The Origins of New Atheism and the Influence of 9/11

The 9/11 attacks in 2001 acted as a catalyst for the emergence of the New Atheism movement, revealing religion as potentially harmful and fueling anti-religious sentiments. Figures like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins gained prominence for their convincing arguments against religion, which were perceived as relevant and appealing in the post-9/11 crisis. Religious fanaticism following 9/11 was blamed for the attacks, leading to the perception of religion as the enemy. The new atheists, including Sam Harris, capitalized on this sentiment, emphasizing the dangers of religious certainty in the wake of the tragic events. The movement challenged religious beliefs and highlighted the risks associated with blind faith, presenting a critical response to religious extremism and advocating for a more rational approach to understanding the world.