The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality - Hardcover

Comte-Sponville, Andre

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670018473 ISBN 13: 9780670018475

Publisher: Viking Pr, 2007

Synopsis

Poses an argument for living a spiritual life that is not dependent on religion, explaining that an acceptance of philosophical spiritual traditions and values does not require practitioners to embrace the existence of a higher order.

About this title

Review:

At first blush "atheist spirituality" may sound like a contradiction in terms, but French philosopher Comte-Sponville makes a compelling argument for a profound dimension of experience that is god-free. His idea of spirituality also bears no small resemblance to Eastern spirituality, and the philosopher-author does not hesitate to cite great Eastern thinkers in this catalogue of references to great minds grappling with important questions. We can do without religion and without God, the author argues, but we can't do without fidelity and community. Comte-Sponville's humanism is deeply traditional, but the red flag "atheist" will undoubtedly affront religious traditionalists. That's unfortunate, because the author's style of arguing is civil and witty, unlike a lot of public discourse on this subject. He draws deeply on the history of philosophers who have pronounced on the subject of God's existence, disposing of the everything-is-permitted nihilism often associated with atheism. Nor does he argue that religion is dangerous, a stance in vogue among today's bestselling atheists. God just isn't logically necessary, but we can still have love, ethical behavior and even the experience of eternity. Formerly a Sorbonne professor, Comte-Sponville presents big ideas with masterful and witty clarity. For those who prefer Kant to cant, this refreshing little book is perfect.
"Publishers Weekly"

a A wonderful book . . . offers a generosity of spirit, communion and wisdom.a
a"The Washington Post"
a A truly inspiring essay . . . An uplifting and timely tribute to Godless spirituality.a
aAyaan Hirsi Ali, author of "The New York Times" bestseller "Infidel"
a At last, a book that takes the current atheist/believer debate to a much higher, more humane level than any other we know.a
aThomas Cathart and Daniel Klein, authors of "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar"

A wonderful book . . . offers a generosity of spirit, communion and wisdom.
"The Washington Post"
A truly inspiring essay . . . An uplifting and timely tribute to Godless spirituality.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of "The New York Times" bestseller "Infidel"
At last, a book that takes the current atheist/believer debate to a much higher, more humane level than any other we know.
Thomas Cathart and Daniel Klein, authors of "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar"

? A wonderful book . . . offers a generosity of spirit, communion and wisdom.?
?"The Washington Post"

? A truly inspiring essay . . . An uplifting and timely tribute to Godless spirituality.?
?Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of "The New York Times" bestseller "Infidel"

? At last, a book that takes the current atheist/believer debate to a much higher, more humane level than any other we know.?
?Thomas Cathart and Daniel Klein, authors of "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar"

About the Author:

André Comte-Sponville is one of France’s preeminent contemporary philosophers. Previously a professor at the Sorbonne, he is the author of A Small Treatise on the Great Virtues, an international bestseller that has been translated into twenty-five languages.

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking Pr
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0670018473
• ISBN 13: 9780670018475
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 212