***Skeptics are Fanatics in Reverse--The Theology of Disbelief

Skeptics are Fanatics in Reverse—The Theology of Disbelief

Lately I have been encountering self-professed skeptics. Their writing reminds me of the hot prose of fanatics, which got me onto this train of thought. Then I think 'There is more to it.' I invite someone trained in theology to more minutely examine the theology of avowed skepticism, the dogma of disbelief. I am only an amateur in this arena.

Disbelief and unbelief are not the same thing. The disbelief of skeptics who publish is focused to pounce on the consensus, on whatever other people do believe; it is attention-seeking and confrontational. It is the kid who forces himself to 'be different.' It is the 'anti' pose, the 'aginner,' as my daddy used to say.

They like to be confrontational about being atheists, especially. (This is a story. One such 'atheist' jumped on a fella who innocently in conversation said 'God told me that.' "God doesn't talk to me," said Mr. Skeptic, "so why do you think He talks to YOU?" I have one of those mouths that goes off half-cocked, so out of my mouth comes, without consulting brain, "Maybe God talks to Tom because he LIKES Tom, and doesn't talk to you because He doesn't like you." By the look on the Mr. Skeptic's face, one could tell he was NOT an atheist!)

Across the board, there is dogma among public skeptics. Some of the Articles of Nonfaith that I observe are:
*If it makes folks uncomfortable, it must be the truth.
*Science must be on our side and against the other guy because we are the thinkers since we are not following the widely held opinion. (The scientific method is an unwanted child here: Observation is the orphan.)
*The paranormal is preposterous per se: 'If I didn't see it, you didn't see it.' Here on this topic, we refuse all input: Don't confuse us with the facts; we don't want to individually refute your superstitions.
*Spiritual, psychic and religious activities are for inferiors, unless the religion is (1) associated with unpopular minorities or (2) is unknown or indigenous, or is witchcraft, or (3) unless 'everybody' is against this religion or its practices. (You'll never hear a skeptic protest polygamy, for instance, or the abuse of women, children or animals.) And the psychics?--they are victimizing everyone every time if they charge any money: All customers are 'dupes.' ('Dupes' is a word professional skeptics use a lot. It means 'anyone who isn't us.') No ghosts allowed, no life after death, not even any angels!
*Nothing is between consenting adults unless it is unpopular sex acts.
*If something is already controversial, we must embrace what others are shying away from. (The president can do no wrong if people are annoyed with him, and can do no right if the rest of us are all for him.)
*We must butt into everything: Nothing is none of our business, and you must listen to us.

Real skeptics are cautious about what they assume, indiscriminately, and equally cautious about their own and others' assumptions. They are equal-opportunity questioners of authority, facts and beliefs to the best of their abilities. They aren't out to proselytize their points of view, which are diverse. They are like people who are spiritual and not religious, as contrasted to members of the church of organized nonreligion. Real skeptics, like people who are spiritual and not religious, have to 'do it themselves,' whereas members of organized religion and organized nonreligion subscribe to a template, to Articles of Faith/Nonfaith.