Feel free to comment on people on this list or add others you feel should be on it. (You can select multiple people)
I voted for Hitch Dawkins and Harris from the list but I would definitely add Matt Dilahunty
Dr Madalyn Eads Murray O'Hair should be on top of this list with 2 other dead Atheists who published fewer books and employed fewer activists litigants and organizers. ....influence should be measured by her pioneering standard not blogoshere or television appearances
I also like Seth Andrews, but I don't have enough points to add him to the list. I like his podcast called The Thinking Atheist.
I have not watched a debate that the Hitch lost...still looking...eloquent speaker that I never get tired of listening to. Please add Lawrence Krauss
It's a shame we don't have a man like him in this time of politics.
Absolutely goat128....I wish that wish all the time...Just imagining him take on Trump lights my fire...
Sam Harris and Hitchens were my eye-openers initially. Sam is hit-and-miss lately but I think he can turn it around and get back to more consistency.
I can't really tell if you asking about influential people who are atheists or atheists who are influential. Because I feel like those are two different questions with different answers. Like Tyson and Nye are influential people who just happen to be atheists, their atheism comes second to their influence, but Dawkins and Hitchens are atheists who are influential, their atheism has eclipsed their original influence as scientist and journalist.
At first, I was thinking, huh? but I kept reading and you make a very valid point I had not considered. Very impressive!
I would also add Matt Dillahunty, and the people from The Atheist Experience. Also Seth Andrews from The Thinking Atheist.
I agree. I still would have voted for Neil DeGrasse Tyson, but their names should at least warrant consideration.
I went to see Neil Degrasse Tyson a few months ago. He lectured on Science in the Movies. He was hilarious while also teaching me some things. Laughter is a great way to learn.
I love Christopher Hitchens debates. After I let go of religion I watched most of them. I wouldn't say Bill Maher is influential but being on the liberal side I've always watched his show even as a Christian. I was never one to get offended because of a difference of opinion. Sam Harris is also a very good debater and speaker. I voted for a few others too. This is a very good list.
Where are all the popular atheist youtubers?
Same, I think he goes by TJkirk now though. The atheist experience, biblereloaded and darkmatter2525 also contributed a lot to my atheism. If you haven't heard of them I recommend checking it out.
I agree, The American Atheist was part of the reason I fully deconverted. His videos were suggested to me when I started questioning. Good stuff. Darkmatter is another good one.