The hottest Atheism Substack posts right now

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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 2

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Biographies Social Critique Atheism
  1. Christopher Hitchens was a brilliant writer known for his unique talent with words. He could create outstanding articles quickly, even after enjoying drinks with friends.
  2. Hitchens didn't always agree with everyone, but he valued strong thinking and consistency in ideas. His journey shifted over time, reflecting changes in his beliefs.
  3. He was unafraid to challenge societal figures like Mother Teresa and Henry Kissinger, criticizing them for their actions regardless of their popularity. Hitchens focused on truth and human values in his work.

An Atheist Grief Observed

Skeptic • 65 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Atheism Grief Religion Mental health Philosophy
  1. Loss can be incredibly overwhelming, and sometimes it can lead to devastating consequences like suicide. The experience of losing a home and a loved one at the same time can multiply the grief.
  2. Being an atheist can change how one processes grief. Without a belief in a higher power, there can be less internal conflict and blame, allowing for a more straightforward acceptance of loss.
  3. Compassion and support from friends and family can help during difficult times. Even in the face of tragedy, the kindness of others can soften the experience of loss.

Fyodor and the Foxhole

Subtle Digressions • 259 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Atheism Morality Spirituality
  1. Finding meaning in life is challenging, especially when facing death. People often struggle with understanding their existence and seek connections with others.
  2. Acts of kindness and empathy can provide comfort and hope. Building relationships and supporting each other helps people feel less alone during tough times.
  3. Believing in something beyond ourselves, even if it's not tied to God, can inspire actions and enrich our lives. Love and compassion can be guiding principles.

Jen Gerson: Where have all the New Atheists gone?

The Line • 2731 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Society Secularism
  1. The trend of declining religious affiliation is noticeable, with Christianity on the decline while irreligiosity is on the rise in Western societies.
  2. A shift in perspectives is observed, with some former atheists converting to Christianity due to the moral void left by secularism.
  3. The atheist community, including New Atheists, is facing challenges and division, with some aligning with social justice movements and others critiquing them.

Dogmatism Is A Bigger Problem Than Religion, I Think, Maybe, Possibly

Singal-Minded • 428 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Morality
  1. Dogmatism can be a bigger issue than religion. It's not just beliefs that cause harm, but the stubbornness to hold onto those beliefs.
  2. Both religious and secular ideologies have led to terrible events in history. It's important to see that these problems aren't limited to just one belief system.
  3. A more complex view of faith and rationality is needed. It's not always clear that less religion will automatically make the world better.
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The two reasons I left Christianity

Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and beyond • 805 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Atheism Logic Science Philosophy
  1. Logic and science played a big part in leading the author to leave Christianity
  2. Encountering philosophical teachings and critical thinking in school reinforced the doubts about religion
  3. The concepts of transubstantiation and the Trinity were key factors that ultimately caused the author to walk away from Catholicism

A Hitchmas Video Gift For All

Critical Mass • 32 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Events Celebrations Media Atheism
  1. An event was held to honor Christopher Hitchens on the anniversary of his death, featuring notable panelists like Stephen Fry and Richard Dawkins.
  2. The event was well-organized and recorded, making it possible for more people to experience the discussions and memories shared about Hitchens.
  3. A video of the event is available for everyone to watch for free as a holiday gift, along with audio versions on various platforms.

Judaism, Atheism, and the Language of the Sacred: A Religious Mini-Memoir (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 599 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Ethics Beliefs
  1. The author reflects on their journey from Judaism to atheism, highlighting the conflict between personal beliefs and traditional religious views.
  2. The philosophical debate on the existence of God played a significant role in the author's transition to atheism, questioning the concept of a deity in the face of suffering and evil.
  3. Despite identifying as an atheist, recent events have rekindled a desire for religious language to articulate deep emotions and moral outrage in response to tragic events.

Recommended Reading Part IV: Metaphysics

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 723 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Science Metaphysics Atheism Consciousness
  1. Physicalism argues that everything in the universe can be explained by physical processes, while post-physicalism believes there are aspects physicalism cannot explain, like consciousness and free will.
  2. Reading about atheism and counter-atheism can lead to shifts in beliefs, from atheism to agnosticism and questioning physicalism.
  3. Exploring quantum mechanics and consciousness challenges physicalist views and opens up discussions about the mind-body connection and the nature of reality.

I'm a Marxist and an Atheist But I Don't Think Religion Would Wither Away Under Socialism

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 419 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Marxism Human condition
  1. Religious beliefs can be objectively false but still reflect permanent human aspects. Debates on this topic will continue.
  2. Even though Marxists critique religion as the 'opiate of the people,' not all Marxists see it as a simple bashing of religion.
  3. The idea that religion would disappear in a socialist society might not be entirely accurate.

Christopher Hitchens vs. Christmas Cheer

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 259 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Religion Holiday Atheism Celebration Opinion
  1. A certain group believes atheists dislike Christmas, but data shows 85% of non-religious Americans still celebrate the holiday.
  2. Christopher Hitchens took a Grinch-like stance on Christmas, but atheists can find reasons to enjoy the season.
  3. There is a case for atheists to appreciate and participate in Christmas or other holiday traditions without religious beliefs.

Why I Don't Buy The Moral Argument

Bentham's Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Theism Atheism Morality Existence
  1. The traditional moral argument for the existence of God is not convincing because the premise that without God, objective moral values do not exist is not plausible for all.
  2. Having God as the source of morality does not provide a satisfactory grounding for morality as it creates more questions and issues.
  3. Explaining the existence of moral facts by positing God as the source is as arbitrary as positing other explanations like pleasure being good.

Peter Jeppsen: I travelled to London to celebrate Hitchmas with Lawrence, Stephen, Richard, and Douglas

Critical Mass • 9 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Events Philosophy Atheism Personal Growth
  1. The Merry Hitchmas event in London was a celebration of Christopher Hitchens's life, featuring talks by notable figures like Stephen Fry and Richard Dawkins.
  2. Attending the event was a personal journey for the author, sparked by a humorous suggestion and a deep appreciation for Hitchens's legacy.
  3. The experience taught the author the importance of pursuing one's passions and not being afraid to connect with influential people, emphasizing the value of dialogue and exploration.

The Evidence For And Against Theism

Bentham's Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theism Atheism Philosophy Miracles
  1. The evidence for theism includes physical existence, useful interactions, finely tuned constants, and psychophysical laws.
  2. The evidence against theism consists of factors like the presence of evils, divine hiddenness, lack of clear miracles, and potentially inconsistent divine attributes.
  3. The problem of evil is highlighted as a significant argument favoring theism.

My Dog Isn't An Atheist (But I Am): What Christopher Hitchens Should Have Said to William Lane Craig

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 279 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Debate Atheism Philosophy
  1. The post discusses missed opportunities in a debate between Christopher Hitchens and William Lane Craig regarding the existence of God.
  2. There will be a podcast discussing the essay with Stefan Bertram-Lee on This is Revolution.
  3. To access the full post, subscriptions are required for paid subscribers.

Bubble Explainer Article: Housefire Beliefs

Resident Contrarian • 488 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Religion Christianity Atheism Morality
  1. Some arguments can be troublesome because they are specific but associated with bigger, contentious topics.
  2. Beliefs are complex - people may not always act in line with their beliefs, and interpretations of texts can vary.
  3. Challenges to religious beliefs may request believers to treat their beliefs as if they were imaginary, leading to conflicts and complexities.

A Theist's Case for Atheism

Going Awol • 59 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Atheism Debate
  1. The debate between theists and atheists should be settled by finding the best version of each belief and examining the evidence to see which aligns better with reality.
  2. The presence of various types of evil and suffering in the world poses challenges for the theistic belief in a perfect, loving creator.
  3. Moral dilemmas, psychological disorders, and animal suffering are highlighted as unexpected aspects of the world if a perfectly good, all-powerful God exists.

The Mole

Square Circle • 7 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📖 Philosophy Religion Reason Spirituality Atheism Mysticism
  1. Moles adapt to live underground, losing some abilities in exchange. This can be compared to different beliefs about spirituality and religion.
  2. The contrast between science/reason and mysticism/spirituality is explored, questioning the idea of only affirming one over the other.
  3. The text encourages embracing both the 'sunshine' of reason and the 'moonshine' of spirituality, suggesting there is value in both perspectives.

Jordan Peterson's New Atheism

The Apéritif • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Theology Belief Religion Atheism
  1. Jordan Peterson is starting a new form of religion called 'The Wrestlers', which focuses on belief and spirituality. It's different from traditional Christianity.
  2. Peterson's views on God and the resurrection are unique; he thinks they don't have to align with classic Christian beliefs. This means he might not fully believe in things like heaven and hell.
  3. His approach seems more like a new kind of atheism, since he questions core Christian ideas but still aims to create a meaningful belief system.