The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality

Description

A brilliant, elegant argument for spirituality without GodCan we do without religion? Can we have ethics without God? Is there such thing as "atheist spirituality"? In this powerful book, the internationally bestselling author Andre Comte-Sponville presents a philosophical exploration of atheism—and comes to some startling conclusions. According to Comte-Sponville, we have allowed the concept of spirituality to become intertwined with religion, and thus have lost touch with the nature of a true spiritual existence. In order to change this, however, we need not reject the ancient traditions and values that are part of our heritage; rather, we must rethink our relationship to these values and ask ourselves whether their significance comes from the existence of a higher power or simply the human need to connect to one another and the universe. Comte-Sponville offers rigorous, reasoned arguments that take both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions into account, and through his clear, concise, and often humorous prose, he offers a convincing treatise on a new form of spiritual life.

Description

"Can we do without religion? Can we have ethics without God? Is there such a thing as "atheist spirituality"? In this powerful book, the internationally best selling author André Comte-Sponville answers questions like these through a philosophical exploration of atheism--and he comes to some startling conclusions. According to Comte-Sponville, we have allowed the concept of spirituality to become intertwined with religion and thus have lost touch with the nature of a true spiritual existence. In order to change this, however, we need not reject the ancient traditions and values that are part of our heritage; rather, we must rethink our relationship to these values and ask ourselves whether their significance comes from the existence of a higher power or simply from the human need to connect to one another and the universe. Comte-Sponville offers rigorous, reasoned arguments that take both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions into account, and he uses his personal experience as a child raised in the Catholic church as an illuminating example of the loss of faith in God but not spirituality. Through his clear, concise, and often humorous prose, he offers a convincing treatise on a new form of spiritual life." -- Publisher's description

Subjects

Other Editions

• The Little Book of Atheist SpiritualityHardcoverViking Press2007-12-27
• The Little Book of Atheist SpiritualityViking Adult2007-12-27
• Little Book of Atheist SpiritualityPenguin Books, Limited2008-01-01
• The Little Book of Atheist SpiritualityElectronic resourcePenguin Group USA, Inc.2008-01-01