Richard Dawkins is probably the most publicly identifiable atheism activist. I’m not sure he’d agree he’s an activist but I needed to look up his actual profession because I don’t hear of anything else from him. FYI he’s an evolutionary biologist.

I am not an atheist but I also follow no religion. I was very into “God” (Catholic) as a pre-teen and “spoke” to him nightly for years, by my own choice. When he stopped acknowledging me I became disillusioned. That mixed with knowing I’d never want to live up to the rules related to sin made me choose to drop religion.

BTW, yes “He” was present in my mind when I spoke to him nightly and nodded or had facial expressions in response to me. Then one night, and all nights after, He stopped moving and just stared motionless… disturbing and infuriating. The hobbyist psychologist in me assumes this “being” was my subconscious supporting me and when I relied too much on it, it stopped in order to help me grow intellectually. Also given that I had no auditory responses, and it or anything like it has never happened again, I’d have to assume I’m not delusional or schizophrenic.

Back to Dawkins.

I do not agree “religion” is the actual issue. I think the issue is people looking for leadership in authoritarians and they espouse divisive beliefs wanting to impose ANY type of belief or system on others. Applying “They-ism” blaming everything on opponents or enemies to create sides in the belief game. It’s also fueled by escapism, desperation from loneliness or poor support, and poverty. Add to that tribalism, unquestioning belief in elders, and being too overwhelmed or unmotivated to research alternatives.

This applies beyond religion to cults, governments, tribes, and CEOs.

Dawkins may actually say or write much of what I’m saying in his books but at 45, a few years ago, I figured out I have a mix of communication issues likely from Dyslexia and ASD (eventually supported by a neurologist after initial self assumptions).

The issue is in interviews he presents religion as the issue.

In my view, Dawkins’ level of disdain and/or condescending presentation hurts his hope of progress.

The “Us vs. Them” Mentality and the Backfire Effect:
Dawkins’ creates a stronger sense of in-group unity. Tell people they are dumb and they will go to a friend that they think of as smart in their group. Attacking a group creates a strength in numbers response. They then reinforce their shared beliefs for defense. This leads to a “digging in” for battle vs willingness to be open to contradicting views.

Community:
Many people feel they had no help or hope of a better or even a normal life. Religion gives them community and support. What is Dawkins replacement for those situations, loneliness?

Media:
The common summary of Dawkins views is “you’re an idiot”. He should make an effort to have a interview campaign that somehow makes people with religion for supported for their belief choices but exposes them to critical thinking.

The fix in my opinion:
Educating children enough that they can understand the logical fallacies and manipulation.

Then after that measured responses. For a period of time, awoken, work from within to patiently awake the others. If no one makes this effort the group following the bad beliefs from the bad leadership with continue or grow.

For adults, find something within their realm of needs that religion is hurting and get the information in front of them in an unavoidable way. Do not “preach” to them or talk down to them. Do this indirectly.