Atheism is only the absence of belief in gods, which means that there is nothing self-contradictory about atheists who believe in astrology, alien abductions, Bigfoot, psychic powers, and a host of other mystical, supernatural, and paranormal things. Being an atheist doesn't mean being a skeptic, and vice-versa. However,
paranormal beliefs aren't very different from religious beliefs and atheistic skepticism of theism should proceed along the same lines as skepticism of the paranormal. A relevant atheism is one that is based upon a consistently and broadly applied skepticism, not a skepticism applied solely to religion.
Many problems in the world are arguably due, at least in part, to people's gullibility. Too few people learn how to exercise basic skepticism and critical thinking which they can apply in a conscious, systematic manner to the claims they encounter. Skepticism is important because truth is important: the more reliably we can differentiate the likely true from the likely false, the more reliably we can navigate through our world. Skepticism is important for everyone; for atheists, their skepticism towards religious and theistic claims should part of a broader and consistent habit of skeptical, critical thinking.
Skepticism of Theism & Theistic Claims
Atheists obviously don't believe in any gods, but their reasons for not being theists can vary. In theory, it's possible for a person to not be a theist because that's the way they were raised, as a religious dogma, or one of many irrational reasons. An atheism that isn't founded upon a skeptical, critical examination of the arguments for and against the existence of gods would be difficult to describe as a rational, reasoned atheism. That's precisely what's needed, however, if atheism and atheists are to have any moral or intellectual impact on society.Skepticism of Religions & Religious Claims
Not all religions are theistic and atheists can be adherents of atheistic religious systems. In practice, though, most religions which atheists encounter are theistic and thus their critiques of theism are also critiques of religion, religious beliefs, religious institutions, religious philosophy,
theology, religious history, etc. As with theism, atheistic rejection of religion must be founded upon a skeptical, critical evaluation of religious claims and arguments. They should not be unfair, irrational, unreasonable, or emotional.
Skepticism of the Supernatural & Supernatural Claims
People's gods are such central and important examples of supernatural beliefs that it's commonly assumed that atheists disbelieve in anything supernatural. Technically this isn't true because atheism is only about disbelief in gods, but it is the norm. Atheists need to remember this difference so they don't accidentally fall into supernatural beliefs without realizing it and they especially need to keep in mind that all supernatural claims should be addressed with the same skepticism and critical thinking as claims about gods.Skepticism of the Paranormal & Paranormal Claims
The line between the paranormal and religion is blurry at best. Many paranormal phenomena, like
faith healing or images appearing on objects, are also religious phenomena. Modern
parapsychology got its start as a religious movement in the 19th century. Paranormal beliefs today fulfill many religious functions for people. Almost everything in the area of the "paranormal" is connected to religion or has close analogs in religion — not the least of which is the manner in which people hold paranormal beliefs. Defenders of the paranormal use similar standards of evidence and reasoning as religious apologists.
Skepticism of Politics & Political Claims
Skepticism that is limited just to religious, theistic, and related claims isn't much good. Skepticism needs to be applied broadly and consistently; we can't be equally skeptical of everything we hear, but we also can't limit skepticism to just a couple of categories of claims either. Politics is one area where skepticism is at least as important as it is with religion, especially given how political decisions can impact our lives. The common blending of religion and politics can make skepticism here even more imperative: if atheists won't apply skepticism to this, who will?Skepticism of Advertising and Commercial Claims
In addition to politics, one area where everyone could benefit from more critical skepticism is commercial advertising. Even religious leaders recognize the power and skill of clever advertising, as demonstrated by their taking lessons in modern marketing techniques to sell their religious ideologies. You need to recognize these techniques when they are being used on you by corporations, advertisers, politicians, and churches. If atheists are going to practice consistent skepticism and critical thinking, they cannot ignore this, the largest source of propaganda in their lives.
