You're probably familiar with the New Atheists -- those vocal unbelievers who think ridicule is an acceptable alternative to intelligent argument. From Richard Dawkins to Christopher Hitchens to Sam Harris, the new in-your-face approach is certainly gaining popularity.

The more outrageous the message the better, says PZ Myers, who writes an influential blog that calls, among other things, for the end of religion. On Blasphemy Day, Myers drove a rusty nail through a consecrated Communion wafer and posted a photo on his Web site....

Myers, who teaches biology at the University of Minnesota, Morris, says he received about 15,000 hate e-mails. He says one reason he favors the provocative approach is that it works, especially for the next generation of atheists.

"Edgy is what young people like," Myers says. "They want to cut through the nonsense right away and want to get to the point. They want to hear the story fast, they want it to be exciting, and they want it to be fun. And I'm sorry, the old school of atheism is really, really boring."

Of course, not all atheists agree. Those "boring" old-schoolers prefer a more substantive approach.

Paul Kurtz founded the Center for Inquiry three decades ago to offer a positive alternative to religion. He has built alliances with religious groups over issues such as climate change and opposing creationism in the public schools. Kurtz says he was ousted in a "palace coup" last year -- and he worries the new atheists will set the movement back.

"I consider them atheist fundamentalists," he says. "They're anti-religious, and they're mean-spirited, unfortunately. Now, they're very good atheists and very dedicated people who do not believe in God. But you have this aggressive and militant phase of atheism, and that does more damage than good."

Kurtz was replaced at the Center by Ronald Lindsay, a strong proponent of the New Atheism. With the current shift in the unbelieving community, secularist vitriol will only increase.