Atheists have long been distrusted, in part because they do not believe that a watchful, judging god monitors their behavior. However, in many parts of the world, secular institutions such as police, judges, and courts are also potent sources of social monitoring that encourage prosocial behavior. Reminders of such secular authority could therefore reduce believers’ distrust of atheists.
Does this mean Jeff is advocating a police state? Minders. Secret police. Ubiquitous security cameras surveilling the populace. Ironically, this reinforces the link between atheism and totalitarianism. The all-seeing, all-powerful state as a surrogate God. All the more reason to distrust atheists.
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