The atheism
community is currently buzzing with the idea of “Atheism Plus”, which is kind
of like secular humanism but differs in one crucial way – secular humanism doesn’t
have a plus on the end.
Jen defined
the principles of Atheism Plus as follows:
We are…
Atheists plus we care about social
justice,
Atheists plus we support women’s
rights,
Atheists plus we protest racism,
Atheists plus we fight homophobia and
transphobia,
Atheists plus we use critical thinking and
skepticism.
Since “social
justice” covers points 2,3 and 4, and should therefore “endorse
the values of reasonableness, compassion, and integrity”, the entire values statement
can be summarized:
“Atheists who care about social justice and
who use critical thinking and skepticism.”
Now one
might think that this is simply a description of any average member of the
atheism community, a group generally regarded as politically towards the left
and thus more likely than the general public to be supportive of policies
advocating social justice.
Unfortunately
not.
According
to Richard Carrier, there exists a significant group of atheists that completely
reject the aforementioned values.
And something needs to be done.
However Richard’s solution
is as brilliant as it is simple.
“I call upon you to pick sides within our movement (not in comments
here, but publicly, via Facebook or other social media): are you with us, or
with them; are you with the Atheism+ movement, or do you at least cheer and
approve it’s values and aims (since you don’t have to label yourself), or are
you going to stick with Atheism Less and its sexism and cruelty and
irrationality?
Then at least we’ll know who to work with. And who to avoid.”
Which, when
you think of it, is all very commendable.
If someone
really does approve of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or other forms
of discriminatory behavior, then it may be worth knowing who they are, if only
to avoid them.
Unfortunately
Richard wasn’t clear as to how to make it apparent you fall into this
“Atheism Less” camp. If it’s time to pick sides and register an
allegiance then the "Atheism Less" adherents require a central
registration point.
And that is
where we, at the ‘Sneer Review’, can help.
Although
none of our staff are “Atheism Less” according to Richards definition (in fact
there is pretty much 100% agreement with the ideas of social justice and
skepticism as defined above), we feel it is our moral duty to provide an
opportunity for “Atheism less” advocates to answer Richards call and openly
pick that side.
Therefore,
if you are an atheist who is in favor of racism, sexism,
homophobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination and who rejects the
notions of reasonableness, compassion, and integrity, please register as an
official member of ‘Atheism Less’ by leaving your name in the comments below.
If an
individual atheist does not register as an official member of “Atheism Less” it
may be best to assume they don’t advocate or support discrimination and
douchebaggery and are not, in fact an unteratheist. Luckily enough there already exists a
specific term for this type of individual.
“Atheist”
Posts
