The Pros And Cons Of Atheism

Typically in modern society, atheism is viewed as being comprised of individuals who hate religion and want to destroy it. Atheism is by definition a belief that there is no God. Recently, there was a column written on USATODAY.com that showed atheism in a new light. In the column, "Reflect Atheists in a More Positive Light," Chris Stedman highlights how atheists are better people than normally perceived in society(). The column stemmed from an interview on CNN where a news anchor asked Rebecca Vitsmun, a survivor of a devastating tornado that hit Oklahoma, if she "thanked the Lord” for surviving (). Vitsmun’s response demonstrates how atheists are evolving in our society and are not like New Atheists, which Stephen Prothero writes about in God is Not One (). Although for generations atheists have been shown as unaccepting and angered by religion, there is another side

According to Prothero, New Atheists are "aggressive and evangelistic- on the attack and courting converts" (319), whereas the friendly atheists "can talk to a religious person without invoking an argument" and "does not think someone is inferior for believing in God" (327). There is a variation between the two sides of atheism, and how they deal with religion. New Atheists wish to demolish religion while, friendly atheists are able to accept it. When society only sees the view of New Atheists, misconceptions develop about atheism. Thus, it is important to highlight how there are more people that make up atheism than just New Atheists and that friendly atheists also exist and hold separate beliefs that are more understanding and accepting. Prothero 's identification of the "friendly" atheist provides a new outlook on atheism that does not have such a negative connotation and allows society to begin to see atheists in a new