It is curious that although atheists critique specific religious beliefs, particularly those of Christianity and Islam, they often exhibit an aggressive and dogmatic commitment to their own atheistic worldview themselves. The intensity and passion with which some atheists criticise religion can be comparable to religious fervour, and some have a strong emotional investment in their rejection of religious beliefs, especially if they have personal experiences with religion that they consider negative or harmful. This emotional intensity can lead to an aggressive expression of their views.
Like religious communities, Atheists often form tight-knit groups where shared beliefs and values create a sense of identity and belonging. In such cases, criticism of religion serves as a unifying force within the atheist community. Although they assert the absence of belief in deities, many vocal atheists approach their worldview with a high degree of certainty, similar to religious believers. This often comes across as dogmatic, especially in discussions with religious individuals.
Lastly, in societies where religion has played a significant role in shaping laws, policies, and cultural norms, atheists may feel a need to push back against what they perceive as undue religious influence. This resistance can contribute to a passionate and aggressive stance.
Some atheists critique religious institutions but hold broader ideological or philosophical positions beyond atheism. Although atheism doesn’t inherently prescribe any particular set of values or ideologies beyond that specific disbelief, individual atheists adopt various worldviews, ideologies, or political stances contributing to their overall perspective. In some cases, vocal atheists may align themselves with ideologies like secularism, humanism, or even anarchism.
Contempt for religious people can arise from various factors, such as personal experiences, disagreements over values and ethics, or frustration with perceived harm caused by religious institutions. But we must distinguish between criticism of religious beliefs or institutions and disdain for individuals who hold those beliefs or for people in general if they do not express criticism of religions.
There is a distinction between religion and honouring something one considers sacred, although the two concepts can be related. While religion often incorporates the concept of the sacred, not all instances of honouring the sacred are tied to organised religious systems. People may have deeply held personal or cultural beliefs that involve a sense of the sacred without adhering to a specific religious doctrine.
Honouring something sacred is a more general concept independent of organised religion. It involves recognising and showing deep respect for things considered special, holy, or set apart from the ordinary. Honouring something sacred may involve rituals, ceremonies, or personal practices reflecting reverence or significance. Sacredness can be attributed to various aspects of life, nature, relationships, or ideals. For example, an individual might consider nature, a personal value, or a cultural tradition sacred without being part of an organised religious system.
This is why I think that atheists often hold something sacred, even though they may not have thought about it very much. Whether their behaviour is in keeping with the sacred they revere, they must ask themselves. Examining the behaviour of atheists in relation to what they may hold sacred becomes a nuanced exploration. Some atheists may prioritise values such as reason, scientific inquiry, humanism, or social justice, and their actions should align with these principles. Others may emphasise personal autonomy, free thought, or secularism and reflect those ideas. The key is to engage in open and respectful dialogue, recognising the diversity of perspectives within the atheist community and beyond.
You are so mixed up that I can’t compete.