Journalist and author Malachi O'Doherty reflects on what he sees as a lack of evolution in the arguments of the new atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.  What they tout as progressive and revolutionary he sees as no more advanced than the discussions he used to have with classmates back in parish school.  While O'Doherty's criticism of Dawkins' and Hitchens' dismissal religious believers as deluded hits the mark, in a few other ways this article misses the point. 

In a recent op-ed for Newsweek, Sam Harris shares his dismay at John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate.  It is disturbing to Harris that a woman who believes that the "Biblical God consciously directs world events" could soon have her hands on our nuclear codes.  "Palin seems perfectly willing to stake the welfare of our country—even the welfare of our species—as collateral in her own personal journey of faith."  When the defining struggle of the 21st century is the challenge against Muslim extremism, Harris b...
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  All the rage on YouTube this year has been a challenge started by a group that calls themselves The Rational Response Squad.  This group takes offense at the words of Jesus in the gospel of Mark that "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven.  He has committed an unpardonable sin."  In response they offer a free DVD ("The God Who Wasn't There", by former fundamentalist Brian Flemming) to anyone who will upload a video on YouTube in which they deny the existence of the Holy Spirit.  According to their web site, "You ...
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 At a recent gathering of the Atheist Alliance near Washington, D.C., speakers advocated a campaign to uproot religion from the globe.  Richard Dawkins was especially insistent on the notion that "moderate" or "liberal" forms of religious adherence are just as pernicious as their fundamentalist cousins.  His famous ascerbic wit was in evidence as well: When asked what the difference is between believers and atheists, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins replied, "Well, we're bright."

Speakers at the conference:
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.  In a thoughtful article, Jay Michaelson reflects on the new resurgence of vocal atheism, represented by authors like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens.  "In short, the new atheism is an important, useful auditing of our religious ideas. We should read its arguments and, rather than defensively parry them, consider them with a critical mind. And where appropriate, we should check our religious zealotries with careful reflection, ethical consideration and, yes, quiet meditation befor...
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