Richard Dawkins has a bright idea: Atheists are the new gays. Is he joking? Not at all. The bestselling author of The God Delusion has been suggesting for two years now that atheists can follow the example of gays. You see, gays have found a good name. Gays used to be called homosexual, but then they decided to pick a positive-sounding name like "gay." Suddenly the meaning of the term "gay" was entirely appropriated by homosexuals. Dawkins cited this example in advocating that atheists call themselves "brights." After all, atheist is a somewhat negative term because it defines itself by what it is opposed to. "Bright" sounds so much happier and, more important, smarter. "Bright" kind of reflects the high opinion that atheists have of their own intellectual abilities. Even the stupidest village atheist gets to pat himself on the back and place himself in the tradition of science and philosophy by calling himself a "bright."
Dawkins has also suggested that atheists, like gays, should come out of the closet. Well, what if they don't want to? I don't know if Dawkins would support "outing" atheists. Can an atheist "rights" group be far behind? Hate crimes laws to protect atheists? Affirmative action for unbelievers? An Atheist Annual Parade, complete with dancers and floats? Atheist History Month?
Honestly, I think the whole atheist-gay analogy is quite absurd. How bright is it for Dawkins to urge atheists to come out of the closet in the style of the all-American boy standing up on the dining table of his public high school and confessing that he is a homosexual? Dawkins, being British, doesn't seem to recognize that this would not win many popularity contests in America. And if Dawkins' public relations skills seem lacking in this area, they are positively abysmal when they come to building support for science. Remember that Dawkins is professor of the public understanding of science. He has a chair funded by a Microsoft multimillionaire. If I were that guy, I'd withdraw the support, not because I disagree with Dawkins, but because I think he is setting back the cause of science. Basically Dawkins is saying if you are religious, then science is your enemy. Either you choose God or you choose science. No wonder that so many Americans say they are opposed to evolution. They believe that evolution is atheism masquerading as science, and Dawkins confirms their suspicions. Indeed Dawkins takes the same position as the most ignorant fundamentalist: you can have Darwin or you can have the Bible but you can't have both.
Dawkins is in some ways a terrible representative for atheism, which I'm glad about because a bad cause deserves a bad leader. He is also a terrible advocate for science, which I'm sad about because science deserves all the support it can get.
Reader Comments ( Page 6 of 30)
76. Does Dinesh have ANYTHING else to talk about besides athiests and gays? ALL of his last FIVE posts have been about athiests and Christianity.
This obsession is getting SO tedious.
As his is arrogant air of superiority.
Best at 12:10PM on Nov 9th 2007
77. Here's a zany thought-- instead of doing nice things because you think you'll get into heaven when you die, how about doing nice things because they're the right thing to do?
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The christian answer: But... But... What's in it for ME?
They CAN'T see that some people are actually moral just for the pleasure of being moral. It makes no sense to them. Why be moral, they ask? If there's no consequences in the afterlife, no heaven to try to get into, wouldn't everyone just be evil?
No, you dope, only YOUR TYPE would be, since you're all evidently evil inside just wanting to get out, and only held back by your intense FEAR of hell. Other people actually develop themselves to the point where they see that doing good is the most rational and logical way to behave in the world, and get genuine gratification from helping others, and loving others. No need for Heaven or Hell: In fact, it would mean a lot less of they were involved.
Brian at 12:12PM on Nov 9th 2007
78. Atheists like to think they are the smartest people in the room, and at least those on this blog tend to look down their noses at people of faith.
It is probably natural for atheists want the world or at elast this nation and culture to reflect their view, but the fact of the matter is it never has, and hoepfully never will.
The United States of America was the first land in modern times that allowed people to hold views such as atheists hold. They are allowed because we are a tolerant people and as such, we value freedom of religion, among other diverse views.
Still, rather than be thankful that they live in a society that is quite tolerant of them, they never miss the chance to sneer and try to dominate, and push religion and faith to the sidelines of our culture. They never miss the chance to try to undermine decency and traditional morals.
I and the other people of faith in this nation (Christians, Jews, Muslims, and the great Asian religions) routinely and quietly tolerate atheists; we do so all the time. It is too bad that some of them are so obviously Not inclined to return the favor.
Oh well, it is always important to keep in mind that Liberal does not mean Tolerant.
Ken Berg at 12:21PM on Nov 9th 2007
79. If you want to know the truth I really do not even have a hope for a rational president however, God has told us to vote for the we feel will do the best job, and then pray for him or her in this case and then it is our of our hands.
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God told you... how to vote for President?
It's not out of your hands, you're out of your MINDS.
Just hold your nose and vote? That's what God said to you???
Next time you talk to Him, ask Him why He made you so gullible.
Brian at 12:23PM on Nov 9th 2007
80. Oh well, it is always important to keep in mind that Liberal does not mean Tolerant.
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And it is also important to remember that Conservative actually IS coming to mean Self-Important Fascist Jerk.
Brian at 12:29PM on Nov 9th 2007
81. THE BIBLE IS A STORY... ABOUT AN IMAGINARY FRIEND
Reply to: 32. Personally I think that God loves us all - atheists included and winks at our ignorance.
I predict we'll be very surprised at some of the people we meet in Heaven. alglea
Excellent. Truly, your Imagination is much better than Paul's.
Paul imagined a Day of Judgment, when the last trumpet would sound and the dead would be raised in new, perfect, immortal bodies.
We have no idea what the real Jesus thought, but the Gospels quote him:
Matthew 13:40 Therefore, as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom... those whp practice lawlessness and WILL CAST THEM INTO THE FURNACE OF FIRE. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Got it? The atheists have READ the Bible. You haven't.
The possibility that GOD LOVES US ALL is great.
If that was the Story in the New Testament, it would be a different ball game.
However, if that's what you believe, then you're NOT A CHRISTIAN.
You are REJECTING the NONSENSE of Christianity just as much as any atheist.
Matthew 22:29 Jesus said, "You are mistaken, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
Reply to: For those that have rejected a false view of God or been hurt by self righteous Christians - folks - sorry. I encourage you to read the bible for yourself - really read it. It's a love story - about separation, loneliness, betrayal - but ultimately reconciliation and love -
Yes, read it for yourself. Really read it.
And you'll discover that Christianity is a STORY, possibly a Love Story, more likely a GREEK TRAGEDY where a god suffers for humanity....
but it is a STORY.
Not FACT. A FICTIONAL story about what MIGHT happen when the world ends.
A Sales Pitch for an End of the World that wanted their victims to think angels are real.
William Hays at 12:36PM on Nov 9th 2007
82. Still, rather than be thankful that they live in a society that is quite tolerant of them, they never miss the chance to sneer and try to dominate, and push religion and faith to the sidelines of our culture. They never miss the chance to try to undermine decency and traditional morals.
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Yes, your "decency and traditional morals" are pretty funny at times.
Let's play a word game.
Larry Craig
Mark Foley
Dennis Rader (The BTK Killer)
Ted Haggard
Ann Coulter
http://armchairsubversive.org/ (List of over SIXTY prominent REPUBLICANS, most of whom are of course Christians, that have been found guilty of PEDOPHILIA)
All of the catholic priests that have been found guilty of child molestation.
The several pederasts per episode, of MSNBC's Dateline Predator series, that immediately claim that they're christians in hope of being let off.
Nice morals there.
As to pushing you to the sidelines, we're only pushing BACK. You started the shoving match. Your pseudo-morality is a cancer that affects anybody not in line with your silly belief system, your beloved religion. You call yourself Christians, and yet do not act anything like Christ. All you're good at doing is looking down your collective noses at others, many of whom are much nicer people than you are.
It's unattractive, and even dangerous since you have SO MUCH POWER in this country. You all vote like ants at a picnic, and with as little forethought.
Hypochrists. You pat yourselves on the back for tolerating us? We have to tolerate YOU, and that's a lot worse.
Go pray up a rope.
Brian at 12:46PM on Nov 9th 2007
83. Reply to: (author's note. I use the word belief as a conclusion based upon a lack of supporting evidence. Atheists have no evidence for or against the existance of God and conclude that he doesn't exist. It's a little unfair, but I think the word fits. It's also a word that theists understand easily. Sorry for the interruption.) Somber
Actually, atheists have an ENORMOUS amount of evidence against the existence of God.
http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2006/crab/crab_hubble.jpg
This composite image of the Crab Nebula was assembled from 24 individual exposures taken with the NASA Hubble Space Telescope’s Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 in October 1999, January 2000, and December 2000. It is the highest resolution image ever made of the entire Crab Nebula.
2,000 years of evidence.
Photos. Without a God in any of them.
IF even ONE piece of evidence showed there was a God, scientists would NOT be atheists.
The scientists who actually TEST REALITY and examine the evidence come to a BELIEF that God does not exist.
Christianity is a SCAM. Christianity wants you to believe there is no evidence proving that God does not exist.
William Hays at 12:46PM on Nov 9th 2007
84. It would seem that Mr. D'Souza is getting more and more desperaten in his arguments. The opening question, the title of the article, and the article itself, are ridiculous. Apparently the gentleman is also "homophobic". Perhaps he would next like to attempt a defense of Ann Coulter and her anti-semitic remarks. We await with bated breath other pronouncements from self-appointed "moralist" Mr. D'Souza.
Robert I. Laitres at 12:56PM on Nov 9th 2007
85. In the late 1700s some people wanted democratic rule. Conservative elements of the church pointed to the Bible and said it proved that the king ruled by God's will.
In the mid 1800s some people wanted to end slavery. Conservative elements of the church pointed to the Bible and said it proved that God approved of slavery.
In the early 1900s some people wanted to give women the vote. Conservative elements of the church pointed to the Bible and said it proved that God made women inferior to men.
In the mid 1900s some people wanted to end segregation. Conservative elements of the church pointed to the Bible and said it proved God wanted to keep the races separate.
When you look back at how your parents and grandparents dealt with these things, are you ashamed or proud?
Now some people want to allow gay marriage. Conservative elements of the church are pointing to the Bible and saying it proves God hates homosexuality.
When your children and grandchildren look back at how you deal with this, will they be ashamed or proud?
-From the website JHuger.com
Brian at 12:57PM on Nov 9th 2007
86. Reply to: 75. 75. Atheists like to think they are the smartest people in the room, and at least those on this blog tend to look down their noses at people of faith. Ken Berg
Hence the terms "bright" and "dim."
However, like all good theories, this one is going through a process of being TESTED and modified.
Reply to: "... rather than be thankful that they live in a society that is quite tolerant of them, they never miss the chance to sneer and try to dominate, and push religion and faith to the sidelines of our culture. They never miss the chance to try to undermine decency and traditional morals. Ken Berg
And if you would simple read the comments on this blog, you would see your mistake.
Christianity tells a STORY. At the end of the world, God will resurrect ALL the dead in new bodies, and then will cast those who rejected Christ into a fiery pit for eternity.
Use your imagination. WHY would an atheist sneer at that story?
I prefer the term "gullible" to "dim" (but when I meet certain Christians, I think "dim" is quite appropriate.)
The FBI keeps a list of people who fall for the "Nigerian letter" scam. Some of them might do well on tests, but they're gullible enough NOT to figure out a SCAM.
I think Christianity "dumbs them down" by telling them to consider EVERY possibility, including the ridiculous ones. Which would explain Benny Hinn.
William Hays at 12:57PM on Nov 9th 2007
87. "The careful student of history will discover that Christianity has been of very little value in advancing civilization, but has done a great deal toward retarding it." Matilda Joslyn Gage
"You find as you look around the world that every single bit of progress in humane feeling, every improvement in the criminal law, every step toward the diminution of war, every step toward better treatment of the colored races, or every mitigation of slavery, every moral progress that there has been in the world, has been consistently opposed by the organized churches of the world. I say quite deliberately that the Christian religion, as organized in its churches, has been and still is the principal enemy of moral progress in the world." Bertrand Russell
"When the churches literally ruled society, the human drama encompassed: (a) slavery; (b) the cruel subjection of women; (c) the most savage forms of legal punishment; (d) the absurd belief that kings ruled by divine right; (e) the daily imposition of physical abuse; (f) cold heartlessness for the sufferings of the poor; as well as (g) assorted pogroms ('ethnic cleansing' wars) between rival religions, capital punishment for literally hundreds of offenses, and countless other daily imposed moral outrages. . . . It was the free-thinking, challenging work by people of conscience, who almost invariably had to defy the religious and political status quo of their times, that brought us out of such darkness." Steve Allen
Brian at 1:00PM on Nov 9th 2007
88. "If a Creator God exists, would He or She or It or whatever the appropriate pronoun is, prefer a kind of sodden blockhead who worships while understanding nothing? Or would He prefer His votaries to admire the real universe in all its intricacy? I would suggest that science is, at least in part, informed worship. My deeply held belief is that if a god of anything like the traditional sort exists, then our curiosity and intelligence are provided by such a god. We would be unappreciative of those gifts if we suppressed our passion to explore the universe and ourselves. On the other hand, if such a traditional god does not exist, then our curiosity and our intelligence are the essential tools for managing our survival in an extremely dangerous time. In either case the enterprise of knowledge is consistent surely with science; it should be with religion, and it is essential for the welfare of the human species."
-Carl Sagan
Brian at 1:02PM on Nov 9th 2007
89. Dinesh da whosie Could you possibly be any more retarded.Your little head lines always bring me to boiling point. What is wrong with athism what is wrong with gays.Nothing Mabe you and the bible thumping group should start your own country far away from the Free to believe and live any way we want americans. Second you christian weirdos new whatevers trying to tell everyone where going to hell but your not. Give it a break. First the founders of your religion borrowed the old testement from the jews. And inthere own words you read it wrong, But you think you read it right. How it's there f'n Book they wrote it. So you plagerize there Old testement and 22 idiots write the new testements. All I have to say to you mindless idiots is BAAAHHH your a sheep.
pookiemang69 at 1:10PM on Nov 9th 2007
90. Dinesh D'Souza is a douche-bag, Indian Uncle Tom. He's a sniveling little s***. He has no purpose. He doesn't do anything productive or useful. He kisses white Christian society's ass and wants all the WASPs to pat him on the back and say "that's a good little Indian man, that's how we want all immigrants to be." In reality he's just showing the world how self-loathing he is. Get REAL Dinesh. As somebody of Indian descent, it makes me sick how much of a lap-dog this guy is.
weej9876 at 1:25PM on Nov 9th 2007