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Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World
Fighting God is a firebrand manifesto from one of the most recognizable faces of atheism. In his book, Silverman-a walking, talking atheist billboard known for his appearances on Fox News-discusses the effectiveness, ethics and impact of the in-your-face-atheist who refuses to be silent.
Silverman argues that religion is more than just wrong: it is malevolent and does not deserve our respect. It is our duty to be outspoken and do what we can to bring religion down. Examining the mentality, methods and issues facing the firebrand atheist, Silverman presents an overwhelming argument for firebrand atheism and reveals:
- All religion is cafeteria religion and almost all agnostics are atheists.
- American society grants religion a privileged status, despite the intentions of the Founding Fathers.
- Christian politicians have adversely (and un-Constitutionally) affected our society with regard to science, health, women's rights, and gay rights.
- The notion of "atheist Jews" is a lie forced on us by religion.
- It is not "Islamophobia" to observe dangerous teachings and disproportionate violence in Islam.
- Atheists are slowly but surely winning the battle.
Fighting God is a provocative, unapologetic book that takes religion to task and will give inspiration to non-believers and serve as the ultimate answer to apologists.
Silverman argues that religion is more than just wrong: it is malevolent and does not deserve our respect. It is our duty to be outspoken and do what we can to bring religion down. Examining the mentality, methods and issues facing the firebrand atheist, Silverman presents an overwhelming argument for firebrand atheism and reveals:
- All religion is cafeteria religion and almost all agnostics are atheists.
- American society grants religion a privileged status, despite the intentions of the Founding Fathers.
- Christian politicians have adversely (and un-Constitutionally) affected our society with regard to science, health, women's rights, and gay rights.
- The notion of "atheist Jews" is a lie forced on us by religion.
- It is not "Islamophobia" to observe dangerous teachings and disproportionate violence in Islam.
- Atheists are slowly but surely winning the battle.
Fighting God is a provocative, unapologetic book that takes religion to task and will give inspiration to non-believers and serve as the ultimate answer to apologists.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2015
About the author
David Silverman
2 books47 followersDavid "Dave" Silverman is an activist, blogger, debater, and the current president of American Atheists.
Note to librarians: To avoid confusion with other authors named 'David Silverman', please insert 3 spaces between first name and surname.
Note to librarians: To avoid confusion with other authors named 'David Silverman', please insert 3 spaces between first name and surname.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 17, 2020
Page 9 (my book)
You can be a skeptic, and you can be a theist, but if you’re both, you’re bad at skepticism.
David Silverman at the time of this writing was President of “American Atheists” (this ended in 2018). He tells us this frequently in the book.
He is – in his words – a “firebrand atheist” announcing it loudly and clearly. He has been on FOX news frequently, hardly a subtle news media. I believe there are advantages to this approach in the United States where evangelicals intrude more and more into government and legal issues.
In Canada it is rare for a politician to use religion – and more so the Bible - in his/her political platform. In Western Europe rarer still. The U.S. is unique in that respect among advanced democracies to have this constant influx of religious ideology.
Many of the ideas and concepts in this book are not new – being found in the works of the late Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins.
David Silverman sees Christianity in the U.S. as being similar to the theme of “Animal Farm”. Christians are constantly trampling over the rights of others like outlawing for a time stem cell research, restricting abortion rights, having prayer sessions in schools and elsewhere like athletic events (as opposed to a more neutral “minute of silence”).
I did find that David Silverman can overact to religious symbols. He goes on and on about the “Christian Cross” symbol at the “National September 11 Memorial and Museum” on the grounds of the WTC in New York City. When visiting I thought it resonated much more as a fragmented architectural steel structure than a Christian Cross.
He, like many before him, shows how religionist’s cafeteria pick the Bible for their own messages omitting the many references to misogyny, slavery, and sometimes outright genocide. It gets pretty ludicrous when religious groups are permitted to display the “Ten Commandments” on government land. The first commandment being “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.” So much for “freedom of religion”.
As the author points out morality is not defined by religion. Religion has nothing to do with women’s rights (there is nothing in religion about voting which women were granted a hundred years ago), nothing about birth control, education, science…
Mr. Silverman suggests that taxation exemptions for religious groups should be removed. Doing this would certainly add more needed revenue to the government, but I think that one would be dreaming in technicolor to believe this would ever happen!
“America Atheist” and other atheist groups are fighting to keep religion out of government. We need that.
There are many interesting passages in this book, but I think Mr. Silverman is preaching to the choir (of which I am a part of).
You can be a skeptic, and you can be a theist, but if you’re both, you’re bad at skepticism.
David Silverman at the time of this writing was President of “American Atheists” (this ended in 2018). He tells us this frequently in the book.
He is – in his words – a “firebrand atheist” announcing it loudly and clearly. He has been on FOX news frequently, hardly a subtle news media. I believe there are advantages to this approach in the United States where evangelicals intrude more and more into government and legal issues.
In Canada it is rare for a politician to use religion – and more so the Bible - in his/her political platform. In Western Europe rarer still. The U.S. is unique in that respect among advanced democracies to have this constant influx of religious ideology.
Many of the ideas and concepts in this book are not new – being found in the works of the late Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins.
David Silverman sees Christianity in the U.S. as being similar to the theme of “Animal Farm”. Christians are constantly trampling over the rights of others like outlawing for a time stem cell research, restricting abortion rights, having prayer sessions in schools and elsewhere like athletic events (as opposed to a more neutral “minute of silence”).
I did find that David Silverman can overact to religious symbols. He goes on and on about the “Christian Cross” symbol at the “National September 11 Memorial and Museum” on the grounds of the WTC in New York City. When visiting I thought it resonated much more as a fragmented architectural steel structure than a Christian Cross.
He, like many before him, shows how religionist’s cafeteria pick the Bible for their own messages omitting the many references to misogyny, slavery, and sometimes outright genocide. It gets pretty ludicrous when religious groups are permitted to display the “Ten Commandments” on government land. The first commandment being “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.” So much for “freedom of religion”.
As the author points out morality is not defined by religion. Religion has nothing to do with women’s rights (there is nothing in religion about voting which women were granted a hundred years ago), nothing about birth control, education, science…
Mr. Silverman suggests that taxation exemptions for religious groups should be removed. Doing this would certainly add more needed revenue to the government, but I think that one would be dreaming in technicolor to believe this would ever happen!
“America Atheist” and other atheist groups are fighting to keep religion out of government. We need that.
There are many interesting passages in this book, but I think Mr. Silverman is preaching to the choir (of which I am a part of).
November 25, 2015
Carl Sagan could easily sum up my feelings while reading this book:
“The chief deficiency I see in the skeptical movement is its polarization: Us vs. Them — the sense that we have a monopoly on the truth; that those other people who believe in all these stupid doctrines are morons; that if you're sensible, you'll listen to us; and if not, to hell with you. This is nonconstructive. It does not get our message across. It condemns us to permanent minority status.” (Taken from The Demon Haunted World)
As an athiest, more sympathetic to the cause I could not be, but the corrosive tone in which this entire book was written made it very hard for me to want to keep reading. In fact, I skimmed over a majority of it due to the basic points and personal rhetoric, growing ever more frustrated at the lack of well reasoned arguments. His heart is the right place, but not really for me I'm afraid.
“The chief deficiency I see in the skeptical movement is its polarization: Us vs. Them — the sense that we have a monopoly on the truth; that those other people who believe in all these stupid doctrines are morons; that if you're sensible, you'll listen to us; and if not, to hell with you. This is nonconstructive. It does not get our message across. It condemns us to permanent minority status.” (Taken from The Demon Haunted World)
As an athiest, more sympathetic to the cause I could not be, but the corrosive tone in which this entire book was written made it very hard for me to want to keep reading. In fact, I skimmed over a majority of it due to the basic points and personal rhetoric, growing ever more frustrated at the lack of well reasoned arguments. His heart is the right place, but not really for me I'm afraid.
November 11, 2015
pulling up a chariot beside the four horsemen (dawkins, dennett, harris, and the late hitchens), american atheists president david silverman is not content with mere rearguard action. fighting god is perhaps the most incendiary (and practical) of recent books upbraiding the antiquated beliefs of the religiously faithful. silverman, forthright firebrand, devitalizes and deconstructs religion in all of its pernicious, insidious forms. written for the openly atheistic, the questioning nonbelievers, and the still-closeted nones, silverman's manifesto, while unlikely to convert more than a few, may prove an invaluable resource to those struggling to leave their deity behind.
fighting god takes aim at the lies, hypocrisy, duplicity, false privilege, and feigned victimhood of organized religion. discussing the sociopolitical damage wrought by religion and its overzealous adherents, silverman advocates for a more cohesive, vocal, and active atheist movement. with compelling arguments, infuriating anecdotes, and a boisterous sense of humor, fighting god will invigorate or inspire those already good without god, as well as those needing the encouragement or final push to step away from religion altogether. silverman's direct and unapologetic prose may anger some, but his well-researched polemic will be difficult to discredit on factual or fundamental grounds.
fighting god takes aim at the lies, hypocrisy, duplicity, false privilege, and feigned victimhood of organized religion. discussing the sociopolitical damage wrought by religion and its overzealous adherents, silverman advocates for a more cohesive, vocal, and active atheist movement. with compelling arguments, infuriating anecdotes, and a boisterous sense of humor, fighting god will invigorate or inspire those already good without god, as well as those needing the encouragement or final push to step away from religion altogether. silverman's direct and unapologetic prose may anger some, but his well-researched polemic will be difficult to discredit on factual or fundamental grounds.
but religion is not just incorrect, it is malevolent. it ruins lives, splits families, and justifies hatred and bigotry, all while claiming to be the source of morality. people die and suffer needlessly because of religion; such a waste.
religion is corruption incarnate. as the late christopher hitchens said, "religion poisons everything," and that seems almost literal when we are talking about the minds it infects. it makes good people do bad things while thinking they are doing good — effectively turning good people into bad people, at least sometimes. religion deserves to die.
October 23, 2015
No bones about it. David Silverman IS Fighting God.
In this manifesto, Silverman tells us, topic by topic, why he does what he does. As president of American Atheists, Silverman is the head of the largest, and likely most militant and litigious, atheist organization in the world. And he’s over it.
He’s over “live and let live”. He’s over “respecting your beliefs”. He’s over “coexist”. He’s over all this, and he explains in this book why: not because he’s an intolerant hater, but because religion won’t allow him. He cares too much for other people, and he cares too much for America and its values. Religion, as he sees it, invades every corner of our cultural and political arenas, and not in a good way.
He spends some time at the beginning of the book defining terms so that the reader can get firm footing on the power of language that has for so long worked in religion’s favor. For example, many flavors of Christianity fall under the broad term Christian (Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, even Mormonism). This is not true for people who have no belief in God (seculars, agnostics, atheists). This becomes important when statistics are used to prove that America is a “Christian” nation, because the numbers are skewed. Silverman emphasizes in this chapter the value and extreme importance of non-believers using the term atheist, which regardless of the baggage, every non-believer is.
Silverman then takes us on a journey through all religions, not just Christianity. He carefully addresses every topic used in defense of religious beliefs, and shows them for the smoke they are. One of his strongest sentences, in Chapter 3, states:
"Beyond the rhetoric, beyond the lies, and beyond the marketing, never once in the history of our species has any religion found, offered, or shown any verifiable and testable proof based on scientifically valid evidence and the scientific method (you know, the way we would prove anything else) of any supernatural being or phenomena. Ever. As I said before, if I am ever proven wrong on this point, I will quit my job and donate the proceeds of this book to that specific god’s religion, and I shall do so in a tremendous hail of publicity so that everyone will know.”
This book builds with intensity. As an attorney, my favorite chapter is Chapter 8: On Fighting Unpopular Battles (but Being Right). The chapter addresses the problem of religion in politics in America. Even the most devout of believers will agree that religion has a position of privilege in our government. This is perhaps the most powerful reason in a series of powerful reasons to push back against the ubiquity of religion, and to push hard. So many divisive issues in our culture have at their roots the ugliness of religion: gay marriage, abortion, women’s reproductive health, and even wealth inequality (remember the “poor always being among us”?). Silverman reminds us that religion will never, ever concede its position of privilege, and it will only be taken from religion with muscle, stamina, and determination.
Silverman’s book concludes with a variety of speeches he has made, and after the beatdown silent non-believers have taken throughout the book, these speeches not only assuage those wounds, but serve to inspire and motivate. Patriotism has been usurped by the religious right, and these few pages go a long way in reclaiming it.
For the purpose of full disclosure: not only am I an non-believer, but I’m one of those firebrand atheists Silverman describes. This book does a wonderful job of explaining why I am the way I am, but I would also have loved to have read it when I was on my way out of religion. Instead of slinking quietly away, I would have hired a marching band, drill team and all, and I myself would have lead the parade, carrying the atheist banner.
In this manifesto, Silverman tells us, topic by topic, why he does what he does. As president of American Atheists, Silverman is the head of the largest, and likely most militant and litigious, atheist organization in the world. And he’s over it.
He’s over “live and let live”. He’s over “respecting your beliefs”. He’s over “coexist”. He’s over all this, and he explains in this book why: not because he’s an intolerant hater, but because religion won’t allow him. He cares too much for other people, and he cares too much for America and its values. Religion, as he sees it, invades every corner of our cultural and political arenas, and not in a good way.
He spends some time at the beginning of the book defining terms so that the reader can get firm footing on the power of language that has for so long worked in religion’s favor. For example, many flavors of Christianity fall under the broad term Christian (Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, even Mormonism). This is not true for people who have no belief in God (seculars, agnostics, atheists). This becomes important when statistics are used to prove that America is a “Christian” nation, because the numbers are skewed. Silverman emphasizes in this chapter the value and extreme importance of non-believers using the term atheist, which regardless of the baggage, every non-believer is.
Silverman then takes us on a journey through all religions, not just Christianity. He carefully addresses every topic used in defense of religious beliefs, and shows them for the smoke they are. One of his strongest sentences, in Chapter 3, states:
"Beyond the rhetoric, beyond the lies, and beyond the marketing, never once in the history of our species has any religion found, offered, or shown any verifiable and testable proof based on scientifically valid evidence and the scientific method (you know, the way we would prove anything else) of any supernatural being or phenomena. Ever. As I said before, if I am ever proven wrong on this point, I will quit my job and donate the proceeds of this book to that specific god’s religion, and I shall do so in a tremendous hail of publicity so that everyone will know.”
This book builds with intensity. As an attorney, my favorite chapter is Chapter 8: On Fighting Unpopular Battles (but Being Right). The chapter addresses the problem of religion in politics in America. Even the most devout of believers will agree that religion has a position of privilege in our government. This is perhaps the most powerful reason in a series of powerful reasons to push back against the ubiquity of religion, and to push hard. So many divisive issues in our culture have at their roots the ugliness of religion: gay marriage, abortion, women’s reproductive health, and even wealth inequality (remember the “poor always being among us”?). Silverman reminds us that religion will never, ever concede its position of privilege, and it will only be taken from religion with muscle, stamina, and determination.
Silverman’s book concludes with a variety of speeches he has made, and after the beatdown silent non-believers have taken throughout the book, these speeches not only assuage those wounds, but serve to inspire and motivate. Patriotism has been usurped by the religious right, and these few pages go a long way in reclaiming it.
For the purpose of full disclosure: not only am I an non-believer, but I’m one of those firebrand atheists Silverman describes. This book does a wonderful job of explaining why I am the way I am, but I would also have loved to have read it when I was on my way out of religion. Instead of slinking quietly away, I would have hired a marching band, drill team and all, and I myself would have lead the parade, carrying the atheist banner.
October 1, 2015
A fun read that best explains strategy for atheists to "come out of the closet" and fight for their rights here in America. Unlike other similar books, this one isn't so much about convincing others that atheists are right but instead contains strategies on how to talk about atheism and take action. But in a fun way! No "preaching" here. (Note: this review was based on an advance copy)
Read
April 20, 2021 Edit circa Apr 2021: After some thought, I am removing my rating because I do not wish to promote this book. In general, although I still hold staunch atheist and secularist values, I have long been disillusioned with the political split in the atheist movement, between progressives/"SJWs" and so-called "anti woke" liberals who don't seem all that liberal to me and often ally themselves with right-wing types. Atheists come in all political stripes, but personally I'm an atheist because I'm a leftist and, my political and religious beliefs are linked and both stem from similar values.
So I cleared the rating because I do not wish to ally myself with Mr. Silverman, or the larger "anti-woke" faction of the atheist movement, in any way. I am keeping my original review for posterity however.
Edit circa Mar 2019: Two years sure does change things, holy shit. I’m keeping my original review and rating because it reflects my honest feelings at the time. But holy shit my viewpoints have definitely changed and I don’t agree with David Silverman on anything much anymore, except the atheism bit. But unlike Mr. Silverman, I don’t see every single atheist as my ally just cause we’re both atheists. Atheists that hate monger, sympathize with or pander to the far right, promote racist/sexist/etc. ideology are NOT my allies. Neither are atheists who sexually harass women. Just sayin’.
https://mobile.twitter.com/MrAtheistP...
(long thread, honestly wouldn’t recommend reading the whole thing bc it’s kinda exhausting, but it definitely highlights one of the reasons I disagree with David Silverman these days)
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/...
(also this, in case y’all missed it)
_____________________________________________
Original review, Aug 2016
Original rating: 5 stars
Where do I start with this amazing book? This book, like I said in my status update, is my everything. I fucking loved it. It basically summed up every single reason why I am an atheist, and it does so much more eloquently than I ever could.
I have a very low stamina and find it hard to focus. That's why I barely read nonfiction, because usually the writing and/or subject matter makes it too dense and I can't finish it. This is so NOT the case for Fighting God. It is well-written and intelligent, but it's also written in a way that isn't boring.
I need to make something very clear: Criticisms of religious ideas and religious people are not the same thing. There is a huge difference between being disapproving of religion as an institution and being disrespectful of religious people. Fighting God, like every other atheist work I have been exposed to, falls in the former category. Much like how feminism is about dismantling the patriarchy and not hating men, or how racial justice is about fighting white supremacy not white people. Are we clear? Good.
I think that no matter wha your religious beliefs (atheist, agnostic, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, etc.) you should read this book. Even if you don't agree with it, it's very thought provoking and interesting. And if you do agree with it (as I did), then you will just love to hear someone talking sense.
So I cleared the rating because I do not wish to ally myself with Mr. Silverman, or the larger "anti-woke" faction of the atheist movement, in any way. I am keeping my original review for posterity however.
Edit circa Mar 2019: Two years sure does change things, holy shit. I’m keeping my original review and rating because it reflects my honest feelings at the time. But holy shit my viewpoints have definitely changed and I don’t agree with David Silverman on anything much anymore, except the atheism bit. But unlike Mr. Silverman, I don’t see every single atheist as my ally just cause we’re both atheists. Atheists that hate monger, sympathize with or pander to the far right, promote racist/sexist/etc. ideology are NOT my allies. Neither are atheists who sexually harass women. Just sayin’.
https://mobile.twitter.com/MrAtheistP...
(long thread, honestly wouldn’t recommend reading the whole thing bc it’s kinda exhausting, but it definitely highlights one of the reasons I disagree with David Silverman these days)
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/...
(also this, in case y’all missed it)
_____________________________________________
Original review, Aug 2016
Original rating: 5 stars
Where do I start with this amazing book? This book, like I said in my status update, is my everything. I fucking loved it. It basically summed up every single reason why I am an atheist, and it does so much more eloquently than I ever could.
I have a very low stamina and find it hard to focus. That's why I barely read nonfiction, because usually the writing and/or subject matter makes it too dense and I can't finish it. This is so NOT the case for Fighting God. It is well-written and intelligent, but it's also written in a way that isn't boring.
I need to make something very clear: Criticisms of religious ideas and religious people are not the same thing. There is a huge difference between being disapproving of religion as an institution and being disrespectful of religious people. Fighting God, like every other atheist work I have been exposed to, falls in the former category. Much like how feminism is about dismantling the patriarchy and not hating men, or how racial justice is about fighting white supremacy not white people. Are we clear? Good.
I think that no matter wha your religious beliefs (atheist, agnostic, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, etc.) you should read this book. Even if you don't agree with it, it's very thought provoking and interesting. And if you do agree with it (as I did), then you will just love to hear someone talking sense.
January 2, 2021
A re-read many years later. I am still an Atheist, and still anti-religion, more so now than earlier in my life and still unable to be an in your face angry atheist.
A good book, but not one of the best.
My problem is now I feel pity for those that need imaginary support and approval. So much could be done to help the world by taking the money from religion, their buildings, cars, planes, gold, treasures etc and using all that $$$ and helping people.
A good book, but not one of the best.
My problem is now I feel pity for those that need imaginary support and approval. So much could be done to help the world by taking the money from religion, their buildings, cars, planes, gold, treasures etc and using all that $$$ and helping people.
December 18, 2015
Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World by David Silverman
“Fighting God" is an excellent plea for out-loud and proud atheism. President of American Atheists and proud advocate for firebrand atheism, David Silverman provides inspiration for social change and the tools do so. This stimulating 304-page book includes the following eleven chapters: 1. Atheist, Know Thyself, 2. The War Has Already Begun, and We Are Ethically Obligated to Fight, 3. Telling the Truth About the Lie of God, 4. Fighting the Good Fight, 5. Use, or at Least Understand, Firebrand Tactics, 6. Be Everywhere, 7. On Defining Morality Without God(s), 8. On Fighting Unpopular Battles (But Being Right), 9, On the Reason Rally, 10. Relish the Future, and 11. Moving Forward.
Positives:
1. Clear thoughts and smooth prose makes for a fun read.
2. A great topic, a plea for atheist activism with an emphasis on the firebrand variety.
3. Heartfelt writing style that’s engaging, provocative and grounded on reason. Contrary to expectations this is a respectful book that grounds its ire toward unsubstantiated beliefs and not its victims.
4. Does a fantastic job of defining key terms and purpose. “By specifically using atheist as an identifier, you educate the public about atheism, attacking bigotry one listener at a time.”
5. As an avid reader and reviewer, one of the telltale signs of an excellent book is how often I highlight it and the quality of its ideas and perspectives. Silverman succeeds on both fronts. Silverman’s mastery of the topic is evidenced by his persuasive and lucid narrative backed by sound reason and conviction.
6. Provides countless examples of why atheism activism is important. “In November of 2014, the Texas State Board of Education made changes to its curriculum and, in a brazen act of dishonesty, changed its textbooks to include statements that imply Moses, the fictional character from the Bible, was instrumental in the founding of America, influencing the writing of the Constitution, and providing the foundation for democracy.” Bonus quote because it’s too good to pass up, “Religion does not own activism. If atheists remain passive, religion will win because its members will be the only ones who are active.”
7. The importance of separation of church and state, “That’s what a separation of religion and government means, and that is our big-picture goal—the removal of unearned, unwarranted, and un-American religious privilege from our society, starting with our government.”
8. Examples of Christian privilege. “Their mission does not give them the right to break the law, nor does it justify special privilege. That they want to break the law and their religion tells them to break the law doesn’t allow them to break the law. Laws that mandate equality (or the judges that enforce the law) aren’t antireligion just because religion craves superiority. If their religion is incompatible with the law, they, not we, have to suck it up and work within the law of the land. Pro-equality laws are only “anti-Christian” because Christianity is anti-equality, and this is their problem, not ours.”
9. A book based on sound logic. “Never once in the history of our species has any religion found, offered, or shown any verifiable and testable proof based on scientifically valid evidence and the scientific method (you know, the way we would prove anything else) of any supernatural being or phenomena.”
10. At the heart of this book is a plea for equality. “Realize that the idea of equality to women is threatening to some men, just as the idea of racial equality is threatening to some white people, because they perceive becoming equal as a loss of privilege. This is also the case for some Christians who fear losing privilege and becoming only equal to other religious and atheistic positions.”
11. Not afraid to call it as he sees it. “Cultures can be abandoned, but when you try to leave Judaism, you are told you can’t because it’s in your blood, which is a lie.”
12. Makes limited but effective use of scripture to prove key points. “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. —LEVITICUS 20:13”
13. Explains why firebrand tactics work. “Firebrand atheism is simply telling the truth, with the emphasis on telling. There is a difference between telling the truth only when cornered and proactively speaking what you know to be truthful, helpful, and healthy, and the latter is where I live. Silence often implies acquiescence or even agreement, and often that makes it a lie.”
14. An effective explanation on why atheists need to be ubiquitous in the political system. “Ubiquity must be demonstrated.”
15. A look at morality without gods. “All humans have their own morality, which is fluid between people, and, on a societal level, across space and time.”
16. One of the standout chapters of this book is on fighting unpopular battles. “For example, thanks to the Faith-Based Initiative, churches provide many services using our tax dollars that should be provided by secular charities, yet the churches do so without the same oversight or employment rules.”
17. Some numbers will blow you away. “According to Professor Ryan Cragun, churches cost America about $71 billion per year in nonprofit property-tax exemptions alone.”
18. A look at demographics and the future of atheism in America. “If all current trends continue, we will hit 31 percent none in ten years based on numbers alone.”
19. An excellent summary chapter that revisits the main topics covered in this insightful book. “Since religion is inherently and demonstrably harmful to society and moral progress, atheism holds the moral high ground.”
20. Excellent collection of appendices that cover a number of interesting topics (from free will, speeches, religion in public schools, etc…)
Negatives:
1. The graphs provided are great on larger reading devices but unfortunately suffers in the Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Voyage.
2. The On “Proofs” sections lack depth, Silverman acknowledges that there are many atheist books that cover these topics in greater detail.
3. Those seeking a technical philosophical retort to popular theistic beliefs will be disappointed; this is not that kind of book. This is a more inspirational, practical and activist book, a manifesto.
4. No formal bibliography.
In summary, this is an excellent manifesto and another great contribution to my atheist library. The greatest asset of this book is the inspiration and necessity for activism and the framing of the discussion. President of American Atheists, David Silverman shares his experiences and knowledge with a practical and lucid approach. A fun and engaging book geared more toward atheists in the shadows but one that should be read by all. I highly recommend it!
Further recommendations: “A Manual for Creating Atheists” by Peter Boghossian, “Fighting Back the Right” by David Niose, “Unstoppable” by Bill Nye, “Soul Fallacy” by Julien Musolino,”Faith vs Fact” by Jerry A. Coyne, “How to Defend the Christian Faith” and “The Christian Delusion” by John W. Loftus, “Natural Atheism” by Dr. David Eller, "Man Made God: A Collection of Essays" by Barbara G. Walker, “Why I’m Not a Christian” by Richard Carrier, “The Dark Side of Christian History” by Helen Ellerbe, “Atheism for Dummies” by Dale McGowan, “The Atheist Universe” by David Mills, “God is Not Great” by Christopher Hitchens, “The God Argument” by A.C. Grayling, “Good Thinking” and “50 Simple Questions for Every Christian” by Guy P. Harrison, “Godless” by Dan Barker, “Moral Combat” by Sikivu Hutchinson, and “Society Without God” by Phil Zuckerman.
“Fighting God" is an excellent plea for out-loud and proud atheism. President of American Atheists and proud advocate for firebrand atheism, David Silverman provides inspiration for social change and the tools do so. This stimulating 304-page book includes the following eleven chapters: 1. Atheist, Know Thyself, 2. The War Has Already Begun, and We Are Ethically Obligated to Fight, 3. Telling the Truth About the Lie of God, 4. Fighting the Good Fight, 5. Use, or at Least Understand, Firebrand Tactics, 6. Be Everywhere, 7. On Defining Morality Without God(s), 8. On Fighting Unpopular Battles (But Being Right), 9, On the Reason Rally, 10. Relish the Future, and 11. Moving Forward.
Positives:
1. Clear thoughts and smooth prose makes for a fun read.
2. A great topic, a plea for atheist activism with an emphasis on the firebrand variety.
3. Heartfelt writing style that’s engaging, provocative and grounded on reason. Contrary to expectations this is a respectful book that grounds its ire toward unsubstantiated beliefs and not its victims.
4. Does a fantastic job of defining key terms and purpose. “By specifically using atheist as an identifier, you educate the public about atheism, attacking bigotry one listener at a time.”
5. As an avid reader and reviewer, one of the telltale signs of an excellent book is how often I highlight it and the quality of its ideas and perspectives. Silverman succeeds on both fronts. Silverman’s mastery of the topic is evidenced by his persuasive and lucid narrative backed by sound reason and conviction.
6. Provides countless examples of why atheism activism is important. “In November of 2014, the Texas State Board of Education made changes to its curriculum and, in a brazen act of dishonesty, changed its textbooks to include statements that imply Moses, the fictional character from the Bible, was instrumental in the founding of America, influencing the writing of the Constitution, and providing the foundation for democracy.” Bonus quote because it’s too good to pass up, “Religion does not own activism. If atheists remain passive, religion will win because its members will be the only ones who are active.”
7. The importance of separation of church and state, “That’s what a separation of religion and government means, and that is our big-picture goal—the removal of unearned, unwarranted, and un-American religious privilege from our society, starting with our government.”
8. Examples of Christian privilege. “Their mission does not give them the right to break the law, nor does it justify special privilege. That they want to break the law and their religion tells them to break the law doesn’t allow them to break the law. Laws that mandate equality (or the judges that enforce the law) aren’t antireligion just because religion craves superiority. If their religion is incompatible with the law, they, not we, have to suck it up and work within the law of the land. Pro-equality laws are only “anti-Christian” because Christianity is anti-equality, and this is their problem, not ours.”
9. A book based on sound logic. “Never once in the history of our species has any religion found, offered, or shown any verifiable and testable proof based on scientifically valid evidence and the scientific method (you know, the way we would prove anything else) of any supernatural being or phenomena.”
10. At the heart of this book is a plea for equality. “Realize that the idea of equality to women is threatening to some men, just as the idea of racial equality is threatening to some white people, because they perceive becoming equal as a loss of privilege. This is also the case for some Christians who fear losing privilege and becoming only equal to other religious and atheistic positions.”
11. Not afraid to call it as he sees it. “Cultures can be abandoned, but when you try to leave Judaism, you are told you can’t because it’s in your blood, which is a lie.”
12. Makes limited but effective use of scripture to prove key points. “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. —LEVITICUS 20:13”
13. Explains why firebrand tactics work. “Firebrand atheism is simply telling the truth, with the emphasis on telling. There is a difference between telling the truth only when cornered and proactively speaking what you know to be truthful, helpful, and healthy, and the latter is where I live. Silence often implies acquiescence or even agreement, and often that makes it a lie.”
14. An effective explanation on why atheists need to be ubiquitous in the political system. “Ubiquity must be demonstrated.”
15. A look at morality without gods. “All humans have their own morality, which is fluid between people, and, on a societal level, across space and time.”
16. One of the standout chapters of this book is on fighting unpopular battles. “For example, thanks to the Faith-Based Initiative, churches provide many services using our tax dollars that should be provided by secular charities, yet the churches do so without the same oversight or employment rules.”
17. Some numbers will blow you away. “According to Professor Ryan Cragun, churches cost America about $71 billion per year in nonprofit property-tax exemptions alone.”
18. A look at demographics and the future of atheism in America. “If all current trends continue, we will hit 31 percent none in ten years based on numbers alone.”
19. An excellent summary chapter that revisits the main topics covered in this insightful book. “Since religion is inherently and demonstrably harmful to society and moral progress, atheism holds the moral high ground.”
20. Excellent collection of appendices that cover a number of interesting topics (from free will, speeches, religion in public schools, etc…)
Negatives:
1. The graphs provided are great on larger reading devices but unfortunately suffers in the Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Voyage.
2. The On “Proofs” sections lack depth, Silverman acknowledges that there are many atheist books that cover these topics in greater detail.
3. Those seeking a technical philosophical retort to popular theistic beliefs will be disappointed; this is not that kind of book. This is a more inspirational, practical and activist book, a manifesto.
4. No formal bibliography.
In summary, this is an excellent manifesto and another great contribution to my atheist library. The greatest asset of this book is the inspiration and necessity for activism and the framing of the discussion. President of American Atheists, David Silverman shares his experiences and knowledge with a practical and lucid approach. A fun and engaging book geared more toward atheists in the shadows but one that should be read by all. I highly recommend it!
Further recommendations: “A Manual for Creating Atheists” by Peter Boghossian, “Fighting Back the Right” by David Niose, “Unstoppable” by Bill Nye, “Soul Fallacy” by Julien Musolino,”Faith vs Fact” by Jerry A. Coyne, “How to Defend the Christian Faith” and “The Christian Delusion” by John W. Loftus, “Natural Atheism” by Dr. David Eller, "Man Made God: A Collection of Essays" by Barbara G. Walker, “Why I’m Not a Christian” by Richard Carrier, “The Dark Side of Christian History” by Helen Ellerbe, “Atheism for Dummies” by Dale McGowan, “The Atheist Universe” by David Mills, “God is Not Great” by Christopher Hitchens, “The God Argument” by A.C. Grayling, “Good Thinking” and “50 Simple Questions for Every Christian” by Guy P. Harrison, “Godless” by Dan Barker, “Moral Combat” by Sikivu Hutchinson, and “Society Without God” by Phil Zuckerman.
November 17, 2023
Religion is Dehumanization
What if God Exists?
I was looking forward to reading this book, so imagine my disappointment at reading on page 3, “If any god, anywhere, were proven real even once, I would convert, quit my job, and donate all the proceeds of this book to that correct god’s religion.” This sentiment is reiterated on p. 47. In this frame of mind, the author would have been a dedicated disciple, maybe even a zealot follower, of Jesus back in the day. Further, the author states that “I am convinced this mentality holds true for almost all atheists everywhere-…” This does not describe me. Given that state of conflict, war, violence, bigotry, hatred, cruelty, and injustice in the world today and throughout human history attributable to God and His religions, such a God, if He existed, would be directly responsible for the malevolence. If this God is proven to exist, He is answerable for His crimes against humanity, and I will be a witness for the prosecution. Consistent with the title of this book, we should fight such a God and not accept Him because He decides to show up and suddenly make Himself known one day. I am His sworn enemy, He has earned my scorn and hate, I would never accept subservience to such a malevolent entity. Further, it would be my ethical duty to fight against and destroy such an evil force. David Silverman is a preacher of atheism only as long as there is no good reason to believe in God. In terms of the promises of religion, Silverman reveals that he wishes it could be true, to wit, p.43, “I wish there were some reason to believe it is true…” though he accepts that it is not true. Whereas I am very glad there is no reason to believe any of the promises or threats are true, e.g., life after death judgment, immortal life, a supernatural being or force, the soul or even seeing dead and past relatives and acquaintances again, many of whom never liked me anyway. Another point of contention I have is in Appendix 2. Here, it is claimed “If the atheists weren’t closeted, it would be harder to hate us, because in the end, you can’t hate what you already love.” This has not been my experience. After I came out as an atheist, I earned a great deal of attack and animosity as well as judgement, rejection and permeant resentment by the people who purported to love me. They love their God and His religion more than any mere human being or notion of inferior human love. It was much easier to throw me over than their coveted belief system. I was told that “God will forgive me” - that is, for being in a relationship with me. Here it is: 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be mismated with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols?…” That is me after coming out, “unbeliever”, “iniquity”, “darkness”, “Belial” “idol”. Black letter Biblical law. It cannot be wrong. Imagine being told by a person with whom you are in relationship that they need God’s forgiveness for being with you. This is just another example of Bible bigotry and faith-based hate. This is how religion is really dehumanization in thin disguise.
The Problem Created with No God
Since birth, I have done nothing that makes any sense to me. I have even tried cursing God, but this has not worked for me as it apparently did for Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard. I think I see the problem though. My curse is not genuine, I do not believe in God, so I am cursing a non-entity, at least Kierkegaard Sr. believed in God, so his curse was genuine and had the force and meaning which my curse lacks. What can I curse to help me? I have cursed Ala, Jehovah, Yahweh and related coequal and sub-deities such as Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as well as related prophets such as Moses and Mohamad etc. No good has come of it. I might as well curse Baal, Zeus, and Athena. This is a problem in a modern scientific technology advanced world, there are no deities left to curse. Where does one turn these days to utter a powerful and meaningful curse? At least religion, when taken seriously, offered this much. This lack makes modern life even more perplexing, for me at least. Perhaps this was the problem Nietzsche in mind when we referred to the emptiness of modernity, no God to curse.
Hate the belief, not the believer?
Or is it, hate the belief but love the believer? I am a strong atheist in that the ‘textbook’ atheist is a person who disbelieves in the existence of God (rejecting a claim) whereas I believe God does not exist (making a claim). More correctly, I am an anti-theist, I am against God, theism, and religion but I am not against worshipers, theists and believers as human beings. Hate the belief, not the believer. Well maybe, at what point can the believer be separated from the belief system? The author talks about fighting religion, not religious people whom he sees as innocent victims needing help. The author states, “believers are mostly nice people…” Well, I am sure there are many examples of nice people who are religious, but I have had personal experiences with judgmental Christians. I have been personally attacked, judged and rejected by people who are Christians. To some extent, a person is what they believe and how they act according to their belief system. To what extent can we separate the believers from the beliefs? If a person believes in stupid stuff, at what point are they simply a stupid person? If a person has antihuman beliefs, then is he or she not an anti-humanist? Such a believer is not a nice person and there are many such people imbued with the self-righteous assurance that they are doing God’s work when attacking other people. I would say that some believers are nice people, but most are not. All believers are not victims as the author claims, some at least must be seen as perpetrators of the crime. David Silverman states “Nothing I write in this book should be construed as all religious people are bad/stupid.” I think we must face the fact that many religious people are bad/stupid, this is why they are religious people.
Evangelical Atheism!
This is book is mainly a call to action and could be retitled ‘Evangelical Atheism ‘ or “Firebrand Atheism” as David Silverman styles it. This is the main point of the book, to fight religious belief, not disprove it, this much goes without saying so to speak. The author is highly perspicuous in his identity of the religious right and the dangers it represents to the survival civil society and the need to fight it when he wrote this book in 2015. The problems have only become worse with time worse as he also predicted. For example, in 2015 he states that “…Christianity has successfully and permanently taken over half the political system...” Well, the bad half anyway. The Republican Party has now been fully captured by the religious right. Silverman was optimistic, at least in 2015, as to the inroads made by atheism within conservative circles but since that time, there has been retrenchment by the theocrats of the right but even I think this might be a last stand. I think the bigoted theistic rightwing Christian fascist nationalism we are currently seeing are the violent death throes of a monster as it dies, but we will know more after the U.S. 2024 elections. Still, we need to heed David Silverman’s advice to combat and defeat religion and theism for the good of humanity. It is an ethical commitment. It should be obvious that religion itself has nothing to do with the moral accountability or ethical answerability of which religious fundamentalists are so proud of bragging. Personally saved Christians are extreme and obscene narcissists. Religious belief distorts natural moral sensibility. David Silverman’s advice is to treat religious believers as victims of brainwashing in need our help and pity, not our anger; religious people are damaged, not evil. But we still must fight religion and its leaders, especially those in politics, with firebrand tactics. I have tried to reason with religious people in a thoughtful, understanding, empathetic and compassionate manner and these efforts have been rejected as the preference for blissful willful ignorance was asserted. The people with whom I tried to talk, family members or ‘friends’, simply refuse to listen. How can one offer their “help and pity” as the author advocates when such “help and pity” is twisted into an attack and rejected? The underlying disorder is what I call a ‘weak mind’ in need of easy answers and reassurance. There are some people who just need to be reassured and comforted and religion fills this void for such people who do want to think. I have been accessed of ‘over thinking’ as odd as this sounds, it really a rejection of curtail thinking. I guess these are not bad people, just pathetic people. According to Silverman, the religious cause or belief itself is bad and calls for concerted firebrand tactics not to be used against individual believers. The goal is to make atheism, well, normal. Silverman states that a major belief problem is not so much that Christians do not read the Bible. Whereas, I think the problem is that they read it selectively and only in such a way to confirm their preexisting bias and bigotry.
What if God Exists?
I was looking forward to reading this book, so imagine my disappointment at reading on page 3, “If any god, anywhere, were proven real even once, I would convert, quit my job, and donate all the proceeds of this book to that correct god’s religion.” This sentiment is reiterated on p. 47. In this frame of mind, the author would have been a dedicated disciple, maybe even a zealot follower, of Jesus back in the day. Further, the author states that “I am convinced this mentality holds true for almost all atheists everywhere-…” This does not describe me. Given that state of conflict, war, violence, bigotry, hatred, cruelty, and injustice in the world today and throughout human history attributable to God and His religions, such a God, if He existed, would be directly responsible for the malevolence. If this God is proven to exist, He is answerable for His crimes against humanity, and I will be a witness for the prosecution. Consistent with the title of this book, we should fight such a God and not accept Him because He decides to show up and suddenly make Himself known one day. I am His sworn enemy, He has earned my scorn and hate, I would never accept subservience to such a malevolent entity. Further, it would be my ethical duty to fight against and destroy such an evil force. David Silverman is a preacher of atheism only as long as there is no good reason to believe in God. In terms of the promises of religion, Silverman reveals that he wishes it could be true, to wit, p.43, “I wish there were some reason to believe it is true…” though he accepts that it is not true. Whereas I am very glad there is no reason to believe any of the promises or threats are true, e.g., life after death judgment, immortal life, a supernatural being or force, the soul or even seeing dead and past relatives and acquaintances again, many of whom never liked me anyway. Another point of contention I have is in Appendix 2. Here, it is claimed “If the atheists weren’t closeted, it would be harder to hate us, because in the end, you can’t hate what you already love.” This has not been my experience. After I came out as an atheist, I earned a great deal of attack and animosity as well as judgement, rejection and permeant resentment by the people who purported to love me. They love their God and His religion more than any mere human being or notion of inferior human love. It was much easier to throw me over than their coveted belief system. I was told that “God will forgive me” - that is, for being in a relationship with me. Here it is: 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be mismated with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols?…” That is me after coming out, “unbeliever”, “iniquity”, “darkness”, “Belial” “idol”. Black letter Biblical law. It cannot be wrong. Imagine being told by a person with whom you are in relationship that they need God’s forgiveness for being with you. This is just another example of Bible bigotry and faith-based hate. This is how religion is really dehumanization in thin disguise.
The Problem Created with No God
Since birth, I have done nothing that makes any sense to me. I have even tried cursing God, but this has not worked for me as it apparently did for Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard. I think I see the problem though. My curse is not genuine, I do not believe in God, so I am cursing a non-entity, at least Kierkegaard Sr. believed in God, so his curse was genuine and had the force and meaning which my curse lacks. What can I curse to help me? I have cursed Ala, Jehovah, Yahweh and related coequal and sub-deities such as Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as well as related prophets such as Moses and Mohamad etc. No good has come of it. I might as well curse Baal, Zeus, and Athena. This is a problem in a modern scientific technology advanced world, there are no deities left to curse. Where does one turn these days to utter a powerful and meaningful curse? At least religion, when taken seriously, offered this much. This lack makes modern life even more perplexing, for me at least. Perhaps this was the problem Nietzsche in mind when we referred to the emptiness of modernity, no God to curse.
Hate the belief, not the believer?
Or is it, hate the belief but love the believer? I am a strong atheist in that the ‘textbook’ atheist is a person who disbelieves in the existence of God (rejecting a claim) whereas I believe God does not exist (making a claim). More correctly, I am an anti-theist, I am against God, theism, and religion but I am not against worshipers, theists and believers as human beings. Hate the belief, not the believer. Well maybe, at what point can the believer be separated from the belief system? The author talks about fighting religion, not religious people whom he sees as innocent victims needing help. The author states, “believers are mostly nice people…” Well, I am sure there are many examples of nice people who are religious, but I have had personal experiences with judgmental Christians. I have been personally attacked, judged and rejected by people who are Christians. To some extent, a person is what they believe and how they act according to their belief system. To what extent can we separate the believers from the beliefs? If a person believes in stupid stuff, at what point are they simply a stupid person? If a person has antihuman beliefs, then is he or she not an anti-humanist? Such a believer is not a nice person and there are many such people imbued with the self-righteous assurance that they are doing God’s work when attacking other people. I would say that some believers are nice people, but most are not. All believers are not victims as the author claims, some at least must be seen as perpetrators of the crime. David Silverman states “Nothing I write in this book should be construed as all religious people are bad/stupid.” I think we must face the fact that many religious people are bad/stupid, this is why they are religious people.
Evangelical Atheism!
This is book is mainly a call to action and could be retitled ‘Evangelical Atheism ‘ or “Firebrand Atheism” as David Silverman styles it. This is the main point of the book, to fight religious belief, not disprove it, this much goes without saying so to speak. The author is highly perspicuous in his identity of the religious right and the dangers it represents to the survival civil society and the need to fight it when he wrote this book in 2015. The problems have only become worse with time worse as he also predicted. For example, in 2015 he states that “…Christianity has successfully and permanently taken over half the political system...” Well, the bad half anyway. The Republican Party has now been fully captured by the religious right. Silverman was optimistic, at least in 2015, as to the inroads made by atheism within conservative circles but since that time, there has been retrenchment by the theocrats of the right but even I think this might be a last stand. I think the bigoted theistic rightwing Christian fascist nationalism we are currently seeing are the violent death throes of a monster as it dies, but we will know more after the U.S. 2024 elections. Still, we need to heed David Silverman’s advice to combat and defeat religion and theism for the good of humanity. It is an ethical commitment. It should be obvious that religion itself has nothing to do with the moral accountability or ethical answerability of which religious fundamentalists are so proud of bragging. Personally saved Christians are extreme and obscene narcissists. Religious belief distorts natural moral sensibility. David Silverman’s advice is to treat religious believers as victims of brainwashing in need our help and pity, not our anger; religious people are damaged, not evil. But we still must fight religion and its leaders, especially those in politics, with firebrand tactics. I have tried to reason with religious people in a thoughtful, understanding, empathetic and compassionate manner and these efforts have been rejected as the preference for blissful willful ignorance was asserted. The people with whom I tried to talk, family members or ‘friends’, simply refuse to listen. How can one offer their “help and pity” as the author advocates when such “help and pity” is twisted into an attack and rejected? The underlying disorder is what I call a ‘weak mind’ in need of easy answers and reassurance. There are some people who just need to be reassured and comforted and religion fills this void for such people who do want to think. I have been accessed of ‘over thinking’ as odd as this sounds, it really a rejection of curtail thinking. I guess these are not bad people, just pathetic people. According to Silverman, the religious cause or belief itself is bad and calls for concerted firebrand tactics not to be used against individual believers. The goal is to make atheism, well, normal. Silverman states that a major belief problem is not so much that Christians do not read the Bible. Whereas, I think the problem is that they read it selectively and only in such a way to confirm their preexisting bias and bigotry.
December 10, 2015
I love this book. I really do. I know that it will certainly be met with opposition from theists, and also from a segment of the atheist community. But I also think that it will generate a lot of dialogue between the "nice atheists" and the hardliners. And figuring out how to build bridges between those groups may be some of the most important work that needs to get done.
The book outlines the how, what and why of David, American Atheists and the movement in general. It really is a primer for what David and AA have been doing for the past 5 years, why those choices were made, and what effect those choices have had for how atheism is changing and being received in America.
Finally, the book gives me hope that atheism in America really can be normalized. But overcoming Christian privilege is going to be a battle. I also hope that "moderate Christians" will read it. The more people can agree on the need for the separation of church and state, the better our nation will be. And there is something, from a little to a lot, that each of us can do.
Bravo David!
The book outlines the how, what and why of David, American Atheists and the movement in general. It really is a primer for what David and AA have been doing for the past 5 years, why those choices were made, and what effect those choices have had for how atheism is changing and being received in America.
Finally, the book gives me hope that atheism in America really can be normalized. But overcoming Christian privilege is going to be a battle. I also hope that "moderate Christians" will read it. The more people can agree on the need for the separation of church and state, the better our nation will be. And there is something, from a little to a lot, that each of us can do.
Bravo David!
May 2, 2016
I bought this book for my dad. He has been a out and proud atheist for some time. He gave it back to me to read. I wasn't sure it would be for me. I have been a non-believer for ages (euphemism alert!) but could never commit to calling myself an atheist. Certainly not in mixed company, anyway.
Low and behold, Silverman was actually speaking mostly to the likes of me--closeted, "respectful" atheists who use euphemisms. This book made me think A LOT. It made me want to have dinner with him and ask him lots of questions. It has certainly changed how I will approach conversations with my theist friends. Not sure I will ever become a "firebrand." But I am definitely going to start using the word Atheist (I think I have to learn to spell it first; I've had to retype it 3 times). Baby Steps.
Thanks, David.
Low and behold, Silverman was actually speaking mostly to the likes of me--closeted, "respectful" atheists who use euphemisms. This book made me think A LOT. It made me want to have dinner with him and ask him lots of questions. It has certainly changed how I will approach conversations with my theist friends. Not sure I will ever become a "firebrand." But I am definitely going to start using the word Atheist (I think I have to learn to spell it first; I've had to retype it 3 times). Baby Steps.
Thanks, David.
Read
April 5, 2021David is one of the first atheists I discovered on my journey to atheism. I am personally not necessarily a "firebrand" atheist, but I do understand that firebrands play an important role in the movement. This book was an entertaining read that never had any boring moments. I'm glad that we (atheists) have somebody like David at the forefront of the atheist movement. Hopefully there will be more David Silverman authored books in the near future.
May 25, 2016
In dark ages people are best guided by religion, as in a pitch-black night a blind man is the best guide; he knows the roads and paths better than a man who can see. When daylight comes, however, it is foolish to use blind old men as guides.
- Heinrich Heine, Gedanken Und Einfalle
From a plurality of prime movers, the monotheists have bargained it down to a single one. They are getting ever nearer to the true, round figure.
- Christopher Hitchens
I’ve lost some interest in books about atheism because there’s just so much you can say about an entity that doesn’t exist. However, I make a welcome exception for David Silverman, the current president of the American Atheists, and Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World, a come-to-Jesus (so to speak) manifesto for the non-religious. Rather than focusing on the inconsistencies and errors of the bible, or the vanishingly small probability of an invisible space ghost, or the negative consequences of religious beliefs, Silverman instead takes aim at the privilege afforded religion (Christianity in particular) in American society by public and governmental institutions. He frames the issue in terms of equal rights and civil liberties in a way that is both effective, refreshing, and dare I say … inspirational.
I think a lot of people are confused by what groups like American Atheists are trying to accomplish. The goal isn’t to proselytize others into becoming atheists, or prevent people from worshipping if they so choose (conversion is the domain of religion). Your beliefs and right to worship are in no way threatened by groups such as this. Instead, their goal is to prevent religious organizations from using public resources to foist their beliefs upon others. Thus they support: an end to governmental support for religions (for example, through a repeal of the tax exempt status for churches), promotion of a separation between church and state (as the founding fathers intended and as codified in the 1st amendment to the constitution), ending federal subsidization of religious organizations (i.e. Faith Based Initiatives) and by ensuring equality under the law (for example by ending special protections granted to Catholic bishops who knowingly transferred child molesters between diocese). Silverman isn’t arguing for special treatment of atheists, only equal treatment and argues that any degree of theocracy is contrary to the ideals of a government founded on the concepts of liberty and freedom.
Believers, of course, consider these actions to be an attack on religion. But of course, attempts to end special privileges are always seen as an attack by those who benefit from inequality (remember the Civil War?).
American Atheists was founded in 1963 by Madalyn Murray O'Hair and has a history of taking an in-your-face approach that often offends believers (see the billboard above). Silverman defends his firebrand techniques in terms of the Overton Window. By staking out and arguing for a position outside of the mainstream it has the effect of making moderate positions more acceptable, bringing atheism into the mainstream.
It should also be noted … it’s working … remarkably well. We are currently undergoing a dramatic cultural shift in the US towards secularity. Not only is religious belief in sharp decline, but the fastest growing groups are those who declare themselves to be atheists, agnostics or religiously unaffiliated. Add to this the fact that young people are considerably less religious than their parents and it’s clear that this trend will continue until the US becomes as secular as the rest of the developed world.
Religious organizations are cognizant of this fact and are spurred to ever more vigorous acts of repression, sexism, homophobia, science denial and xenophobia in an increasingly desperate attempt to mobilize their base. But as disappointing as these actions are, it’s important to keep in mind that every bathroom bill, every tax-funded creationist theme park, every woman denied healthcare, every student misinformed about sex, every anti-marriage bill, every cover-up of a pedophilia scandal, and every attempt to impose their "morality" on others causes ever more of their adherents to leave the church. They are sowing the seeds of their own destruction. Like a drowning man adrift at sea, thrashing wildly to keep their head above water, they may cause damage in the short term, but will be unable to stave off the inevitable. You may take comfort in the fact that their influence is on the wan and that there are groups like American Atheists willing to lend a helping hand by throwing them an anchor.
October 22, 2016
I was really looking forward to this book getting released and I wasn't disappointed. I've was fortunate to get to spend some time with David when he was here in North Carolina and his message in person is the same as the message in this book. Atheists now comprise a significant portion of the population by any metrics you care to look at. We are fortunate here in the states to live under a secular government which guarantees religious freedom to all, believers and non-believers. But there are significant portions of the population who would want to change that and turn this nation into a theocracy, the unspoken assumption is that they get to be 'Theo' when this change occurs. It is our responsibility to fight for equality for all, not a privileged place for a single group. David describes himself as a 'Firebrand Atheist' and encourages us all to do the same. David makes a compelling and airtight case for doing so and, more importantly, shows how everyone can be an activist for reason and equality in many different ways. Can't recommend this book highly enough.
December 2, 2015
Fighting God was well and thoughtfully written. David kept all the information he conveyed relevant to the point of his book. I greatly appreciated this. I already knew I was going to love this book. As a local atheist group organizer, I found plenty of valuable information in Fighting God. I listened to it in one sitting. I read very quickly, so I always have my narration speed up to 3X. I am waiting for my text version to arrive, which I'm sure will be as highlighted and marked up as my bible. :)
January 29, 2016
You are probably an atheist.
Before you object to this statement, read on to realize how, and why this is not a bad thing.
According to militant activist David Silverman, president of American Atheists and author of the new book "Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World", the word atheist unjustly gets a bad rap. When you apply the true etymology of the word "a-theist", like "a-symptomatic" (without symptoms), "a-typical" (without type), "a-moral" (without moral quality), "atheist" simply means without a belief in a God or gods. Silverman clearly draws the line; the terms agnostic, humanist, or freethinker are all nebulous and confusing ("secular" being one of the most unclear in intended meaning). If you absolutely believe there is a God, you are a THEIST. If you use "God" as a term denoting the beauty and awe of Nature, or are following a set of religious traditions thinking there is no actual "man in the sky" observing and judging you, believing Heaven and Hell and the resurrection and the holy text are metaphors for moral guidance... YOU are an atheist. ONLY if you absolutely believe in the true and real existence of a God or gods are you NOT an atheist. Silverman says embracing the word atheist and spreading it's true meaning is an important positive step in removing the stigma associated with the term, and utilizing what he calls "firebrand atheism" to assertively inoculate believers from religious dogma.
Similar to Peter Boghossian's approach (author of "A Manual for Creating Atheists"), Silverman councels targeting the beliefs themselves, NOT the people who hold the beliefs. That's where the similarity ends, as Boghossian's "Socratic method" is left in the dust in favor of more aggressive attacks on the pillars of the beliefs religious people hold. When Silverman describes the atrocities committed in the name of religion and reveals that the atheists quest for EQUALITY is perceived as militant - the faithful are offended when they are not regarded as "privileged" because of their faith, or when their belief is even questioned - and how religions are tax exempt, it begins to look more and more like a big scam.
The book is eye-opening, informative, and once the veil of perceived sacrilege about questioning faith is lifted, seeing the man behind the curtain will make the reader think about religion and the belief in a higher power with more scrutiny and scepticism; a healthy approach to any activity that affects how we behave and live our lives.
"I'd rather have questions I can't answer than answers I can't question" -Richard Feynman
Before you object to this statement, read on to realize how, and why this is not a bad thing.
According to militant activist David Silverman, president of American Atheists and author of the new book "Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World", the word atheist unjustly gets a bad rap. When you apply the true etymology of the word "a-theist", like "a-symptomatic" (without symptoms), "a-typical" (without type), "a-moral" (without moral quality), "atheist" simply means without a belief in a God or gods. Silverman clearly draws the line; the terms agnostic, humanist, or freethinker are all nebulous and confusing ("secular" being one of the most unclear in intended meaning). If you absolutely believe there is a God, you are a THEIST. If you use "God" as a term denoting the beauty and awe of Nature, or are following a set of religious traditions thinking there is no actual "man in the sky" observing and judging you, believing Heaven and Hell and the resurrection and the holy text are metaphors for moral guidance... YOU are an atheist. ONLY if you absolutely believe in the true and real existence of a God or gods are you NOT an atheist. Silverman says embracing the word atheist and spreading it's true meaning is an important positive step in removing the stigma associated with the term, and utilizing what he calls "firebrand atheism" to assertively inoculate believers from religious dogma.
Similar to Peter Boghossian's approach (author of "A Manual for Creating Atheists"), Silverman councels targeting the beliefs themselves, NOT the people who hold the beliefs. That's where the similarity ends, as Boghossian's "Socratic method" is left in the dust in favor of more aggressive attacks on the pillars of the beliefs religious people hold. When Silverman describes the atrocities committed in the name of religion and reveals that the atheists quest for EQUALITY is perceived as militant - the faithful are offended when they are not regarded as "privileged" because of their faith, or when their belief is even questioned - and how religions are tax exempt, it begins to look more and more like a big scam.
The book is eye-opening, informative, and once the veil of perceived sacrilege about questioning faith is lifted, seeing the man behind the curtain will make the reader think about religion and the belief in a higher power with more scrutiny and scepticism; a healthy approach to any activity that affects how we behave and live our lives.
"I'd rather have questions I can't answer than answers I can't question" -Richard Feynman
January 28, 2016
****1/2
The title of David Silverman’s “Fighting God” is deliberately inflammatory; representative of Silverman’s approach to his role as president of American Atheists. He acknowledges in the opening of “Fighting God” that many people think of him as a “dick.” He defends his reputation and brings up the major theme of his book: If wanting a complete, 100% separation between government and religion makes me dick, then so be it.
“Fighting God” is, at its subtitle suggests, a guideline for living as an atheist in America, a religious (specifically, Christian) society, in an age when many seem confused regarding that Constitutional division between god(s) and government.
Silverman is aware of his role in the atheist movement as an agitator, the guy who puts up the billboards suggesting you skip church on Christmas, the fellow with the license plate that reads “ATHE1ST”. He discusses applications of the Overton Window, and its means of swaying public opinion, beginning one chapter of such discussion with a quote from Malcolm X, who (paraphrasing) said that once he, X, rode through town delivering his angry message, folks were slightly more inclined to listen to what the more pleasant Dr. King would have to say when HE came through. Works the same way with Silverman’s message of atheist awareness. The Secular Humanist organization has less of a “firebrand” style than the American Atheists; the nice-guy atheist and hardliner work in tandem to slowly change the tide of public opinion.
One of the more entertaining sections of the book involves Silverman setting up the first ever Reason Rally in D.C., and getting the various secular/humanist/agnostic/atheist factions together. Some simply aren’t comfortable with Silverman’s in-your-face style, and it’s the author’s hope that the different groups can work together in the future, with their various methods.
“Fighting God” is a rallying cry of sorts for non-believers, but it also gives the reader an intriguing look into the operations of a protest organization. Silverman describes the process of putting together the Reason Rally, and other campaigns undertaken by his organization (the legal battle over the cross at the WTC site, a challenge of the Ten Commandments on public property in a small Florida town, and others).
The author encourages atheists to “come out of the closet,” and, if at all possible, find other atheists, and realize that there are many more out there than one might think.
The title of David Silverman’s “Fighting God” is deliberately inflammatory; representative of Silverman’s approach to his role as president of American Atheists. He acknowledges in the opening of “Fighting God” that many people think of him as a “dick.” He defends his reputation and brings up the major theme of his book: If wanting a complete, 100% separation between government and religion makes me dick, then so be it.
“Fighting God” is, at its subtitle suggests, a guideline for living as an atheist in America, a religious (specifically, Christian) society, in an age when many seem confused regarding that Constitutional division between god(s) and government.
Silverman is aware of his role in the atheist movement as an agitator, the guy who puts up the billboards suggesting you skip church on Christmas, the fellow with the license plate that reads “ATHE1ST”. He discusses applications of the Overton Window, and its means of swaying public opinion, beginning one chapter of such discussion with a quote from Malcolm X, who (paraphrasing) said that once he, X, rode through town delivering his angry message, folks were slightly more inclined to listen to what the more pleasant Dr. King would have to say when HE came through. Works the same way with Silverman’s message of atheist awareness. The Secular Humanist organization has less of a “firebrand” style than the American Atheists; the nice-guy atheist and hardliner work in tandem to slowly change the tide of public opinion.
One of the more entertaining sections of the book involves Silverman setting up the first ever Reason Rally in D.C., and getting the various secular/humanist/agnostic/atheist factions together. Some simply aren’t comfortable with Silverman’s in-your-face style, and it’s the author’s hope that the different groups can work together in the future, with their various methods.
“Fighting God” is a rallying cry of sorts for non-believers, but it also gives the reader an intriguing look into the operations of a protest organization. Silverman describes the process of putting together the Reason Rally, and other campaigns undertaken by his organization (the legal battle over the cross at the WTC site, a challenge of the Ten Commandments on public property in a small Florida town, and others).
The author encourages atheists to “come out of the closet,” and, if at all possible, find other atheists, and realize that there are many more out there than one might think.
December 10, 2015
This is not a book to give to your religious friends or family in the hopes of convincing them that religions are a scam at best, and downright hurtful at worst. There are better books for that purpose. I think this book is better intended for the already atheist audience.
The main point I got from this book is that we as atheists, should be very open about it. Helping normalise the term “atheist”, stripping away the negative connotations held by most people by showing them that you — an atheist — are a normal, friendly, moral, and happy person.
I give this book 3 stars because a big chunk of it is dedicated to the accomplishments of the organization “American Atheists,” of which he is president. Since I'm not an american and I don't live in the USA, I found those parts somewhat uninteresting and tedious.
The main point I got from this book is that we as atheists, should be very open about it. Helping normalise the term “atheist”, stripping away the negative connotations held by most people by showing them that you — an atheist — are a normal, friendly, moral, and happy person.
I give this book 3 stars because a big chunk of it is dedicated to the accomplishments of the organization “American Atheists,” of which he is president. Since I'm not an american and I don't live in the USA, I found those parts somewhat uninteresting and tedious.
July 8, 2017
this book was just great!,
actually i bought it from a book shop in Bangkok,thailand a few days ago and i read it 2 times within a week.
it is one of the best books i have read on religion and as a matter of fact i got an email from the author of this book who is David Silverman.
it is about Atheism and about how humanity is better and can survive without religion.
it talks about Islam and different religions.
the author talks about God and all , in the end he gives reasons for being an atheist and about how he is the president of the american atheist association.
this is David Silvermans first book and i would love to meet him and cant wait to read his next book!.
i want to have lunch with david Silverman and i am really impressed with his book!.
the other writers i like are Dan Barker and Michel Onfray!.
I Loved this book!.
actually i bought it from a book shop in Bangkok,thailand a few days ago and i read it 2 times within a week.
it is one of the best books i have read on religion and as a matter of fact i got an email from the author of this book who is David Silverman.
it is about Atheism and about how humanity is better and can survive without religion.
it talks about Islam and different religions.
the author talks about God and all , in the end he gives reasons for being an atheist and about how he is the president of the american atheist association.
this is David Silvermans first book and i would love to meet him and cant wait to read his next book!.
i want to have lunch with david Silverman and i am really impressed with his book!.
the other writers i like are Dan Barker and Michel Onfray!.
I Loved this book!.
July 25, 2020
Nothing new in this book, at least not for me. I am what you would call a life-long atheist. I never, ever believed in god of any of the myths of religion. My family was very Catholic, and I just remember being bored to tears with all of it.
It was the idea of hell which turned me into an atheist as soon as the light went on in my thinking mind. I was about 5-6 years old. The concept of Hell just seemed too gruesome to punish any of the sins of this world. Heaven seemed boring to my young mind. You want to live forever? Really?
This book is more a call to arms, and the author is absolutely right in taking this approach because religion is ruining democracy in America, or what passes for it. Islam does even more damage in the countries where that religion rules. I couldn’t even imagine how horrible it must be to live under Islamic laws and attitudes.
It was the idea of hell which turned me into an atheist as soon as the light went on in my thinking mind. I was about 5-6 years old. The concept of Hell just seemed too gruesome to punish any of the sins of this world. Heaven seemed boring to my young mind. You want to live forever? Really?
This book is more a call to arms, and the author is absolutely right in taking this approach because religion is ruining democracy in America, or what passes for it. Islam does even more damage in the countries where that religion rules. I couldn’t even imagine how horrible it must be to live under Islamic laws and attitudes.
January 22, 2016
Be loud and proud
All atheists should read this book. It will convince you that being a firebrand atheist is the best way to further not only atheist rights, but everyone's freedom of religion rights.
All atheists should read this book. It will convince you that being a firebrand atheist is the best way to further not only atheist rights, but everyone's freedom of religion rights.
March 3, 2016
I really liked this one. As good as Harris, Dawkins and Hitchens. Silverman is right up there in that pantheon of atheist thinkers.
March 4, 2018
David Silverman is very "in your face" about his. He hates religion to the point that he feels it is harmful for everyone who believes, and considers it a personal mission to convert everyone to atheism. I confess to not fully understanding this mindset. One of the things I like about atheism, much more than what I was trying to be an evangelical Christian, is that you don't have to convert people – is not a tenet of atheism that everyone has to believe the way you do. I have no problem with what people believe as long as they treat me in a respectful way. At the same time, I'm not shy about my atheism will be outspoken about it. I think it's fine to be outspoken about your beliefs, but it is better to respect other people. There is one point in the book where he recounts a conversation with a friend who is Muslim. The Muslim says "I respect your atheism" and Silverman says "I don't respect your being a Muslim because Islam is terrible." In my mind, that's just being a jerk. Silverman talks a lot about how people see him as a jerk. He has every right to his opinion, and I share the belief that sometimes religion can be very harmful to people, but I disagree that it always is. One thing I also disagree with him on is the fact that he believes any publicity for atheists is good publicity – it's not good publicity if it makes believers hate you. I've seen the same attitude with pro-lifers, who think that as long as they're in the newspapers, it's a good thing, even if it turns the public completely against him. That's a mindset that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. It's true that Silverman uses certain amount of research to justify his claims that being aggressive about his atheism increases social acceptance of atheism, but I found that questionable. His research shows that there should be more research, but it's hardly conclusive. Correlation does not mean causation, and he does not take into account other factors that could be influencing rates of acceptance. I also disagree with his premise that by being extreme, he makes "nice" atheists seem more acceptable, and thus promotes acceptance of atheism. To me that seems a bit of a stretch.
I also disagree with his pro-abortion position. I've been meaning to write an article about why atheists should be pro-life. He never engages the argument, just throws out straw man attacks about pro-lifers hating women. I wonder if he is ever really looked at the arguments for and against abortion. All too often, atheists seem to think that religious people are pro-life, therefore pro-lifers cannot be true. This is not a logical argument, because if the only people on earth who believed that the earth orbits the sun are Nazis, the earth was still orbit the sun. The character of people who believe something does not influence whether that is true or not. I think too many atheists fall into this trap and don't question their pro-choice beliefs.
In other ways though, I did like the book. I agree with many of his arguments, and I also feel that atheists should be respected and accepted in society. I also agree that many people do not call themselves atheists are, essentially, atheists and shouldn't be afraid to use that term. That's something we agree on.
I also disagree with his pro-abortion position. I've been meaning to write an article about why atheists should be pro-life. He never engages the argument, just throws out straw man attacks about pro-lifers hating women. I wonder if he is ever really looked at the arguments for and against abortion. All too often, atheists seem to think that religious people are pro-life, therefore pro-lifers cannot be true. This is not a logical argument, because if the only people on earth who believed that the earth orbits the sun are Nazis, the earth was still orbit the sun. The character of people who believe something does not influence whether that is true or not. I think too many atheists fall into this trap and don't question their pro-choice beliefs.
In other ways though, I did like the book. I agree with many of his arguments, and I also feel that atheists should be respected and accepted in society. I also agree that many people do not call themselves atheists are, essentially, atheists and shouldn't be afraid to use that term. That's something we agree on.
May 18, 2016
This book is exactly what the cover promises: an atheist manifesto for a religious world. Written by the President of American Atheists, David Silverman, it sets out in Silverman’s straightforward and uncompromising way what he means by this. He calls himself a “firebrand atheist”, by which he means he is not apologetic for his stance (he is proud of his atheism, and indeed wants anybody who is not a “true believer” to be equally proud and up-front about it) and he will stand up to anyone who is antagonistic to the idea. This book provides his reasons.
Some people seem to be confused, intimidated or offended by the title “Fighting God”. An atheist does not believe that any gods exist, so how can Silverman argue that he is fighting him/her/it/them? What is he fighting against? Obviously not “god” — he is not fighting against nothing; he is fighting for the right under the American constitution for the freedom and individuality to be an atheist and not to be ashamed of it. The first part of this book in fact insists that there are more “atheists” than might be thought, and that anyone who is not an actual believer can more appropriately be called an atheist than any other term. He wants them all to come out of the closet, as it were, and openly admit their atheism. It will change the way atheists and Americans see themselves and the world, and it will be for the better.
I refer to America quite deliberately, as this book is written for Americans more than anyone else; and they have their Constitution and its inbuilt separation of church and state to defend themselves with. Other countries might not be so lucky. Hence Silverman’s position is very much a social and political one, and this is revealed in his activities (of which he provides many detailed examples). It is also obvious that he thoroughly enjoys what he is doing.
In order to more fully understand Silverman, however, we need to address the elephant in the room: religion. Silverman openly admits that he does not respect religion; in fact he loathes it. In today’s society, where people are encouraged to be temperate, and at least respect another’s religion, Silverman is adamant: he can accept that there are different religious beliefs, and that some people believe them, but that does not mean that he must respect their religions. Indeed, he flatly refuses to do so. His belief is partly because he agrees with Christopher Hitchens declaration that “religion poisons everything”. There are countless examples of the truth of this statement, and many atheists have pointed these out.
The “poisoning” occurs in relation to the punishments meted out to adherents of any religion when its rules and regulations are not followed. Prejudices, superstitions, hypocrisies, contradictions, cruelty, fear-mongering, etc. — all resulting in physical, emotional and psychological atrocities being not only committed but also condoned in its name. This applies to all religion and religious groups and institutions, including sub-sects and alternative groups within them (and they all have them). Each “view” ends up establishing specific cultures, languages, clothing, diets, morals, social conduct, and even the sense of special personal identity, all of which, by definition, exclude any other interpretations or variations. They consider the latter as errors, anathemas, abominations, etc. and often as deserving of the severest punishments. Exclusivity and intolerance of variation are the norm.
What happens, then, when alternative views “come together”? Almost inevitably, there is a clash. These clashes can be overt, or more often than not, hidden and subversive. Bigotry, hatred, bullying, racism, class issues, gender issues, women’s “inferiority” and “submission” to men, sexism in general, judicial courts and justice systems which strangely overemphasise punishments to certain sections of society, preferential treatment for the “right kind” of people for jobs, positions of power, prestige, etc. — all of these things are almost unconsciously reproduced within society as “normal”. And when such a “normal” society is dominated by a particular religion and its norms, especially when conducted over a long period of time, those “norms” become “normal”. In a country like the United States, the “Christian” ethos, even when there are many variations of it, masquerade under a “common” ethos which temporarily disregards the internal inconsistencies within the various sub-groups, to assert themselves under the name of “God” and gradually insinuate themselves into the social and political sub-streams of their society, and operate to influence the social and political scenes in almost every aspect. Instead of the US motto E Pluribus Unum (“One (nation) out of many”) we now have “One nation under God” It is this “God” that Silverman is fighting against.
So if a particular religious group now fights to erect Crosses on Public Lands, or to enforce Courts of Justice to have the Ten Commandments engraved in stone and placed in prominent places outside them, Silverman has successfully managed to get approval for the establishment of Atheist Benches, accompanied by blocks with engraved quotes pointing out some of the unpleasant consequences of mindlessly following seemingly “benign” moral codes… There are other activities Silverman has become involved with (e.g. providing Reason Rallies, and billboards in Hebrew and Arabic stating “You know its a myth… and you have a choice.”) but the general message is clear: Atheists, stand up and be counted! Don’t be afraid. Assert your rights under the American Constitution. There are more of you than some would like you to believe.
Some people seem to be confused, intimidated or offended by the title “Fighting God”. An atheist does not believe that any gods exist, so how can Silverman argue that he is fighting him/her/it/them? What is he fighting against? Obviously not “god” — he is not fighting against nothing; he is fighting for the right under the American constitution for the freedom and individuality to be an atheist and not to be ashamed of it. The first part of this book in fact insists that there are more “atheists” than might be thought, and that anyone who is not an actual believer can more appropriately be called an atheist than any other term. He wants them all to come out of the closet, as it were, and openly admit their atheism. It will change the way atheists and Americans see themselves and the world, and it will be for the better.
I refer to America quite deliberately, as this book is written for Americans more than anyone else; and they have their Constitution and its inbuilt separation of church and state to defend themselves with. Other countries might not be so lucky. Hence Silverman’s position is very much a social and political one, and this is revealed in his activities (of which he provides many detailed examples). It is also obvious that he thoroughly enjoys what he is doing.
In order to more fully understand Silverman, however, we need to address the elephant in the room: religion. Silverman openly admits that he does not respect religion; in fact he loathes it. In today’s society, where people are encouraged to be temperate, and at least respect another’s religion, Silverman is adamant: he can accept that there are different religious beliefs, and that some people believe them, but that does not mean that he must respect their religions. Indeed, he flatly refuses to do so. His belief is partly because he agrees with Christopher Hitchens declaration that “religion poisons everything”. There are countless examples of the truth of this statement, and many atheists have pointed these out.
The “poisoning” occurs in relation to the punishments meted out to adherents of any religion when its rules and regulations are not followed. Prejudices, superstitions, hypocrisies, contradictions, cruelty, fear-mongering, etc. — all resulting in physical, emotional and psychological atrocities being not only committed but also condoned in its name. This applies to all religion and religious groups and institutions, including sub-sects and alternative groups within them (and they all have them). Each “view” ends up establishing specific cultures, languages, clothing, diets, morals, social conduct, and even the sense of special personal identity, all of which, by definition, exclude any other interpretations or variations. They consider the latter as errors, anathemas, abominations, etc. and often as deserving of the severest punishments. Exclusivity and intolerance of variation are the norm.
What happens, then, when alternative views “come together”? Almost inevitably, there is a clash. These clashes can be overt, or more often than not, hidden and subversive. Bigotry, hatred, bullying, racism, class issues, gender issues, women’s “inferiority” and “submission” to men, sexism in general, judicial courts and justice systems which strangely overemphasise punishments to certain sections of society, preferential treatment for the “right kind” of people for jobs, positions of power, prestige, etc. — all of these things are almost unconsciously reproduced within society as “normal”. And when such a “normal” society is dominated by a particular religion and its norms, especially when conducted over a long period of time, those “norms” become “normal”. In a country like the United States, the “Christian” ethos, even when there are many variations of it, masquerade under a “common” ethos which temporarily disregards the internal inconsistencies within the various sub-groups, to assert themselves under the name of “God” and gradually insinuate themselves into the social and political sub-streams of their society, and operate to influence the social and political scenes in almost every aspect. Instead of the US motto E Pluribus Unum (“One (nation) out of many”) we now have “One nation under God” It is this “God” that Silverman is fighting against.
So if a particular religious group now fights to erect Crosses on Public Lands, or to enforce Courts of Justice to have the Ten Commandments engraved in stone and placed in prominent places outside them, Silverman has successfully managed to get approval for the establishment of Atheist Benches, accompanied by blocks with engraved quotes pointing out some of the unpleasant consequences of mindlessly following seemingly “benign” moral codes… There are other activities Silverman has become involved with (e.g. providing Reason Rallies, and billboards in Hebrew and Arabic stating “You know its a myth… and you have a choice.”) but the general message is clear: Atheists, stand up and be counted! Don’t be afraid. Assert your rights under the American Constitution. There are more of you than some would like you to believe.
August 20, 2023
I found this to be an interesting read, it seems to me that what David Silverman says makes sense that the church and the state should be separate and government should be impartial.
January 30, 2018
I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started listening to this book but I found it very compelling. I think believers and non-believers should read it.
January 19, 2016
Full disclosure: I know Dave personally. We're acquaintances. I belong to a group of people who know and work with Dave. I am an active member in my local Secular Humanist group. Much of what Dave argues for in Fighting God I agree with. His arguments and the forthright language he uses are just what this movement needs. Sometimes, in my desire to respect other people, I will not confront them on their theism. I came to atheism and secular humanism through reading, thought, and analysis. Many of my theist friends came to their religious views in the same manner. We just reached different conclusions. I have no desire to insult them for no reason.
However, in the field of politics, Dave is absolutely right. The religious opinions that prevent or obstruct social justice must be confronted in the strongest method possible. Christian privilege has to be named and stopped. Crosses on public ground are not "secular"; they are a slap in the face to those Americans who aren't Christian. Aside from atheists, there are lots and lots of non-Christians who deserve to live in a religion-free public square.
The whole host of restrictions against women's reproductive abilities is based on religion. That needs to be said more forcefully--everywhere and all the time. We are moving away from religious discrimination against the LGBT community, but everywhere sexism born of religion exists.
Many years ago, I became an "out" atheist. I encourage others to do the same--if you can and it's safe. Dave's entire book will encourage the same thing.
Go ahead and read it. It's well written and compelling. Just because I don't agree 100% doesn't mean he doesn't have a valid point.
Plus, it's funny (well, funny if you know Dave!).
However, in the field of politics, Dave is absolutely right. The religious opinions that prevent or obstruct social justice must be confronted in the strongest method possible. Christian privilege has to be named and stopped. Crosses on public ground are not "secular"; they are a slap in the face to those Americans who aren't Christian. Aside from atheists, there are lots and lots of non-Christians who deserve to live in a religion-free public square.
The whole host of restrictions against women's reproductive abilities is based on religion. That needs to be said more forcefully--everywhere and all the time. We are moving away from religious discrimination against the LGBT community, but everywhere sexism born of religion exists.
Many years ago, I became an "out" atheist. I encourage others to do the same--if you can and it's safe. Dave's entire book will encourage the same thing.
Go ahead and read it. It's well written and compelling. Just because I don't agree 100% doesn't mean he doesn't have a valid point.
Plus, it's funny (well, funny if you know Dave!).
November 30, 2016
First, the disclaimer - I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads Give Away.
I was very much looking forward to this book. What I found should not have been a surprise, but it was, and it was a disappointing one. My essential problem with this book is that it reads just like the evangelical dogmatic genre within religion - "here is Truth! Here is the Only Acceptable Answer and you MUST get on board, go door to door and spread the news, and anyone who hesitates (much less questions) is a fool."
I was hoping for something more rational and less dogmatic. I had a hard time reading the book because I couldn't separate the message from the medium (nod to Marshall McLuhan). I wanted ideas and information, not to be yelled at.
Perhaps this approach has value, but it missed the mark with me. While the author presents several effective examples and explanations, and dissects many religiosity arguments, the book fails to get me on board. I took a long time to get through this because it just felt intolerant, self aggrandizing, and harsh. We aren't going to win an Atheist utopia with this approach any more than we'd win a Baptist utopia with the same strategies. Let's not just have a bunch of people standing in a room yelling at each other and berating each other for their nonsense. No religious person is going to be persuaded by this any more than an atheist is going to be persuaded by threats of hell and promises of heaven. Silverman is, in the end, preaching to the choir.
I was very much looking forward to this book. What I found should not have been a surprise, but it was, and it was a disappointing one. My essential problem with this book is that it reads just like the evangelical dogmatic genre within religion - "here is Truth! Here is the Only Acceptable Answer and you MUST get on board, go door to door and spread the news, and anyone who hesitates (much less questions) is a fool."
I was hoping for something more rational and less dogmatic. I had a hard time reading the book because I couldn't separate the message from the medium (nod to Marshall McLuhan). I wanted ideas and information, not to be yelled at.
Perhaps this approach has value, but it missed the mark with me. While the author presents several effective examples and explanations, and dissects many religiosity arguments, the book fails to get me on board. I took a long time to get through this because it just felt intolerant, self aggrandizing, and harsh. We aren't going to win an Atheist utopia with this approach any more than we'd win a Baptist utopia with the same strategies. Let's not just have a bunch of people standing in a room yelling at each other and berating each other for their nonsense. No religious person is going to be persuaded by this any more than an atheist is going to be persuaded by threats of hell and promises of heaven. Silverman is, in the end, preaching to the choir.
January 7, 2019
Wow, for David Silverman's first book, it is quite an easy enjoyable read. It uses plain language that isn't complex but it doesn't dumb things down nor does it feel condescending. In fact, I can probably imagine that he enjoyed writing 'dick' s many times. And reading that I've been called a dick or act dick-ish was also fun to read cause it is such a good phrase because it made the text feel like a friendly conversation rather than a formal read.
Silverman encourages us, atheist, to love as an open atheist and it changed my mind on some things. One to live a more open atheist life. Asked and it will be answered: I am an atheist. Another is to work on getting out of religious rituals that family engages in that I do not want to participate in (and find ridiculous) like pray before eating dinner (and sometimes lunch like my nephew insists on doing).
The pros of this book are the ability to feel at home with the text. It personable and is just plain friendly while also getting the message across.n Yet there is a con to this book that doesn't have to do with the text itself- just with the size. The graphs are rather small and even though I am used to reading micro pint in part because of my handwriting, the graphs are just hard to appreciate due to size. Maybe if Silverman just blew up each graph to be a page each it would have been a better way to understanding the points Silverman made within the text.
Silverman encourages us, atheist, to love as an open atheist and it changed my mind on some things. One to live a more open atheist life. Asked and it will be answered: I am an atheist. Another is to work on getting out of religious rituals that family engages in that I do not want to participate in (and find ridiculous) like pray before eating dinner (and sometimes lunch like my nephew insists on doing).
The pros of this book are the ability to feel at home with the text. It personable and is just plain friendly while also getting the message across.n Yet there is a con to this book that doesn't have to do with the text itself- just with the size. The graphs are rather small and even though I am used to reading micro pint in part because of my handwriting, the graphs are just hard to appreciate due to size. Maybe if Silverman just blew up each graph to be a page each it would have been a better way to understanding the points Silverman made within the text.
January 21, 2016
Technically I did not finish the book. I read through the first four chapters and scanned through the rest. While fairly well written, which is why I gave the book two stars, rather than one, the content itself leaves much to be desired. I can imagine that many other firebrand atheists, like himself, would enjoy the read. But for anyone else, it's simply off putting.
The fundamental issues with Silverman's book is his lack of understanding of the nature of religion along with his false equivalence between religion and theism, and an equally as imperfect understanding of science. Since the entire manifesto is based on his flawed representation of religion and science, the entire manifesto itself can easily be undermined.
Beyond that, Silverman really just spends most of the first few chapters propping up atheism, attacking religion, and putting atheists like himself on a pedestal. And while he says that it's the religion, not the people, with which he has issues, it's hard not to look down on someone you think is "injured" and "brainwashed" as he puts it.
In the end, this book isn't really a manifesto of how to survive in a religious world. It's a manifesto of how to spread Silverman's religious beliefs, and yes, believing that there are no gods is religious.
Full Rebuttal: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AVGIGF8/
The fundamental issues with Silverman's book is his lack of understanding of the nature of religion along with his false equivalence between religion and theism, and an equally as imperfect understanding of science. Since the entire manifesto is based on his flawed representation of religion and science, the entire manifesto itself can easily be undermined.
Beyond that, Silverman really just spends most of the first few chapters propping up atheism, attacking religion, and putting atheists like himself on a pedestal. And while he says that it's the religion, not the people, with which he has issues, it's hard not to look down on someone you think is "injured" and "brainwashed" as he puts it.
In the end, this book isn't really a manifesto of how to survive in a religious world. It's a manifesto of how to spread Silverman's religious beliefs, and yes, believing that there are no gods is religious.
Full Rebuttal: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AVGIGF8/
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