American Atheism 2.0

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• INTRODUCTION
• EXPLORING
• Lost in Negation: Definition(s) of Atheism
• Theism, Anti-Religion, Nones
• Positive and Negative Atheism
• Agnosticism, Apatheism, Apostasy
• Philosophical Blossoms of Atheism
• Atheism and Secularism
• Summary
• Atheism in Numbers: Data and Patterns
• Methodological Problems
• Atheism Worldwide
• Atheism in the USA
• Social Profile of American Atheism
• Summation and Interpretation
• Summary
• Yesterday's Infidels and Today's Scoffers: The History of American Atheism
• In the Beginning: Constitutional Regulations and rational Religion
• The nineteenth century: Europe buries God
• Deed without Creed: American Nonbelievers push Social Reforms
• Survival of the Fittest: Science versus Religion
• Atheism among Minorities
• The twentieth century: Dawn of militant Atheism
• Modernity in the Courtroom: The Scopes Trial
• Money talks: "In God We Trust"
• American Atheism organized
• The New Right: One Nation under God, finally
• Summary
• ANALYZING
• Herding Cats: Problems of Organizing Atheists
• Linking Up: Atheism Reorganized
• Member Organizations: Who's Who in the Secular Coalition for America
• The Atheists
• The Humanists
• The Secularists
• Endorsing Organizations: Backdoor Men of the Coalition
• Missing Links: Freedom From Religion Foundation and The Brights
• Interim Result
• Social Networks: Getting Acquainted in the Cyberspace
• Meetups Dot Com: Local Atheist Organization
• No God Blog Dot Com: Major Organizations Online
• Why Does God Hate Amputees Dot Com: Personal Web Pages
• Summary
• Reaching Out: No more atheists in closets
• Freethought Action: Ads and Billboards
• Morality Projects: Thank God, my Neighbor is an Atheist
• The OUT Campaign: Scarlet Letter A
• Selling Atheism: Visibility and Merchandising
• Summary
• Building Up: The Community of Reason
• Religion is Bullshit Dot Com: Profanity
• Losing my Religion Dot Com: Support Groups
• Foundation Beyond Belief Dot Org: Atheism Welfare
• Darwin Day Dot Org: Calendar for Atheists
• Secular Celebrations Dot Com: Atheism and the Circle of Life
• Summary
• DISCUSSING
• Identity: Atheism as a Social Movement
• Orientation: The Age of Science
• Mission: The Secular Model
• Summary

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This MA thesis aims to explore the contemporary movement of atheism in the United States. The author aims to analyze the various factors that have led to the rise of atheism as a social movement and to examine the strategies and tactics employed by atheist organizations. The thesis explores the historical development of atheism in the United States, highlighting its social, political, and cultural dimensions.
• Defining and Exploring the Concept of Atheism
• The Growth and Demographics of Atheism in the United States
• The History of Atheism in the United States
• The Organization and Strategies of Atheist Groups
• Atheism as a Social Movement

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the topic of American atheism and its historical development.
• Chapter 2 explores the definitions and interpretations of atheism, providing a comprehensive overview of its diverse forms. The chapter also delves into the statistical data and social profile of atheism in the United States and globally.
• Chapter 3 explores the history of American atheism, examining its evolution from its early beginnings to its present-day activism. It also delves into the organizational structure and strategies employed by modern atheist groups.
• Chapter 4 analyzes the various factors that have contributed to the growth of atheism as a social movement in the United States, examining its identity, orientation, and mission.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The thesis focuses on American atheism, its social, political, and cultural dimensions. Key themes and concepts include: secularization, social movements, religious pluralism, the separation of church and state, freethought, and the role of science in contemporary society. The text also examines the activities of atheist organizations, their impact on public discourse, and their strategies for promoting secular values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "American Atheism 2.0"?

It refers to the contemporary movement of atheism in the USA, characterized by its organization through social networks and the internet.

How do "Nones" differ from traditional atheists?

"Nones" are individuals with no religious affiliation; they may be atheists, agnostics, or simply unattached to organized religion.

What was the significance of the Scopes Trial for American atheism?

The Scopes Trial represented a major cultural and legal clash between modern science (evolution) and traditional religious beliefs in the 20th century.

Which organizations form the Secular Coalition for America?

The coalition includes various groups of atheists, humanists, and secularists working together for the separation of church and state.

What is the "OUT Campaign"?

The OUT Campaign encourages non-believers to be visible and open about their lack of faith, often using the "Scarlet Letter A" symbol.