The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality [Paperback]

Andre Comte-Sponville (Author), Nancy Huston (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred 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. (Dec. 31)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

“ 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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); Reprint edition (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0143114433
• ISBN-13: 978-0143114437
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #662,676 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

131 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine, fine book., January 2, 2008

By	Greg "Saganite" (Brooklyn Park, Mongolia) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality (Hardcover)

This book is a joy to read. For all the religionists who complain about the screeds of Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris, if you want to find out what many atheists are really like, Comte-Sponville's book provides a beautiful window. He is convinced that no god exists, and offers compelling reasons for this conviction, but he could not be more kind to persons of faith. In fact, he says that the only thing that separates him from most Christians is "three days"--the span between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. He makes a case that many of the key goals of Christians and atheist humanists like him are very nearly identical, as they are rooted in love. He allows that exceptions exist, such as the Roman Catholic prohibition on condom use, which he finds at best sectarian and at worst unloving. Atheists used to a bitter bunker mentality will find much to imitate in Comte-Sponville's attitude, and religionists should find much to admire. This is a challenging book, but the challenge is intellectual and not personal. Comte-Sponville does not attack, cast aspersions, question motives or sincerity--he just quietly presents a reasonable, soft-spoken case for a godless lifestyle that is worth living primarily because it taps into what is best in humanity, without ever pretending that humanity is itself divine.

60 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars mostly fabulous, with very tolerant presentation, January 6, 2008

By	T. Burket "tburket" (Potomac, MD United States) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality (Hardcover)

Andre Comte-Sponville presents his case for spirtuality without religion and without God in such a tolerant style that it may be read by anyone who is not hard-core against religion or who is not completely resistant to challenges to faith. In the face of a wave of anti-religion best sellers, his approach is very refreshing and encourages contemplation rather than a defensive posture by readers who are not already atheists.

Naturally, he lightly points out the long history of evil done in the name of religion, yet he acknowledges the other side also has plenty of demerits. His recognition of the good religion has done him (as an ex-Catholic) and for millions of others thus keeps the book from being another "religion is good" vs. "religion is bad" treatise. He instead focuses on logical and philosophical arguments rather than emotional, as he believes religion and atheism will co-exist indefinitely.

Many of the author's ideas and phrasings are very similar to those of Alan Watts, who is not included in the suggested reading at the end. The late Mr. Watts had similar analysis of why religion was not necessary and that one should live a life in the "here and now", organized around a philosophy that mixed western and eastern concepts.

The book has three chapters: "Can We Do Without Religion?"; "Does God Exist?"; and "Can There Be an Atheist Spirituality?".

The first is exceptionally well done. The author clearly articulates his reasons that the best attributes of human society, such as community and fidelity, can exist without religion. Some of the strengths of religion, such as mourning rituals and a sense of purpose, receive special attention. Comte-Sponville doesn't merely state his side without exploring some counter-arguments. His holds nihilism in particular disdain, as he claims its "nothing matters" attitude is harmful for both religious and atheist humans. The author's world without religion is a positive one, not one without love and meaning.

For "Does God Exist?" the author studies three positive arguments and three negative ones. He examines the so-called "proofs" that God must exist, and finds them wanting, of course, just as he cannot prove that God does not exist. Another thread is, "I cannot help thinking that if God existed, he should be easier to perceive or feel. All you would need to do is open your eyes, or your soul. I keep trying to do this and no matter how wide I hope them, what I see is the world and what I love is humanity." Comte-Sponville challenges the counterpoints to his assertion.

His other points include the "excess of evil", the "mediocrity" of human beings allegedly made in God's image, and how the descriptions of God in western religions are so much as humans want God to be, that God was constructed to fulfill those wishes. Whether you find these topics to be distasteful or not, the author calmly presents his views.

The final chapter on atheist spirituality probes how to live a spiritual life without religion or God. This did not work as well for me, perhaps because we may easily differ on what "spiritual" actually means. As an example, the author believes spirituality grows when we recognize our relative insignificance in the universe and dissolve our egos. I had a harder time with "living for now" and accepting what is, and losing concern for eternity, and with it hope and fear. If the philosophical arguments work for him and show a way forward without religion or fear of death, that's great. My guess is that some concepts will resonate with some readers, whereas others will be too abstract or otherwise may not fit. A personal philosophy anchored in humility, morals, ethics, love and community without religion probably would not get a lot of argument from the author.

This wonderful, serious little book isn't harmed even if you don't fully agree with his closing lines, "Love, not hope, is what helps us live. Truth, not faith, is what sets us free. We are already in the kingdom. Eternity is now."

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kinder Gentler Atheism - Very Worthwhile, January 14, 2008

By	J. Mayer (Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality (Hardcover)

Are all atheists angry, à la Dawkins, Harris and (especially, maybe) Hitchens?

Nope. Not Monsieur Comte-Sponville. How refreshing. Maybe it's because he's French... I dunno. (joke.)

First, real quick...

You know that book that you start reading in a bookstore - and then you can't put it down... so then you buy it to take home so you can keep reading? This is one of those.
I don't usually see this book in stores (unlike ones by Dawkins, Harris and Hitchens), so when I saw it in a local bookstore chain - the only copy - I had to grab it. Don't worry... I paid. I'm not an EVIL atheist.

This book is very worthwhile because it sports an unusually kind tone on the subject of atheism vs. theism, provides the thoughtful personal insight of the author, and is full of thought provoking ideas. It is very balanced in that it acknowledges positive aspects of religion, and weaknesses of the atheist point of view, all while still defending atheism.

Toward religion, it seems to me, Dawkins, Harris and Hitchens all (especially the last two) tend to take fairly aggressive, even combative stances. Comte-Sponville takes a much softer, gentler approach.

For example, he admits that organized religion is enviable in some ways, like how it fosters a sense of community, and the way it provides meaningful rituals at important junctures in life, like at weddings and funerals.

The author is uncompromising in his atheism, because he can see no reason to believe in a god, but he admits that atheism, all by itself, is lacking. After all, atheism, by definition, is about what isn't, not what is.

This book has a lot to offer for the quiet contemplative atheist. It might just be the book you were waiting/looking for.

If you are an angry atheist, this book might be your much needed chill pill. Don't worry - the author is an unapologetic atheist - not wishy-washy on that at all.

If you are one of the many undecided people out there, not really religious, but who doesn't like the term "atheist" either, check it out.

For the religious person who thinks that all atheists are evil, PLEASE read this book. I know you probably won't because it has the word "Atheist" on the cover, but one can hope.

Very good. Top marks.