This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

For religion, the end is nigh — or should be. Atheism is on the rise, especially among the young.

David Silverman's book, "Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World," trumpets how it shall come to pass, till all be fulfilled. And how to obtain equality for atheists till it does.

Hint: It ain't just by playing nice.

The goal isn't to make friends. The goal is to make progress.

"Firebrand atheism is simply telling the truth, with the emphasis on telling," writes Silverman, who'll discuss his book Feb. 10 at the Salt Lake City Public Library.

Yet Silverman isn't simply preaching to the choir. In atheism, as in most social movements, there's a familiar rift: between confrontational "firebrands" like Silverman, and more polite, accommodating "diplomats."

Some detractors call confrontationalism counterproductive. Silverman shows they're wrong. Firebrand atheism works.

That's an important message not only for atheism, but for any social movement.

All social movements have evoked a "backfire" effect, where obstructionists dig in their heels. Witness racial civil rights. Gay rights. And women's rights.

But they all benefitted from firebrands. Because the reality is, to say nothing that offends is to say nothing at all. To know your place is to stay in the same place.

Firebrands provide the major force for change; diplomats, lubrication to smooth the way. The two approaches can work together synergistically. But without a force to generate movement, simply greasing the skids goes nowhere.

Silverman's book is a powerful, moving tour de force.

Gregory A. Clark

Salt Lake City