Living the Secular Life : New Answers to Old Questions - Hardcover

Phil Zuckerman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1594205086 ISBN 13: 9781594205088

Publisher: PENGUIN PRESS, 2015

Synopsis

Over the last decade or so, """"no religion"""" has become the fastest growing religion in the UK. Around the world, millions of people have turned away from the traditional faiths of the past and embraced a secular-or nonreligious-life. While these people may not subscribe to a faith, this secular life still enables inspiring beliefs. Here these beliefs and real stories of nonreligious men and women, based on extensive in-depth interviews, are explored, making this an indispensable handbook for anyone living a secular life.

About this title

Review:

"Publishers Weekly"
"While America's mainstream churches have declined, smaller denominations seem to be attracting more believers. The fasted-growing group isn't a church at all, but rather those distancing from traditional religious affiliations, a group known as the "nones." In this fascinating work, Zuckerman ("Faith No More: Why People Reject Religion"), professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College, explores the moral and ethical foundations of secularism, addressing the question of whether you can live a good life without God or religion. Anecdotal evidence abounds; interviews with former religious adherents who have moved into secularism, both within and outside their religious communities, offer a compelling argument for the non-necessity of God in the pursuit of a moral life. Despite the amazing growth of "nones" in America, and even considering the growing trend toward secularism within many churches, Zuckerman concludes, 'It still isn't easy being secular in America.' Perhaps the accounts in this fine work will help ameliorate that."
"Booklist"
"With recent polls reporting 30 percent of Americans are nonreligious, while other studies find atheists the least-trusted people in the country, isn't it high time to blow away the myths about the nonreligious? Answering affirmatively, the sociologist founder of the first secular-studies program at Pitzer College presents real secular people as peaceable, productive, and living happily. Secular parents reveal that God isn't necessary for raising moral children, that the lack of an afterlife needn't inspire terror or prayer, and that coping with grave injury doesn't entail surrendering to higher powers (nor, for that matter, does kicking addiction). Zuckerman also profiles secular people creating institutions for themselves that stand in lieu of churches (while others are contented loners). He also shows that secularism isn't bipolar--believer or nonbeliever--but includes many with some supernatural beliefs but who aren't religiously observant. And there's not a proselytizer or zealot among this group--the point being that secular people are not all--indeed, hardly ever--Christopher Hitchens or Madalyn Murray O'Hair. May one more prejudice fall."
Greg M. Epstein, humanist chaplain at Harvard University; author "Good Without God"
"Phil Zuckerman is without a doubt the leading American sociologist of secularism. And with America secularizing more rapidly and profoundly now than in any previous era in our history, Zuckerman's work has become essential reading for everyday people who want to understand religion--and the nonreligious--in this country. "Living the Secular Life "represents the next big chapter in a centuries-old story, so if you've ever taken an interest in Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, et al., you certainly need to pick this book up and find out where things are headed."
Bart Campolo, author "Things We Wish We Had Said"
"Since coming out as a post-Christian minister, I've discovered all kinds of people sincerely pursuing goodness without the nurture, encouragement, and mutual support most church folks take for granted. These folks are hungry for fellowship and pastoral care, but even hungrier for a thoughtful, positive way to communicate their values and commitments to friends and family members instinctively distrustful of anyone who doesn't believe in God. For them--and for me--Phil Zuckerman is a genuine hero, and "Living the Secular Life" is a wonderful gift. Here at last is a clear, concise, and compassionate guided tour of the world's fastest-growing way of life. Zuckerman isn't trying to prove everyone else wrong. On the contrary, he's helping the secular community better understand and comport itself, and helping the rest of humanity understand that we're on their side too."
Peter Boghossian, professor of philosophy, Portland State University; author of "A Manual for Creating Atheists"
"For secular people seeking deeper insight into their own worldview, or religious people seeking to better understand the rise of irreligion in society today, this book is indispensable. An engaging, powerful read."

A Best Book of 2014, ""Publishers Weekly ""
"Zuckerman is a sociologist who in this groundbreaking book writes clearly, offers unobtrusive statistical support, and provides a persuasive and comprehensive look at the growing contemporary phenomenon of people who choose to live without religion, but with ethics and meaning in their lives."
"Booklist"
"With recent polls reporting 30 percent of Americans are nonreligious, while other studies find atheists the least-trusted people in the country, isn't it high time to blow away the myths about the nonreligious? Answering affirmatively, the sociologist founder of the first secular-studies program at Pitzer College presents real secular people as peaceable, productive, and living happily. Secular parents reveal that God isn't necessary for raising moral children, that the lack of an afterlife needn't inspire terror or prayer, and that coping with grave injury doesn't entail surrendering to higher powers (nor, for that matter, does kicking addiction). Zuckerman also profiles secular people creating institutions for themselves that stand in lieu of churches (while others are contented loners). He also shows that secularism isn't bipolar--believer or nonbeliever--but includes many with some supernatural beliefs but who aren't religiously observant. And there's not a proselytizer or zealot among this group--the point being that secular people are not all--indeed, hardly ever--Christopher Hitchens or Madalyn Murray O'Hair. May one more prejudice fall."
"Publishers Weekly"
"While America's mainstream churches have declined, smaller denominations seem to be attracting more believers. The fasted-growing group isn't a church at all, but rather those distancing from traditional religious affiliations, a group known as the "nones." In this fascinating work, Zuckerman ("Faith No More: Why People Reject Religion"), professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College, explores the moral and ethical foundations of secularism, addressing the question of whether you can live a good life without God or religion. Anecdotal evidence abounds; interviews with former religious adherents who have moved into secularism, both within and outside their religious communities, offer a compelling argument for the non-necessity of God in the pursuit of a moral life. Despite the amazing growth of "nones" in America, and even considering the growing trend toward secularism within many churches, Zuckerman concludes, 'It still isn't easy being secular in America.' Perhaps the accounts in this fine work will help ameliorate that."
Greg M. Epstein, humanist chaplain at Harvard University; author "Good Without God"
"Phil Zuckerman is without a doubt the leading American sociologist of secularism. And with America secularizing more rapidly and profoundly now than in any previous era in our history, Zuckerman's work has become essential reading for everyday people who want to understand religion--and the nonreligious--in this country. "Living the Secular Life "represents the next big chapter in a centuries-old story, so if you've ever taken an interest in Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, et al., you certainly need to pick this book up and find out where things are headed."
Bart Campolo, author "Things We Wish We Had Said"
"Since coming out as a post-Christian minister, I've discovered all kinds of people sincerely pursuing goodness without the nurture, encouragement, and mutual support most church folks take for granted. These folks are hungry for fellowship and pastoral care, but even hungrier for a thoughtful, positive way to communicate their values and commitments to friends and family members instinctively distrustful of anyone who doesn't believe in God. For them--and for me--Phil Zuckerman is a genuine hero, and "Living the Secular Life" is a wonderful gift. Here at last is a clear, concise, and compassionate guided tour of the world's fastest-growing way of life. Zuckerman isn't trying to prove everyone else wrong. On the contrary, he's helping the secular community better understand and comport itself, and helping the rest of humanity understand that we're on their side too."
Peter Boghossian, professor of philosophy, Portland State University; author of "A Manual for Creating Atheists"
"For secular people seeking deeper insight into their own worldview, or religious people seeking to better understand the rise of irreligion in society today, this book is indispensable. An engaging, powerful read."

A Best Book of 2014, ""Publishers Weekly: ""
"Zuckerman is a sociologist who in this groundbreaking book writes clearly, offers unobtrusive statistical support, and provides a persuasive and comprehensive look at the growing contemporary phenomenon of people who choose to live without religion, but with ethics and meaning in their lives."
Susan Jacoby, "New York Times Book Review"
"An insightful mixture of academic research on shifting American religious views, his own experience as a parent, and interviews with others facing moral crises without God... this book is a humane and sensible guide to and for the many kinds of Americans leading secular lives...."
"Publishers Weekly"
"In this fascinating work, Zuckerman ("Faith No More: Why People Reject Religion"), professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College, explores the moral and ethical foundations of secularism, addressing the question of whether you can live a good life without God or religion. Anecdotal evidence abounds; interviews with former religious adherents who have moved into secularism, both within and outside their religious communities, offer a compelling argument for the non-necessity of God in the pursuit of a moral life. "
"Booklist"
"With recent polls reporting 30 percent of Americans are nonreligious, while other studies find atheists the least-trusted people in the country, isn't it high time to blow away the myths about the nonreligious? Answering affirmatively, the sociologist founder of the first secular-studies program at Pitzer College presents real secular people as peaceable, productive, and living happily....He also shows that secularism isn't bipolar--believer or nonbeliever--but includes many with some supernatural beliefs but who aren't religiously observant. And there's not a proselytizer or zealot among this group--the point being that secular people are not all--indeed, hardly ever--Christopher Hitchens or Madalyn Murray O'Hair. May one more prejudice fall."
"Library Journal: "
"The author brilliantly weaves stories and reflections together with empirical sociological research to create a rich portrait of secular America....Highly recommended for all readers, both religious and nonreligious, seeking a more accurate understanding of this ever-growing segment of the American population."
Greg M. Epstein, humanist chaplain at Harvard University; author "Good Without God"
"Phil Zuckerman is without a doubt the leading American sociologist of secularism. And with America secularizing more rapidly and profoundly now than in any previous era in our history, Zuckerman's work has become essential reading for everyday people who want to understand religion--and the nonreligious--in this country. "Living the Secular Life "represents the next big chapter in a centuries-old story, so if you've ever taken an interest in Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, et al., you certainly need to pick this book up and find out where things are headed."
Bart Campolo, author "Things We Wish We Had Said"
"Since coming out as a post-Christian minister, I've discovered all kinds of people sincerely pursuing goodness without the nurture, encouragement, and mutual support most church folks take for granted. These folks are hungry for fellowship and pastoral care, but even hungrier for a thoughtful, positive way to communicate their values and commitments to friends and family members instinctively distrustful of anyone who doesn't believe in God. For them--and for me--Phil Zuckerman is a genuine hero, and "Living the Secular Life" is a wonderful gift. Here at last is a clear, concise, and compassionate guided tour of the world's fastest-growing way of life. Zuckerman isn't trying to prove everyone else wrong. On the contrary, he's helping the secular community better understand and comport itself, and helping the rest of humanity understand that we're on their side too."
Peter Boghossian, professor of philosophy, Portland State University; author of "A Manual for Creating Atheists"
"For secular people seeking deeper insight into their own worldview, or religious people seeking to better understand the rise of irreligion in society today, this book is indispensable. An engaging, powerful read."

Susan Jacoby, "New York Times Book Review"
"An insightful mixture of academic research on shifting American religious views, his own experience as a parent, and interviews with others facing moral crises without God... this book is a humane and sensible guide to and for the many kinds of Americans leading secular lives."
A Best Book of 2014, ""Publishers Weekly: ""
"Zuckerman is a sociologist who in this groundbreaking book writes clearly, offers unobtrusive statistical support, and provides a persuasive and comprehensive look at the growing contemporary phenomenon of people who choose to live without religion, but with ethics and meaning in their lives."
David Brooks, "The New York Times"
"As secularism becomes more prominent and self-confident, its spokesmen have more insistently argued that secularism should not be seen as an absence -- as a lack of faith -- but rather as a positive moral creed. Phil Zuckerman, a Pitzer College sociologist, makes this case as fluidly and pleasurably as anybody in his book, "Living the Secular Life.""

"Publishers Weekly"
"In this fascinating work, Zuckerman ("Faith No More: Why People Reject Religion"), professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College, explores the moral and ethical foundations of secularism, addressing the question of whether you can live a good life without God or religion. Anecdotal evidence abounds; interviews with former religious adherents who have moved into secularism, both within and outside their religious communities, offer a compelling argument for the non-necessity of God in the pursuit of a moral life. "
"Booklist"
"With recent polls reporting 30 percent of Americans are nonreligious, while other studies find atheists the least-trusted people in the country, isn't it high time to blow away the myths about the nonreligious? Answering affirmatively, the sociologist founder of the first secular-studies program at Pitzer College presents real secular people as peaceable, productive, and living happily....He also shows that secularism isn't bipolar--believer or nonbeliever--but includes many with some supernatural beliefs but who aren't religiously observant. And there's not a proselytizer or zealot among this group--the point being that secular people are not all--indeed, hardly ever--Christopher Hitchens or Madalyn Murray O'Hair. May one more prejudice fall."
"Library Journal: "
"The author brilliantly weaves stories and reflections together with empirical sociological research to create a rich portrait of secular America....Highly recommended for all readers, both religious and nonreligious, seeking a more accurate understanding of this ever-growing segment of the American population."
Greg M. Epstein, humanist chaplain at Harvard University; author "Good Without God"
"Phil Zuckerman is without a doubt the leading American sociologist of secularism. And with A...

About the Author:

PHIL ZUCKERMAN is a professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College in Claremont, California. He is the author most recently of Faith No More and Society Without God and blogs for Psychology Today and the Huffington Post. In 2011 Zuckerman founded an interdisciplinary Department of Secular Studies at Pitzer College, the first in the nation.

About this edition

• Publisher: PENGUIN PRESS
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1594205086
• ISBN 13: 9781594205088
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288