Whether understood in a narrow sense as the popular works of a small number of (white male)
authors or as a larger more diffuse movement twenty-first century scholars journalists and
activists from all 'sides' in the atheism versus theism debate have noted the emergence of a
particular form of atheism frequently dubbed 'New Atheism'. The present collection has been
brought together to provide a scholarly yet accessible consideration of the place and impact of
'New Atheism' in the contemporary world.Combining traditional and innovative approaches
chapters draw on the insights of philosophers religious studies scholars sociologists
anthropologists and literary critics to provide never-before-seen insights into the
relationship between 'New Atheism' science gender sexuality space philosophy fiction and
much more. With contributions from Australia Germany and the United Kingdom the volume also
presents diversity in regard to religious irreligious commitment with contributions from
atheists theists and more agnostic orientations.New Atheism: Critical Perspectives and
Contemporary Debates features an up-to-date overview of current research on 'New Atheism' a
Foreword from Stephen Bullivant (co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of Atheism) and eleven new
chapters with extensive bibliographies that will be important to both a general audience and to
those conducting research in this area. It provides a much-needed fresh look at a contentious
phenomenon and will hopefully encourage the cooperation and dialogue which has predominantly
been lacking in relevant contemporary debates.
