God is great"). Conversations about the practical…
“God is great"). Conversations about the practical impossibility of God's existence and the science-based irrationality of an afterlife slid seamlessly into xenophobia over Muslim immigration or the practice of veiling. The New Atheists became the new Islamophobes, their invectives against Muslims resembling the rowdy, uneducated ramblings of backwoods racists rather than appraisals based on intellect, rationality and reason. "Islam, more than any other religion human beings have devised, has all the makings of a thoroughgoing cult of death.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that atheism can become as intolerant as religion, targeting Muslims with fear‑mongering and cultural hostility.
In simple terms: Atheism can turn into prejudice against Muslims.
Recognize and challenge bias in secular critiques.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- immigration debates
- media commentary
- academic panels
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can secular arguments stay rational without becoming xenophobic?
- What responsibilities do public intellectuals have to avoid prejudice?
The critique may overlook genuine concerns about extremism.