In a landmark study published this month in the journal Politics and Religion by Cambridge University Press, political scientist Steve Kettell offers a comprehensive analysis of the trajectory of New Atheism in the United States. Titled “Whatever happened to new atheism? The rise and fall of the U.S. atheist movement,” Kettell’s research provides a nuanced look at the movement’s meteoric rise, its innovative use of internet technology, its resilience in a hostile cultural environment, and the internal conflicts that ultimately led to its decline. The findings have significant implications for the broader atheist movement and the cultural landscape of secularism in America.
The Rise of New Atheism: A Digital Revolution
Kettell’s study traces the origins of New Atheism to the early 2000s, a period marked by the publication of influential books such as Richard Dawkins’ “The God Delusion,” Sam Harris’ “The End of Faith,” and Christopher Hitchens’ “God Is Not Great.” These works, along with others, catalyzed a new wave of outspoken atheism that challenged religious dogma and promoted rational, evidence-based thinking. What set New Atheism apart from earlier secular movements was its embrace of internet technology. Online forums, blogs, YouTube channels, and social media platforms became vital tools for organizing, debating, and spreading atheist ideas.
Kettell highlights how the internet allowed atheists—often isolated in religiously conservative communities—to find solidarity, share resources, and build a sense of collective identity. The digital sphere enabled rapid mobilization and the creation of a vibrant, decentralized movement that could bypass traditional gatekeepers in media and academia. This technological edge was crucial in allowing New Atheism to thrive, even as it faced significant opposition from religious groups and mainstream culture.
Thriving in a Hostile Environment
One of the study’s most compelling findings is the movement’s ability to flourish in a society where atheism is often stigmatized. Kettell documents how New Atheists used facts, logic, and scientific reasoning to counter religious criticism and challenge the privileged status of faith in public discourse. The movement’s leaders and supporters were unapologetic in their advocacy for secularism, church-state separation, and freedom of thought. This assertiveness resonated with many Americans who felt marginalized by the dominance of religion in politics and culture.
Kettell also notes that New Atheism’s confrontational style—while effective in drawing attention—sometimes alienated potential allies. Nevertheless, the movement succeeded in bringing atheism into the mainstream conversation and inspiring a new generation of secular activists.
Internal Conflicts and the Decline of New Atheism
Despite its early successes, Kettell’s research reveals that New Atheism was ultimately undone by internal conflicts and the rise of identity politics. As the movement grew, it attracted a diverse array of participants with differing priorities and perspectives. Debates over issues such as feminism, social justice, and the role of religion in society led to factionalism and infighting. Some prominent figures were accused of intolerance or exclusion, while others sought to broaden the movement’s focus beyond criticism of religion.
Kettell argues that these internal divisions weakened the movement’s cohesion and made it vulnerable to external criticism. The fragmentation of New Atheism serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of maintaining unity in a diverse social movement. However, Kettell also suggests that the debates sparked by New Atheism have had a lasting impact, encouraging greater reflection on the intersection of secularism, social justice, and cultural change.
Significance for the Broader Atheist Movement
The decline of New Atheism does not signal the end of secular activism in the United States. Kettell’s study emphasizes that the movement’s legacy endures in the form of increased visibility for atheists, greater acceptance of secular identities, and ongoing debates about the role of religion in public life. The lessons learned from New Atheism’s rise and fall can inform future efforts to build inclusive, resilient communities that champion reason, evidence, and human rights.
From a pro-Atheism perspective, Kettell’s findings underscore the importance of facts and logic in advancing secular causes. While critics have accused New Atheism of being strident or divisive, the movement’s commitment to rational discourse and critical inquiry remains a vital counterbalance to religious dogma. The study demonstrates that, even in the face of adversity, atheists can organize, advocate, and effect meaningful change.
Kettell’s analysis of New Atheism offers valuable insights into the opportunities and pitfalls facing secular movements in the 21st century. By understanding the factors that contributed to both the rise and decline of New Atheism, activists and scholars can better navigate the complexities of identity, technology, and social change. The full study is available at Cambridge University Press.
