What is misotheism?

Answer

Misotheists are individuals who express misotheism, a dislike or hatred of God. The prefix mis- often denotes hatred or loathing. Therefore, a misotheist despises God or religion in general, similar to how a misanthropist (or misanthrope) dislikes mankind and a misogynist loathes women. While the term misotheist is somewhat outdated, a more commonly used expression today would be antitheist. However, misotheism technically implies a deeper emotional and personal level of disgust.

What makes the concept of misotheism intriguing is that it signifies an attitude rather than a specific belief. It is feasible to be an atheist or agnostic without being labeled a misotheist. One can reject the existence of God without nurturing an active hatred towards Him. When an individual reaches the point of believing that theism is harmful and must be actively opposed, they could be classified as an antitheist. Those who exhibit a distinct hatred, condescension, or animosity towards religion would be more accurately described as misotheists.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, antitheism witnessed a brief (and currently diminishing) surge in support. This movement, known as “New Atheism,” has faced criticism, even from non-believers, for its perceived intellectual and philosophical shallowness. New Atheism exemplifies a philosophy driven by misotheism rather than reason. Prominent figures like Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and Daniel Dennett have expressed more than mere disagreement with religion. Their approach is marked by a visceral, emotional, and spiteful hatred towards all things religious, classifying them as misotheists.

Presently, misotheism is often observed in the works of comedians such as Bill Maher and Ricky Gervais, as well as lesser-known scientists like Lawrence Krauss. The public endeavors of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, including the recent Cosmos television series, can be considered misotheistic as they portray religion in an error-filled and biased manner., and misleading ways. Not all unbelievers are antitheists or misotheists, of course. However, misotheism is well-illustrated by the bigoted approach taken by these figures.

Scripturally, there is a difference between error and ignorance (Luke 23:24;John 9:41). Nevertheless, misotheists are not doubting God or relying on faulty reasoning to conclude that He does not exist. The misotheist is expressing willful, deliberate hatred toward God (Psalm 10:4;Psalm 14:1). He is the “scoffer” or “mocker” of Psalm 1:1 and 2 Peter 3:3. His spiteful rejection of God is warned against in the Bible in the strongest of terms (Proverbs 29:1;Romans 1:24-25).

Misotheism is an attitude immune to reason and to dialogue. “Mockers resent correction” «A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: Neither will he go unto the wise. », (Proverbs 15:12). Jesus makes this point in Matthew 7:6, warning His followers not to bother arguing with those who despise the truth. Unfortunately, this means that the misotheist is best left to the consequences of his own choices. Those who actively hate God are not inclined to listen to the gospel or anything that disagrees with their prejudice.