The Atheist's Way: Living Well without Gods
Author(s): Eric Maisel
According to Eric Maisel, 'atheism' isn't so much a denial of god as it is a way to embrace the vagaries of being human and then to create a life of integrity and meaning without supernatural intervention. "The Atheist's Way" represents an exciting new direction in spirituality, one away from inward looking to a more active participation in the world but without a directive from some higher force. It isn't humanism, it isn't existentialism, it isn't spirituality, it isn't psychology, but it includes aspects of all of those approaches to what human life is about. Unlike recent successful books about atheism, this one doesn't rail against religion and believers or take up recent politics. Instead, it announces that an indifferent universe need not deter us from making personal meaning that is at once rich, sustainable, and real. Today, more than ever, people are burdened by the feeling that they and their efforts do not matter.The thought that they are disposable throwaways in a meaningless universe plays havoc beneath the surface, draining them of motivational energy and fitting them for depression.
According to Maisel, meaning is not a property of the universe but a poignantly human problem to be solved. The book focuses on presenting floundering unbelievers and wavering believers with a picture of the universe they can embrace and a complete life programme they can work. Maisel advocates atheism in part because of the heightened threat that religious belief poses to the survival of the species. It was one thing for human beings of another age to use god-talk to justify inquisitions. Now religious fundamentalists, claiming the power of God, also have or will soon have nuclear weapons and we must divest them of their cover. It is time to make decisions based on human rights and human good rather than on the dictates of an unseen God.
Product Information
"Eric Maisel is clearly the atheist's Wizard of Oz to have created a book with such brains, so much heart, and a lion's share of real courage."-- Dale McGowan, PhD, editor of "Parenting Beyond Belief" and 2008 Harvard Humanist of the Year "Millions of people lead happy, moral, loving, meaningful lives without believing in a god, and Eric Maisel explains in exquisite rational and compassionate detail how we do it."-- Dan Barker, author of "Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist" and copresident of the Freedom from Religion Foundation "I find Maisel's writings more witty than Hitchens, more polished and articulate than Harris, and more informative and entertaining than Dawkins. A 5-star read from cover to cover!"-- David Mills, author of "Atheist Universe" ""The Atheist's Way" offers a meaningful approach to life that is sublime, eloquent, and inspiring. This book is a true breath of fresh air."-- Phil Zuckerman, PhD, author of "Society Without God: What the Least Religious Nations Can Tell Us about Contentment" "Maisel provides a foundation for making meaning and living purposefully without supernatural intervention. A book to be relished by atheists, skeptics, humanists, freethinkers, and unbelievers everywhere."-- Donna Druchunas, writer on Skepchick.org "How do you bravely face the world as it is and create meaning for yourself without the crutch of a divine benefactor? Eric Maisel's wise suggestions, musings, and insights are a wonderful resource for your quest."-- John Allen Paulos, author of "Irreligion: A Mathematician Explains Why the Arguments for God Just Don't Add Up" "Eric Maisel has given us a lovely, thoughtful book about belief outside of the narrow confines of organized religion. "The Atheist's Way" offers an uplifting positive answer for anyone interested in how to live life without gods, superstitions or fairytales."-- Nica Lalli, author of "Nothing: Something to Belie
General Fields
- :
- : New World Library
- : New World Library
- : 0.227
- : 28 February 2009
- : United States
- : books
Special Fields
- : 208
- : 204
- : Paperback
- : Eric Maisel