Soft Atheism

Soft Atheism

This type of atheist is the most common. We’ll refer to this view as soft atheism. The soft atheist is one who would categorize themselves as “spiritual”. They usually come with a postmodern epistemology attached in order to justify the inconsistency of their worldview. The logically fallacy of this group is that in fact the law of non contradiction (A cannot equal -A at the same time) can never apply when it comes to ethics, morals, or religion unless they have stated that it in fact does. They would say, for example, that all religions are the same. There exists one God, no Gods and many Gods. Even though this view is illogical (since one view must be correct) it is deemed as acceptable. Within this particular epistemological view, what is logical and reasonable takes a back seat to what is deemed to be right and good. To say that you believe, is okay. To say that you believe in some thing, is okay. To say that there is only one truth and therefore only one particular understanding is tantamount to blasphemy. This, in their eyes, cannot and will not be tolerated.

There also seems to be a subdivision within this group; of those who say there is no objective truth and those who say there is objective truth, but it cannot be known. The hard skeptic soft atheist (HSSA) would acknowledge all religions without the possibility of any one being correct. Although, this view in itself, is a narrow view based on ones personal worldview (i.e. religion) without the possibility of any other view being correct. Making it inconsistent and self-refuting. Again, keep in mind, logic and consistency is not important. Allowing for this type of argumentation to be respected as valid.

The soft skeptic soft atheist (SSSA) would acknowledge all religions as well, but would say that truth can only be known when seen within the whole. The only way to know what is true is to look at all worldviews and find what each has in common. The more commonality that can be found, the clearer the answers become. Any religion that teaches exclusivity must first be rejected on the bases of the uncompromising nature of the faith. Any religion that states, “We’re not sure”, is allowed to be considered. While, all others are deemed as unreasonable and intolerant. Although, this view is itself intolerant, it’s also naïve in the fact that all of the largest religions that hold the greatest majority of believers in the world hold exclusive worldviews. You would have to poll the smallest common denominator within the smallest ideal to come to your conclusions.

A soft Atheist may wander between these two worldviews depending on mood or possible advancement of argumentation. Rarely will this type of Atheist hold to a particular view. To do so would be to affirm an absolute that would have the possibility of being proven merely subjective rather than objective. Thus, rendering the view as illogical and untrue.