Atheism And The Interfaith Movement

In a recent article published in the Washington Post’s “The Faith Divide” titled “Beyond aggressive atheism”, IFYC leader Eboo Patel and Samantha Kirby take a closer look at modern day atheists and the role they can play in the interfaith movement. At first, atheism and interfaith may seem like two opposing ideas. However, more and more atheists are making their mark and working alongside people of faith in the interfaith movement.

There are many levels and types of atheism, but the traditional definition of atheism is the rejection of any belief in the existence of gods. Although atheism has been around for centuries, it only gained mainstream popularity in the 20th century. Up until five years ago, atheism was plagued with aggression, antagonism, and destruction.

As Patel and Kirby put it, the age-old atheist question used to be “How many ways can I find to offend religious people?”

It is true that any belief system, religious or non-religious, will always have extremists and fundamentalists. However, Patel and many other interfaith leaders are noticing a growing trend in the interfaith movement. Atheists, secularists and agnostics are showing up in growing numbers to interfaith conferences and gatherings with one common question: “What are we supposed to do in this movement?”

Their confusion is completely understandable. If you look at best-selling atheists Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, you would automatically believe that atheists were anti-religion. We’re starting to see that this truly isn’t the case.

Times are definitely changing in atheism. Take a look at Humanist Chaplain at Harvard Greg Epstein’s latest book about atheism Good Without God. Many believe that Epstein’s book illustrates a turning point for atheism. Instead of focusing on what atheists are against, the book talks about “what a billion non-religious people do believe”.

Being atheist does not mean that you are void of any morals, values, or beliefs. Religious morals and values are not restricted to people of faith; they are common morals and values that belong to all of mankind. Even in the absence of religion, many atheists still consider themselves spiritual. Some even follow spiritual belief systems that do not advocate belief in gods such as certain branches of Buddhism.

There are atheists all around the world today working alongside religious groups on service projects, engaging in dialogues with religious and interfaith groups, and helping change the global perception of atheism through blogs.

It is estimated that 2.3% of the world’s population describes itself as atheist, while a further 11.9% describe themselves as nontheist. In Japan 64-65% of the population considers themselves as atheists, agnostics, or non-believers. The same goes for 48% of Russians, and a staggering 85% of Swedes. Furthermore, a recent Pew Forum study revealed that 20% of young Americans identify themselves as atheists, agnostic or have “no religion”.

Website: www.washingtonpost.com