For many atheists their “Prime Directive”, for lack of a better way of saying it, is debunking. They want to “debunk” all the “religious nonsense”. When they are presented with narratives that include the “supernatural”, “miraculous”, “spiritual” or “mystic”, their first instinct is to prove that the narrative is a false narrative, that there is a “logical explanation” for it. That “logical explanation” most often includes the generous application of scorn, ridicule and their own personally acceptable application of pseudo science.

“I can’t explain that.” is never an acceptable response. Neither is “I don’t know.” There is always an explanation, no matter how far fetched their explanation of what they view as far fetched may be.

I am an atheist, but I am not “that kind” of atheist. For me “debunking” is not the “Prime Directive”. For me honesty is the “Prime Directive”. I try to avoid applying ridicule and scorn without being absolutely certain that it is an appropriate response. I am perfectly comfortable with conclusions that include, “I have no idea.” “I can’t explain that.” “I simply do not have an answer for that.” and “I don’t know.”