Parallel Lines: Fundamental Christianity, Muslim Extremism and the Rise of Atheism in the United States

Atheists are enjoying three things that we have not had the privilege of enjoying since the advent of religious belief became the evolutionary norm in our species. Those are the three basic human desires I have been referring to. To be understood, to be heard and to belong. As we increase in these areas, it stands to reason that we are stealing some of the thunder from the fundamentalists. Not to be outdone, and in fear of being undone, they have had to kick it up a notch. Or two. Or three.

Muslim extremists, already having a lot of experience making loud noises, have had to use increasingly divisive rhetoric, make louder noises and take more drastic measures as regimes continue to fall in the Middle East. It is the only way they can keep control over whatever nations they may be able to hang onto.

The American Fundy…

American fundamentalists are no different. Because atheists and our respective sympathizers are more understood than ever, being heard louder than ever and being more accepted than ever, the fundamentalist must, by virtue of being human, respond. But they are not responding with logic, reason and inclusiveness. Not by a long shot. They are acting out like their extremist Muslim counterparts, only usually without the incendiary devices. Usually. The “American Fundy” is using even more divisive rhetoric, making even louder noises and taking even more drastic measures than ever before to set themselves apart from anyone who does not believe as they do. They are no friend to ecumenism, tolerance and inclusiveness.
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