Religion for Atheists - The Library of the Uncommons

320 pages

English language

Published Nov. 13, 2014

ISBN:: 978-0-14-104631-0

(1 review)

Religion for Atheists: A non-believer's guide to the uses of religion is a book by Alain de Botton published in 2012. It argues that while supernatural claims made by religion are false, some aspects of religion are still useful and can be applied in secular life and society. Religion for Atheists was published in the UK in hardback edition by Hamish Hamilton, and in the US by Pantheon. Religion for Atheists was a New York Times non-fiction bestseller, and has been widely reviewed, with mixed results.

2 editions

Odin Halvorson reviewed Religion for Atheists: A Non-believer's Guide to the Uses of Religion by Alain de Botton

An insightful look into the pitfalls of modernity, and a path to holistic healing

5 stars

One of my favorite books on secularism, Religion for Atheists is at once extremely approachable, funny, profound, and reverent. It's a rarity to find a combination like this in a secular book, since, so often, atheists in the public eye tend towards sardonic attacks on religion. To find a book that's not only free from meanness, but that actually explores how ancient traditions, functional rituals, and mindful celebration can have a positive impact on our daily lives, is surprising and wonderful.