Religion for Atheists - A Non-believer's Guide to the Uses of Religion

Author(s): Alain de Botton

Philosophy, Politics & Current Affairs

The boring debate between fundamentalist believers and non-believers is finally moved on by Alain de Botton's inspiring new book, which boldly argues that the supernatural claims of religion are of course entirely false - and yet that religions still have important things to teach the secular world. Rather than mocking religions, agnostics and atheists should instead steal from them - because they're packed with good ideas on how we live and arrange our societies. Blending deep respect with total impiety, de Botton (a non-believer) proposes that we should look to religions for insights into how to build a sense of community, make our relationships last, get more out of art, overcome feelings of envy and inadequacy, and much more. For too long non-believers have faced a stark choice between either swallowing peculiar doctrines or doing away with consoling and beautiful rituals and ideas. At last Alain de Botton has fashioned a far more interesting and truly helpful alternative.

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Praise for "Religion for Atheists" "Highly original and thought-provoking book..... de Botton is a lively, engaging writer."--"Publishers Weekly" starred review "Quirky, often hilarious ...Focusing on just three major faiths -- Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism -- [de Botton] makes a convincing case for their ability to create both a sense of community and education that addresses morality and our emotional life." -"Washington Post " "One has to appreciate his pluck as much as his lucid, enjoyable arguments, and this book, like his previous titles, is a serious but intellectually wild ride. If anyone can 'rescue some of what is beautiful, touching and wise from all that no longer seems true, ' it's de Botton." -"Miami Herald" "[De Botton] demonstrates his usual urbane, intelligent, and witty prose, always entertaining and worth reading...this book will advance amicable discussion among both believers and disbelievers." "--Library Journal" "His approach, entertaining and enlightening, provides the thoughtful reader with endless enjoyment and an insight into de Botton's beliefs as well as his generous appraisal of the beliefs of others...brings insight and understanding to how religion may enhance the lives of nonbelievers." -Shelf Awareness "In earnest and lyrical prose, de Botton illuminates the practical functions of religion in a secular context...compelling." -"Kansas City Star" "A new book by Alain de Botton is always a treat...De Botton is literate, articulate, knowledgeable, funny and idiosyncratic." -Forbes.com "[De Botton] is a master of the well-heeled, chatty and above all reasonable tone..."Religion for Atheists" is provocative and well-intentioned." -NPR "A wonderfully dangerous and subversive book." -"San Francisco Chronicle " "De Botton writes at his best when he confronts our abiding human frailty...I can't help but wholeheartedly recommend de Botton's new book. It pr

Alain de Botton was born in 1969 and is the author of non-fiction essays on themes ranging from love and travel to architecture and philosophy. His bestselling books include How Proust Can Change Your Life, The Art of Travel, and The Architecture of Happiness. He lives in London and founded The School of Life (www.theschooloflife.com) and Living Architecture (www.living-architecture.co.uk). For more information, consult www.alaindebotton.com.

General Fields

  • : 9780241964057
  • : Penguin Books
  • : Penguin Books
  • : 0.382
  • : June 2012
  • : 198mm X 129mm
  • : United Kingdom
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Alain de Botton
  • : Paperback
  • : 200
  • : very good
  • : 320
  • : Illustrations, map, ports.