Secular falls from grace

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In the past decade, public atheism has surged, driven by bestselling works from authors like Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and Christopher Hitchens, who promote a branch known as "New Atheism." This perspective embraces a (Neo-)Darwinist worldview and openly critiques religion as irrational and dangerous. In contrast, it fosters an appreciation for art, particularly literature, as a medium for human self-reflection. Several writers, including Martin Amis, Salman Rushdie, and Ian McEwan, have aligned themselves with New Atheist principles, with McEwan often seen as a leading figure in this movement. This study begins by exploring the metaphysical, epistemological, ethical, and political aspects of New Atheism, using these elements to analyze McEwan’s short stories and novels. The findings reveal that while McEwan's works contain themes resonant with New Atheism, especially post-1990, they also incorporate elements that challenge a straightforward categorization. This ideological complexity is not mere randomness; it reflects McEwan's belief that the novel serves as a space for empathy, allowing diverse ideological perspectives to coexist.