What is Militant Atheism?

[bernee51]

In another thread a poster wrote: "Militant atheists are stealing people's hope, ..."

I have never been able to find out precisely what militant atheism is. I only know that people are described as a militant atheists if they dare to express sentiments that fail to show the deferential submissiveness traditionally accorded to religion, religious beliefs, and religious believers. Whenever a minority (which is often despised by members of a majority) tries to stand up and assert its equal dignity and rights, some members of the privileged majority will react with horror at the rudeness and intolerance. They are so accustomed to be treated as special that any attempt to deny this is perceived as a terrible insult.

Perhaps this attitude is what leads to so much of the arrogant and condescending accusations which many theists keep repeating about non-believers - all of which have been leveled, at one time or another, at atheists on this forum: we can't be moral, we can't having meaning in life, we can't appreciate love or beauty, we have empty holes in our lives, etc. It would seem such accusations are born out of fear. It allows the one making the accusation feel better about themselves because at least they don't have such a horrible existence like those poor atheists.

So is an atheist militant purely because they dare to question the belief systems that have long felt they hold a position of privilege?

[MikeH]

The only thing I can think of as a militant Atheist would be somebody who believes in some sort of Atheist theocracy........round up all the religious and throw them in prisons, etc. I have heard that sentiment from a few on this board.

[McCulloch]

I think that the experience of the USSR and China show that intolerant atheism is as dangerous as intolerant theism.

[Cathar1950]

The only thing I can think of as a militant Atheist would be somebody who believes in some sort of Atheist theocracy........round up all the religious and throw them in prisons, etc. I have heard that sentiment from a few on this board.

A few would be correct as many theist seem to think hell is some how better then jail. But I suspect an atheistic theocracy is an oxymoron given "theo" in the word implies God or gods.
For the most part atheists seem to have a live and let live attitude that historically has not been given to even heretics.
On the other hand USSR and China with some their atheist's might be a better choice of enemies then those that desire a theistic theocracy as death does mean something to them and not a prize.

[byofrcs]

In another thread a poster wrote: "Militant atheists are stealing people's hope, ..."

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Reading the thread, the person was using it as a pejorative. I think we can safely ignore their pot of message. There isn't a clear definition, though Wikipedia has some stuff like here.

[Sciwoman]

So is an atheist militant purely because they dare to question the belief systems that have long felt they hold a position of privilege?

To many believers, any atheist who dares to speak up is militant. For so long, belief in a deity has gotten a pass and has rarely been challenged publically. It is not something they are used to dealing with.

I post mostly on a forum that is heavily atheist. Most of us just want to be left alone to live our lives as we see fit. Most of us don't really care what someone else believes as long as it does not cause harm to anyone else or to society as a whole.

Of course, every group has it's militants, christianty included.

[bernee51]

The only thing I can think of as a militant Atheist would be somebody who believes in some sort of Atheist theocracy........

Interseting oxymoron...

...round up all the religious and throw them in prisons, etc. I have heard that sentiment from a few on this board.

Really? That is a serious accusation. Can you back it up?

[bernee51]

In another thread a poster wrote: "Militant atheists are stealing people's hope, ..."

...

...
...

Reading the thread, the person was using it as a pejorative. I think we can safely ignore their pot of message. There isn't a clear definition, though Wikipedia has some stuff like here.

I agree..which is why I asked the question.

It would seem that a 'militant' atheist is anyone who actively questions a theistic point of view - particularly if that theism is of the christian kind.

A militant atheist is anyone who questions the equity of the privilege accorded particular religions in particular countries.

A militant atheist is anyone who reacts against the unfounded and illogical attacks of believers.

[Assent]

A few would be correct as many theist seem to think hell is some how better then jail. But I suspect an atheistic theocracy is an oxymoron given "theo" in the word implies God or gods.

Secretly, the "theo" in theocracy actually implies the worship of the State.

Google the Cultural Revolution to see just how close Mao came to being worshipped.

When I think of the words "militant ______" I see a crazy sect of something-or-other stockpiling weapons in some corner of Montana waiting for the inevitable Destruction of Western Civilization. Although I might be thinking of an early Islamic soldier demanding, "Renounce your faith or die by the sword!" Oh wait, those were both religious metaphors, weren't they? Hmm...

[Darren]

mil·i·tant
–adjective
1. vigorously active and aggressive, esp. in support of a cause: militant reformers.
2. engaged in warfare; fighting.
–noun
3. a militant person.
4. a person engaged in warfare or combat.

atheist noun
a person who does not believe in God

I would kind of like to call myself a militant atheist, but I don't think I fit the bill. I talk, post on forums, and don't get aggressive or engage in warfare.
Calling atheists 'militant' is an accusation like any other and I would ask for evidence of my 'militancy' or a withdrawal of the accusation.
Unless I just wanted to revel in the term for a while, first.