I guess you could say I am an atheist, given that I don't believe that there is a big, elderly, white, english speaking coach in the clouds pulling strings to make everything happen.
However, I think these New Atheists have gone a little overboard. Religion (as well as superstition, and other forms of unreal expression) is here to stay. What are they going to do, ask us all to stop writing and reading poetry? What about literature? Art? Fictional movies? If we are supposed to condemn others for teaching religion to their children, what about parents who allow their children to engage in fantasy play? What about children's stories? No more Snow White or Stuart Little? After all, most reasonable people would agree that a kiss can't bring someone out of a coma and that mice can't talk.
There can be truth in things that are not literally true. Humans need this stuff. There is no way to express the breadth and depth of the human experience without it. And railing against all faith is not likely to eliminate all the pain and suffering.
Face it: war is about power, and religion is sometimes used for evil. But that doesn't mean that everyone who has ever prayed is responsible.
I think The New Atheism suffers from the same problems that organized religion does: It ordains to impose the opinions of the few on the many.
Nick RooseveltBerkeley, CA
