New Atheism

New Atheism is a contemporary movement among skeptics and critics of religion that emerged in the mid-2000s. It advocates for a more openly questioning and often confrontational stance toward religious beliefs and institutions. Prominent figures like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens argue that religion can be scientifically or ethically problematic and should not be accepted without evidence. Unlike older, more reserved atheism, New Atheism actively challenges religious ideas, promoting secularism and scientific inquiry as essential to understanding the world. It emphasizes rationality and evidence-based thinking, often engaging in debates about religion’s impact on society.