Taught by

Should belief in "God" disappear wherever science, reason, and rationality live? According to so-called "New Atheists" like Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Lawrence Krauss, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens (among others), the answer is an urgent and emphatic "Yes!" But for legions of committed religious believers, the obvious response to such a provocation is a deep and resolute "Absolutely not!"

In this course, students will be asked to think, speak, and write critically about the questions and arguments posed by the New Atheists regarding the "irrational" nature of religious belief. Special attention will be paid to the New Atheist assertion that humanity ought to "outgrow" such "childish things." The further New Atheist conviction that the survival, flourishing, and progress of human civilization is dependent upon the replacement of long-standing, faith-based religions with a secular, evidence-based, "rational spirituality" will likewise be examined.

The course will begin with a survey of five of the major religious traditions – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The current status, as well as the history, cosmology, theology, and ritual practices of each, will be explored in order that students have a working knowledge of those religions that most often come under New Atheist attack. Extra emphasis will be placed on the role of contemporary Islam in world affairs, as it was largely in reaction to the events of 9/11 that the New Atheists decided to mobilize.

Quarters

Summer Open

Location and Schedule

Final Schedule and Room Assignment

• Summer

Campus Location

Olympia

Time Offered

Evening

Advertised Schedule