[1] Challenge to Religious Authority: Atheists question the very foundation upon which faith-based systems are built. In interfaith dialogues, participants typically operate under the assumption that different religions can coexist as long as they acknowledge some form of higher power or spiritual truth. Atheism, by rejecting this entirely, challenges not just a specific faith, but the notion that belief in the divine is necessary for morality, meaning, or societal cohesion.
[2] No Common Ground in Doctrine: Unlike religious groups, atheists don't share a set of doctrines, texts, or rituals. This lack of a unifying "faith" can make them harder to engage with in a forum meant to foster common understanding among believers. Religious participants may find it difficult to see atheists as part of the dialogue, as they often focus on finding common ground between different spiritual beliefs.
[3] Perceived Undermining of Faith: For some religious groups, especially those where belief in God is central, atheism can be seen as undermining faith itself. If an interfaith discussion is about promoting respect for religious beliefs, atheism can be viewed as opposing this effort by challenging the legitimacy of all belief systems. Some participants may feel that acknowledging or engaging with atheism legitimizes disbelief and weakens the overall purpose of interfaith harmony.
[4] Fear of Secularism and Loss of Influence: In some cases, interfaith participants may associate atheism with secularism, which is often perceived as a threat to religious influence in public life. Secularism advocates for a clear separation of religion from government and public policy, which many religious groups fear will erode their ability to influence societal norms, laws, and culture.
[5] Interfaith Spaces Are Often Exclusionary by Default: Many interfaith dialogues are designed to bring together people from different faith traditions, with the assumption that belief in some form of divinity or higher power is essential. Atheists, who don't fit into this framework, may feel excluded or marginalized. This can result in a dynamic where atheists are seen not as fellow participants in dialogue, but as outsiders who threaten the premise of shared religious understanding.
For a truly inclusive dialogue, interfaith spaces would need to redefine their goals not just to promote harmony between different faiths but also to engage meaningfully with people who reject faith altogether. This would involve addressing deeper questions about the role of religion, the place of non-believers, and how society can include diverse perspectives without marginalizing anyone.
However, this can be a challenging prospect when religion itself is seen as integral to identity and morality for many.
How do you think atheists should be involved in these dialogues, given the tension?
