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Skepticism & Atheism: Skepticism of Gods, Skepticism of the Paranormal
The application of skepticism has commonly been limited to specific claims about paranormal or miraculous events. Skeptics rarely take on fundamental religious claims directly, and certainly not within bounds of their normal skeptical investigations. I, however, find any such a division to be artificial and without significant merit. Skepticism towards claims about astrology and psychic healers should go hand in hand with skepticism towards the claim that gods exist or that I am a sinner.
Atheism & Skepticism: Should Atheists be Skeptics? Should Skeptics be Atheists?
Reasonable skepticism is an essential basis of Freethought, or the idea that decisions about religion should be made independently and without relying on the demands of either authority or tradition. It is not the ultimate conclusions which are being described, but instead the method of arriving at those conclusions. Atheists should strive to...
Skepticism vs. Mystery - Is Skepticism Incompatible with Mystery?
There is a popular perception that skeptics are all just cynics who are unable to tolerate the existence of mysteries while believers - whether in gods or in the paranormal - are more open minded and willing to embraces the mysteries of life. Atheists are often accused of being unable to say "I don't know" and appreciate mystery in their lives....
Naturalism & Materialism vs. Supernatural, Magical, Paranormal Beliefs
Skepticism of the paranormal and skepticism of religious and theistic claims are often treated separately - but they shouldn't be because both criticisms generally stem from a common commitment to a naturalistic and materialistic view of the universe. Both atheists and skeptics reject the paranormal, supernatural, and magical thinking which...