As with many rationalists, I’ve always assumed that Atheism and Rationalism were intertwined. But recently I conversed with an ardent atheist who believes in reincarnation.
Suddenly I realized that Atheism is not commutative: Rationalism generally leads to atheism, but not vice-versa. One can deeply believe that there is no sky-daddy, no invisible overlord, no disembodied afterlife, and no divine plan, but still follow paths of woo. Visualize atheistic ufologists, for example. Perpetual-motionists and homeopaths can also live completely God-free lives.
Conversely (and here is where I differ from Dawkinsians), perfectly good scientists can cling to the gods of their upbringing, as long as their particular temple doesn’t require obeisance to rationally disproved ideas. This example of compartmentalized rationalism is very common. Most people apply their learning of rational process only to the particular field in which they were explicitly taught to apply it. It takes particular training to understand that all aspects of experience can be approached rationally. Churches seem to do all they can to prevent this idea from spreading.
In conclusion: An atheist bumper sticker or t-shirt is not a certain indication that a rationalist is inside.
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