Post-atheism
“Post-atheism” refers to the philosophical and cultural space that exists after or moves beyond atheism, often exploring what a godless worldview might look like or how it can evolve to provide the structure, community, and meaning formerly offered by religion. It can also refer to a more nuanced understanding of religion and spirituality for non-believers, viewing religion as a cultural heritage rather than a purely false ideology. Key concepts include replacing atheism’s purely negative definition, seeking to build modern-day ideologies that offer concrete, actionable values, or exploring ways to retain religious-like community without dogmatic belief.
Atheism as a Stage
The “Now What?” Question: Atheism is often seen as a definition by negation – it rejects false beliefs but doesn’t offer a positive framework for living. Post-atheism explores what comes after this rejection, asking what a new, godless way of life might entail.
Obsolescence of Theism: The concept suggests that theism (belief in God) is a stage of human development, similar to other outdated beliefs, and that a post-theistic society would view religious belief in the same way one views a flat-earth theory. Beyond “The New Atheism”
The End of the “New Atheism”: Some thinkers believe the “new atheism” movement, with its focus on critiquing religion, has run its course and failed to provide the necessary cultural framework.
A Search for Content: Post-atheism aims to provide concrete content, community, and actionable values, moving beyond a purely critical stance to offer positive alternatives for human fulfillment and connection. Examples and Approaches
Godless Religion: One idea is to explore what a modern, scientifically-grounded, godless religion might look like, with its own rituals, community, and moral framework.
Post-Secular Thought: This broader concept acknowledges that religion’s influence has been restored in the post-secular age, leading to new forms of dialogue and “co-practice” between believers and non-believers.Focus on
Humanism: Some approaches see post-atheism as a humanist project that seeks to match religion’s ability to provide community and connection without falling into dogmatism.”Anatheism”: Philosophers like Richard Kearney propose concepts like anatheism, which aims to move beyond the polarized debate between faith and unbelief by fostering a creative engagement between them.
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[1] https://meltingasphalt.com/post-atheism-an-introduction/
[2] https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-54948-4
[4] https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/09/30/abusing-the-term-post-theist/
