Religion for atheists : a non-believer's guide to the uses of religion / Alain de Botton.
What if religions are neither all true nor all nonsense? The long-running and often boring debate between believers and non-believers is finally moved forward by Alain de Botton's inspiring book, which boldly argues that the supernatural claims of religion are entirely false--but that it still has some very important things to teach the secular world. Religion for Atheists suggests that rather than mocking religion, agnostics and atheists should instead steal from it--because the world's religions are packed with good ideas on how we might live and arrange our societies. Blending deep respect with total impiety, de Botton (a non-believer himself) proposes that we look to religion for insights into how to, among other concerns, build a sense of community, make our relationships last, overcome feelings of envy and inadequacy, inspire travel and reconnect with the natural world.--From publisher description.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780307379108
- ISBN: 0307379108
- Physical Description: 320 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm
- Edition: 1st U.S. edition
- Publisher: New York : Pantheon Books, [2012]
- Copyright: ©2012
Content descriptions
- General Note:
- Includes index.
- Formatted Contents Note:
- Wisdom without doctrine -- Community -- Kindness -- Education -- Tenderness -- Pessimism -- Perspective -- Art -- Architecture -- Institutions.
Search for related items by subject
- Subject:
- Atheists.
Religious life.
Atheism. - Genre:
- Festschriften.
Available copies
- 10 of 11 copies available at NC Cardinal.
- 1 of 1 copy available at McDowell County Public Library. (Show)
Holds
- 0 current holds with 11 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion Library | 220 DEB (Text) | 37810435057566 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Cleveland County Main Library | 200 DE (Text) | 22281500086199 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Forsyth Central | 200 D (Text) | 0112519307345 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| George H. & Laura E. Brown Library | 200 DeB (Text) | 30308101074202 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Henderson Main Branch | 200 D (Text) | 33258007042596 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Lenoir Library | 200 De (Text) | 50669011562270 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Pack Memorial Library | 200 DEB (Text) | 0020509465694 | Adult Nonfiction | Checked out | 08/25/2026 |
| Paddison Memorial Branch | 200 D (Text) | 0112519307337 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Perry Memorial Library | 200 DeB (Text) | 33727001932176 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Reynolda Manor Branch | 200 D (Text) | 0112519307329 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
Accessibility Features
Summary:
What if religions are neither all true nor all nonsense? The long-running and often boring debate between believers and non-believers is finally moved forward by Alain de Botton's inspiring book, which boldly argues that the supernatural claims of religion are entirely false--but that it still has some very important things to teach the secular world. Religion for Atheists suggests that rather than mocking religion, agnostics and atheists should instead steal from it--because the world's religions are packed with good ideas on how we might live and arrange our societies. Blending deep respect with total impiety, de Botton (a non-believer himself) proposes that we look to religion for insights into how to, among other concerns, build a sense of community, make our relationships last, overcome feelings of envy and inadequacy, inspire travel and reconnect with the natural world.--From publisher description.
