I didn’t say that, but a comprehensive research study by Christopher Silver, a member of the Chatanooga Freethought association. Silver tried to show not all non-believers fit the negative stereotype of “angry, narcissistic, un-agreeable, anti-social dogmatists”, but in the process highlighted the very group that exactly fits that stereotype, namely the anti-theist (or loosely the New Atheist or GNU Atheist). The study can be found here:
www.AtheismReserach.com
A study came out that classified non-believers into six groups:
Intellectual Atheist/Agnostic (IAA)
Activist (AAA)
Seeker-Agnostic (SA)
Anti-Theist
Non-Theist
Ritual Atheist/Agnostic (RAA)
To understand the typology and results, one has to go here:
www.AtheismReserach.com
But here is the Anti-Theist:
Anti-Theist
The fourth typology, and one of the more assertive in their view, we termed the Anti-Theist. While the Anti-Theists may be considered atheist or in some cases labeled as “new atheists,” the Anti-Theist is diametrically opposed to religious ideology. As such, the assertive Anti-Theist both proactively and aggressively asserts their views towards others when appropriate, seeking to educate the theists in the passé nature of belief and theology. In other words, antitheists view religion as ignorance and see any individual or institution associated with it as backward and socially detrimental. The Anti-Theist has a clear and – in their view, superior – understanding of the limitations and danger of religions. They view the logical fallacies of religion as an outdated worldview that is not only detrimental to social cohesion and peace, but also to technological advancement and civilized evolution as a whole. They are compelled to share their view and want to educate others into their ideological position and attempt to do so when and where the opportunity arises. Some Anti-Theist individuals feel compelled to work against the institution of religion in its various forms including social, political, and ideological, while others may assert their view with religious persons on an individual basis. The Anti-Theist believes that the obvious fallacies in religion and belief should be aggressively addressed in some form or another. Based on personalities, some Anti-Theists may be more assertive than others; but outsiders and friends know very clearly where they stand in relation to an Anti-theist. Their worldview is typically not a mystery.
“Happy Atheist” PZ Myers would likely be classified as an anti-Theist, probably Richard Dawkins too.
The study listed who ranked highest or lowest in certain psychological tests. Anti-theists ranked:
Highest in Multidimensional Anger Inventory
Highest in Narcissism
Highest in DogmatismLowest in Positive Relationships with Others
Lowest in Agreeableness
To that end, some quotes and photos.
It’s time to abort the Catholic Church Evil, F–kbrained a–holes,
Bloody butchers and pious toads who mask their medieval ignorance with a pretense of charity and care; it’s long past time to end the illusion and recognize the barbarism of the church. Shut ‘em down.
PZ Myers
What does PZ mean by barbaric? Did he have this lady in mind?
Instead, with feigned modesty, PZ showed this photo of himself at his website:
Please don’t try to tell me that you object to the tone of our complaints. Our only problem is that we aren’t martial enough, or vigorous enough, or loud enough, or angry enough. The only appropriate responses should involve some form of righteous fury, much butt-kicking, and the public firing and humiliation of some teachers, many schoolboard members
PZ Myers
NOTES:
1. Personally, even though I am a Christian, the Seeker-Agnostic seemed to describe me about 80% correctly! 🙂
Seeker-Agnostic (SA)
The third typological characteristic is the Seeker-Agnostic…..
Seeker-Agnostics recognize the limitation of human knowledge and experience. They actively search for and respond to knowledge and evidence, either supporting or disconfirming truth claims. They also understand, or at least recognize, the qualitative complexities of experiences in the formation of personal meaning. Seeker- Agnostics do not hold a firm ideological position but always search for the scientifically wondrous, and experientially profound confirmation of life’s meaning. They may be intrinsically motivated to explore and seek understanding in the world around them. The diversity of others is accepted for the SA and co-existence with the “others” is not only possible, but also welcomed. Their worldly outlook may be mediated by science; however, they recognize current scientific limitations and embrace scientific uncertainty. They are comfortable with this uncertainty and even enjoy discussing it….it is possible they may continue to identity as a religious or spiritual individual. However, taking those exceptions into account, the majority of Seeker-Agnostics should in no way be considered “confused.” For the Seeker-Agnostic, uncertainty is embraced.
2. I would bet an anti-theist was probably behind this line of baby clothing:
The shirt says, “HAPPY ATHEIST I believe in life before death”.
“If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” Mark 9:42
3. photo credits
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/MotherTeresa_094.jpg/220px-MotherTeresa_094.jpg
http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/files/2012/08/Pope-PZ.jpg
http://rlv.zcache.com/offensive_good_friday_shirt-r26bcd651b8dd4881a8991ea8d67e24d3_f0cj6_324.jpg
http://rlv.zcache.com/happy_atheist_i_believe_in_life_before_death_shirt-r6eaad25948aa470fae4682b30f70f3a3_f0c6y_324.jpg
4. HT Mike Gene