Anti-something movements by themselves will fail.
Atheists cannot simply define themselves by what they do not believe.
Positive assertions are necessary.
Champion science and reason, as Charles Darwin suggested: “It appears to me (whether rightly or wrongly) that direct arguments against Christianity & theism produce hardly any effect on the public
Rational is as rational does.
It is irrational to take a hostile or condescending attitude toward religion because by doing so we virtually guarantee that religious people will respond in kind.
The golden rule is symmetrical.
If atheists do not want theists to prejudge them in a negative light, then they must not do unto theists the same.
Promote freedom of belief and disbelief.
As long as religion does not threaten science and freedom, we should be respectful and tolerant because our freedom to disbelieve is inextricably bound to the freedom of others to believe.
clipped from: www.sciam.com