Why Reppert think the NA is bound to backfire

[bjorn]

An intrersting discussion here On trying to get things right: Why I think the New Atheism is bound to backfire at dangerousidea.blogspot.com/2008/08/on-trying-to-get-things-right-why-i.html

Notice that all the usual suspects jump on here to promote their own works, arguments og status.

In short, where is J.P. Holding when one needs him ;D

[Mike D]

There is much about New Atheism that reminds me of New Labour here in the UK, especially in their promotion of image above substance. Dawkins calls The God Delusion 'consciousness raising', which sounds to me like a somewhat fancy term for propaganda - New Athiesm is trying to change the way that people think, not by correct argument but by constant repetition of certain key themes, essentially by advertising. This approach I think more-or-less depends on dismissing your opponents, on not taking them seriously. In the short term, such an approach may bear fruit, as it did for New Labour - for a while some people, even the majority, will happily go along with the illusion - however, I agree with Reppert that in the long term it will probably crumble.

Mike