The God Delusion came at a time when public interest in atheism and secularism was on the rise, marked by the emergence of the New Atheism movement, a societal shift away from religious belief systems. This movement represents a more vocal and assertive approach to promoting atheism and critiquing religion, with figures such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Daniel Dennett at its forefront. Each contributed to a series of influential books that challenged religious beliefs using reason, science, and secular ethics. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw this renewed interest in atheism and secularism partly as a reaction to the growing influence of religious fundamentalism in politics and society, particularly in the United States. Events such as the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks further intensified debates about the role of religion in public life, leading to a more vocal and confrontational approach by atheists and secularists.

The New Atheism movement aims to critique religion not just as a private belief system but as a public force with significant social consequences. Advocates argue that religious doctrines often lead to negative outcomes and should be openly examined and criticized.