Source Summaries

"Atheism" - CM Lorkowski
 In this article, Lorkowski aims to define atheism specifically and explain what sets it apart from agnosticism and other less common views of deism. Atheism is the belief in the rejection of all deities and supernatural influences on natural phenomena. Atheism differs from agnosticism in the sense that agnosticism provides the question of the existence of a deity; atheism does not provide that option. There are two forms of atheism; popular atheism and naturalist atheism. Popular atheists do not believe in deities, while naturalists do not believe that there any supernatural forces. Everything that happens is within the realm of nature even if it cannot be explained with current knowledge. The author then proceeds to explain that the vast majority of scientific research is performed under the naturalistic idea of atheism because it leaves unanswered questions that cannot simply be filled with lore; it evokes exploration of the topic that remains unsolved.

"Modern Militant Atheism" - Philip Kitcher
In his article, Kitcher argues that modern atheism has become militant in its efforts to attack religion and expose its faults. Kitcher states that the main source for militant atheists are the fundamental interpretations of religions, which is a small representation of a much more complex and diverse system such as a religion. Militant atheism focuses on all of the harm that religion causes without stepping back and considering all of the good that can come from religion.

"Atheism's Unholy Trinity" - Jarrett Dapier
In this book review from an issue of "In These Times", Jarrett Dapier describes Chris Hedges' view on modern atheists. Hedges sees them no different from any religious extremist group because of their viscous, attacking nature and unrelenting insistence on forcing their worldview. Hedges does recognize that not all atheists are as aggressive as the modern militant atheist, and he does mention his respect for atheists that recognize the flaws in human nature and accepts them. Hedges cites atrocities that have occurred as the direct action of atheistic influence, suggesting that atheism can hinder progress just as easily as religion.