Why Atheists Annoy Katie Kish

 
Katie Kish has posted a list of things that annoy her about atheists [Why Atheists Annoy Me]. Remember that Katie is an atheist.

Reading her list makes me sad. Many of us are passionately interested in the conflict between rationalism and superstition. We tend to be outspoken in our advocacy of rationalism and our opposition to superstition. In that sense, we are no different than lots of others who feel strongly about a particular social issue.

But there's a big difference between this particular issue and most others. When it comes to criticizing superstition there are many potential allies (i.e., other atheists) who think that religion/spiritualism deserves some special status. Those potential allies demonstrate a visceral hatred of the vocal atheists that they don't extend to vocal proponents of environmentalism, socialism, feminism or gay/lesbian rights.

For example, here's how Katie Kish describes her feelings about Richard Dawkins ...

3. Dawkins. I think I’ve made it pretty clear in the past that I don’t like Dawkins. I really don’t want Dawkins, Harris and Hitchens to be the voice of my atheism. Because it’s not the voice of many people’s atheism, and it gives people a dangerous path to follow in their atheism. It makes them intolerant, gives them a reason not even try to understand and makes it impossible to have conversations with them. It’s like a hardcore theist - their theism leads them to dangerous places (mentally and physically), their beliefs give them reason to not listen to anyone else and they’re almost always impossible to talk to. The person I want to speak for my atheism is willing to listen, understands if you choose to be religious (and respects that) and attempts to have conversations (where they’re not shoving things down the other person’s throat).

This is really harsh. I don't think Dawkins is unwilling to listen to believers and I don't he fails to understand their point of view. He just disagrees—as I do.

If believers make the effort to engage in the debate then they should be prepared for a real debate with all that entails. I fear that Katie is falling into the trap of assuming that believers deserve some special form of respect just because we're talking about their beliefs. It's as if Dawkins and others are supposed to metaphorically tie one hand behind their back when they debate believers because it's not fair to use all the debating skills at their disposal.

Here's one item on her list that could just as easily be about me as any other vocal atheist. It accuses us of being close-minded because we challenge the views of those believers who voluntarily enter the debate on the blogs.

6. Closed minded - This stands for most of my “liberal” friends as well. They can’t see things from the other side. A good example is something going on at a blog I was reading where people just can’t wrap their head around the fact that people can be spiritual, and not be religious. Religion implies some sort of formality, and doesn’t always include a really deep connection to things. I know a lot of people who are religious. They go to church, and they go through the motions but they have no connection to it. Then I know a lot of people who never go to church, who don’t claim to believe in God or even know what God is - but they have this deep connection to what they usually call “something” and they feel like it strengthens their spirit. And gives them a deeper connection to things and whatever that “something” is. And I respect that. They’re not religious. They’re not following any sort of religious dogma, or religious traditions, or even claiming belief in God. They’re developing what they call their spirituality. And I think there is a fine line between spirituality and religion - but a line nonetheless.

Katie, I'm delighted that you have such a deep understanding of spirituality and what it means. I don't, and that's why I like to discuss it with believers who are willing to debate the issue. The only way for me to find out about the line between religion and spirituality is to ask questions and challenge the answers, just as those believers ask about and challenge my atheism. That's what debate and discussion is all about.

I can only assume that these are questions that you have already resolved. Apparently, you have learned enough about the meaning of spirituality that you no longer feel curious about it. Apparently, as soon as someone says they are spiritual and not religious, that's the end of the discussion for you. Fine, I respect that, but I think it's wrong for you to demand that the rest of us can't explore the topic.

UPDATE: See Sabrina's list of 10 things I love about being an Atheist!

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