In a determined push to swell the number of self-acknowledged atheists, Richard Dawkins has initiated The Out Campaign. Dawkins makes it clear that none will be "outed" involuntarily.
In an introduction to the initiative released both
on his site and the site of
The Out Campaign, Dawkins claims that he is “persuaded that the religiosity of America is greatly exaggerated. Our choir is a lot larger than many people realise.”
In what can be seen as a slight change in Dawkins previously stated goal, he states that a major part of the campaign should be ”aimed, not at converting the religious but at encouraging the non-religious to admit it.” (See article
"The Dawkins Defeat" for further thoughts on this)
Dawkins also encourages atheists to wear clothing emblazoned with a red “A”. The “A” is reminiscent of those worn by adulterers in Nathanial Hawthorne’s 19th century novel “The Scarlet Letter” but in this case the “A” stands for “Atheist” and should be worn in an effort to proudly “Stand Out.”
“Stand Out” is one of the five out statements that are the foundation of the campaign which include “Come Out”, “Reach Out”, “Speak Out”, and “Keep Out.”
In reaction to Dawkins’ statement Evangelical leader and president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Albert Mohler agreed that Dawkins “may be right -- his choir’ may be larger than many people recognize or are willing to admit.” Mohler wonders however if they are “ready to ‘out’ themselves.”
