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THE QUESTION
Atheism in Vogue?
Atheism is enjoying a certain vogue right now. Why do you think that is? Can there be a productive conversation between believers and atheists, and if so over what kinds of issues?
Posted by
Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham on December 27, 2006 3:00 PM
FROM THE PANEL
Spiritual Identity Theft
In my opinion, denying the existence of God is much like getting up every day and denying that there will be a tomorrow, “I have never seen it – so I won’t believe in it.”
Posted by Lyle Dukes, on January 16, 2007 2:15 PM
A Rejection of A Widespread Idolatry
It may be that the atheism that is taking hold is a rejection of a widespread idolatry which has forgotten that any conception of the divine is bound to be inadequate.
Posted by Karen Armstrong, on January 1, 2007 5:57 PM
Neither Science Nor Technology Can Resolve Our Issues
This contradiction between the modern atheists and the modern believers in metaphysics and traditional religions will continue unresolved till the end of times. Neither science nor technology can resolve these issues for all of us.
Posted by Sulayman Nyang, on January 1, 2007 2:24 PM
Human Definitions of God Need Revision
I am confident that a dialogue with those who call themselves “atheists” would not only be good for the church but it would also allow deep and profound truth to emerge.
Posted by John Shelby Spong, on January 1, 2007 2:22 PM
Religious Moderates Need to Speak Up
The moderate voice has been a weak one, allowing both religious extremism and militant atheism to capture the headlines.
Posted by Julia Neuberger, on January 1, 2007 12:57 PM
Let's Hope It's A Lasting Vogue
The premise of this week's question is that atheism is enjoying a certain vogue. I hope and believe it is not a flash in the pan.
Posted by Richard Dawkins, on January 1, 2007 12:23 AM
There Is No Right or Wrong Way
Believing in God is not a choice. Either you do or you don’t or you struggle with it. That does not make anyone a better or worse person because of what they can or cannot believe.
Posted by Sally Quinn, on December 30, 2006 6:29 PM
Not Yet The Majority But No Longer Silent
As long as those who are believers will acknowledge that their allegiance gives them no privilege, no direct line to the absolute truth, no advantage in moral insight, we should be able to get along just fine.
Posted by Daniel C. Dennett, on December 30, 2006 11:07 AM
Atheists In The Pews
To my friends who don’t believe in God: Those of us who do believe, know—and honor—more about your position that we or our institutions may say. We should do better.
Posted by William Tully, on December 30, 2006 10:40 AM
God’s Enemies Are More Honest Than His Friends
I am uncertain whether a conversation between atheists and believers can bear fruit quickly enough to keep civilization from becoming fully engorged by Iron Age stupidity and horror.
Posted by Sam Harris, on December 29, 2006 8:40 PM
God Is Grander Than Even Believers Know
Scriptures aren’t a manual for the nuts and bolts of how God put it all together.
Posted by Michael Otterson, on December 29, 2006 11:40 AM
Neither the Problem Nor the Arguments Are New
Recent growth of religious fundamentalism created a counter-reaction of atheism
Posted by Adin Steinsaltz, on December 29, 2006 10:50 AM
Living As if God Really Did Exist
A promising dialogue is one that begins from the common premise that a human being is not the random product of 'galactic biochemistry.'
Posted by George Weigel, on December 28, 2006 6:05 PM
Too Soon For Genuine Believer-Atheist Dialogue?
Good atheist reads have long been widely available and are wildly popular in the classroom—anything by Sartre or Ayn Rand will do.
Posted by Donna Freitas, on December 28, 2006 5:28 PM
No Atheists (Still) Need Apply
There is still a deep prejudice against atheists in this country--expressed in the ridiculous notion that belief in God is some sort of qualification for public office.
Posted by Susan Jacoby, on December 28, 2006 11:50 AM
The Atheist Wager
It takes more faith not to believe in God than to believe in Him.
Posted by Cal Thomas, on December 28, 2006 11:46 AM
Fortunately There's Atheism in the Bible
Atheism is necessary to faith. Faith that cannot doubt, and doubt completely, has not plumbed the depths of faith.
Posted by Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, on December 28, 2006 11:32 AM
Atheists Must Deal With the 'Problem of Good'
Fervent Christian belief has been associated with neo-conservative political beliefs, making atheism increasingly an attractive option.
Posted by Nicholas T. Wright, on December 28, 2006 11:10 AM
Atheists Formed by Distraction
What is there to talk about if both theists and atheists sit down to talk? The mystery of life; the riddle of existence; the presence of evil in our world; the meaning of love, power, joy, hope, forgiveness; the question of human origins and human destiny.
Posted by William J. Byron, on December 27, 2006 4:00 PM
While They Debate God's Existence, Earth Burns
Is it possible to live instead by a dialectic of body and soul, reason and revelation, history and faith – like two sides of a coin that can be distinguished but not separated? Could that be the challenge of the twenty-first century?
Posted by John Dominic Crossan, on December 27, 2006 3:40 PM
Dogmatic Atheists and Cuddly Agnostics
I think all Buddhists are “believing agnostics,” as are lots of liberal Protestants, progressive Jews, peace-loving Muslims and all my favorite Jesuits.
Posted by Anthony M. Stevens-Arroyo, on December 27, 2006 3:35 PM
FEATURED COMMENTS
Realist: I always find it strange that many religious people seem to think the morality can only come from God. Which God? If we assume it is true, t...
Greg: My 14 year old daughter, a young lady with a heart of gold, asked me about doubts. She worried about questions she had about her faith (we ...
MntnMan: Wow. Under attack for believing something -- not certain I understand what this is all about. I hold to certain fundamental ideas I believ...
