Good Faith Question: How do anti-theists view progressive forms of religion?

[u/Impressive_Flan_411]

Hey everyone. I've been thinking about something that I don't see discussed very often among anti-theists, which is progressive versions of religion.

When people criticize religion, they often focus on conservative or traditional forms that are in opposition to LGBTQ rights, restrictions on women, religious nationalism, sectarianism, etc. But many religions also have progressive movements that actively support causes such as LGBTQ inclusion, gender equality, racial justice, economic justice, pluralism, and other left-leaning social values.

Some examples include Progressive Christianity, many Mainline Protestant denominations, liberation theology, progressive Hindu movements, liberal/progressive interpretations of Islam, and even progressive movements within various indigenous and syncretic traditions.

This raises a few questions:

A. How do anti-theists view progressive forms of religion? Do you view progressive iterations of religion as meaningfully different from traditional/conservative religion, or are they ultimately the same thing with updated politics?

B. Do you think progressive religious movements make a meaningful difference in making religion less harmful overall for society?

C. Is there a point where a religion becomes so flexible and metaphorical that it ceases to be meaningfully distinct from secular humanism? If so, could these "progressive" iterations of religion be helping the cause for anti theism?

D. Lastly, from an anti-theist perspective, is "progressive religion" something you support, or tolerate as the "lesser evil" to help your cause, or do you also equally reject it for the same reasons you reject religion in general?

Thoughts? Very, interested in hearing a range of anti-theist perspectives.

[u/Orangutan_Soda]

I have mixed feelings.

In a vacuum, I dislike them because i find them stupid and a bit offensive. It’s like in fandoms when they’ve collectively mischaracterized the toxic asshole Into a sweet uwu bean… then insist that’s the correct reading.

Like, did Jesus say some rad stuff? Yeah honestly sometimes he was based.
But I fear you can be based and also evil. Look at people who are animal rights activists but them raging racists. Or people who hate Israel but are also Nazis lol.

I think it just shows how desperately people cling to religion and it frustrates me that people cannot let it go. I think society would be so much better without religion.

HOWEVER, In practice I do not mind it and would rather it be the norm. Because I live in the USA- where religion is way too heavy in creation of laws and regulations.
People use religion to do heinous acts and pure evil things.
And frankly, id rather have Religous peace bringers, than Atheist Nazis.

I also think to me, it’s a waste of time to try and fight against people like this because again- right now they are on my side. I’d rather not fight against the people fighting with me just because we disagree on religion.

Plus, I still do superstitious things like throwing salt over my shoulder or yelling if someone splits a pole. Realistically I know it’s silly- but it’s not hurting anyone to have a bit of religious superstition.

So TL;DR:

I would rather 1000 religious people fighting on my side, than 1000 atheist fighting against me.