comprehensive control over all aspects of society. This concept was initially applied to the liberal state of the Weimar Republic but later aligned with the authoritarian tendencies of the Nazi regime. Schmitt's theory emphasizes the role of sovereignty and the state's ability to intervene in all spheres of life.
Letter to a Christian Nation
Sam Harris
In 'Letter to a Christian Nation', Sam Harris responds to the feedback he received after the publication of his first book, 'The End of Faith'. Harris argues against the rationality of Christian scriptures and the concept of intelligent design, highlighting the conflicts between religion and science. He critiques the moral and intellectual implications of religious dogma, particularly in areas such as stem-cell research, condom use in Africa, and the prevention of HIV and AIDS. Harris also addresses the problem of evil and the perceived false morality created by religious beliefs. The book is written in the form of an open letter to a Christian in the United States, aiming to challenge the influence of faith on public policy and societal values.
The Communist Manifesto
Friedrich Engels
Karl Marx
Satanic Verses
Salman Rushdie
The novel follows the lives of two Indian Muslims, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, who survive a plane hijacking and subsequent explosion. As they fall from the plane, they are transformed into angelic and satanic figures. The story delves into various themes, including the founding of Islam through the character Mahound, the story of a visionary girl named Ayesha, and the struggles of identity and faith. The book is known for its complex, multilayered plot and its use of dreams within dreams, which generated significant controversy due to its satirical and imaginative treatment of Islamic themes.
Capital
Karl Marx
Das Kapital is a comprehensive critique of capitalism written by Karl Marx. The work is divided into three volumes. Volume I, published in 1867, focuses on the production process of capital, introducing the concept of surplus value and the exploitation of labor. Volume II, published posthumously in 1885, examines the circulation of capital, while Volume III, published in 1894, discusses the capitalist process as a whole, including the internal differentiation of the capitalist class and the tendency of the rate of profit to fall. Marx argues that capitalism is characterized by the exploitation of labor, leading to class conflict and eventual crises that necessitate the emergence of a new mode of production[1][4][5].
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