Reza Aslan, a religious scholar, criticises the ‘New Atheists’ for their lack of understanding about religion. He argues they are not attacking faith itself but are instead attacking a cartoon version of it. Aslan believes they are wrong to suggest that religion is nothing more than a set of beliefs about the universe, as it is much more complex, involving identity, communal activities, and shared values. He also disputes their claim that religious violence is solely about religion, suggesting that socio-economic and political factors play a significant role. Aslan asserts that the New Atheists’ approach is not only overly simplistic but also dangerous, as it could lead to a world where religious identity is suppressed. He calls for a more nuanced understanding of religion that recognises its multifaceted nature.
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