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Morality Needs No God

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Can atheists be moral?

Having been an atheist for most of my adult life, I was pretty sure the answer was, "Yes". At least I didn't think I was choosing actions based on the whims of the moment. Nor did I think I was living a life that reasonable people would consider evil. But if I had been challenged regarding my ability to consistently act morally without the guidance and incentive that religion provides, I might not have been able to clearly explain the basis for my position.

In Morality Needs No God, Rowlands begins by asking the question above. Most readers will probably think the answer is obvious. But in a reader-friendly style, the author explains, with examples, why the answer isn't obvious to everyone. He addresses many of the questions and arguments that might be raised in response to the question of an atheist morality. He goes on to describe and explain the basis for a moral system that can give people a framework for living successfully and happily on Earth. This "secular morality" would be recognizable and acceptable to both the religious and the atheist reader. Although Rowlands is obviously not religious, this book is not an attack on religion. It is an alternate way of understanding morality without reference to a god or the tenants of any religion.

In the early chapters of the book, Rowlands defines his terms regarding what counts as morality and discusses his criteria for judging an act to be moral or immoral. He attempts to establish parameters that will be acceptable and understandable to readers across the religious spectrum. While discussing those criteria, he makes clear his reasons for choosing to describe the particular moral code outlined in this book.

Later chapters are devoted to describing that secular morality and comparing it to those based in religious teachings. "Secular Values" (Chapter 6) explains what a person might hope to gain from acting morally. "Appropriate Means" (Chapter 8), describes the moral principles that are necessary to obtain those values. The section on virtues is particularly inspiring.

Predictably, the author concludes that atheists can, indeed, be moral. The added bonus is that he shows the reader a morality that celebrates the joy and dignity of human life here on Earth.

Mr. Rowlands has written a detailed and comprehensive examination of morality -- what it means, how it is justified and why it is necessary not for some imaginary life beyond the grave but for the moral agent's own happiness, wellbeing and survival here on earth. He discusses the essential nature of morality, which consists not of an arbitrary list of "rules" like the Ten Commandments, but of a well-reasoned set of principles that apply to the practical business of living and acting in the real world. This is a much needed presentation of a rational code of ethics befitting the scientific spirit of the modern era. A very enlightened and enlightening book which is nevertheless free of the abstruse and technical jargon that often accompanies works on philosophy and ethics. The author addresses such issues as the meaning, purpose and scope of morality, the issue of reason versus faith and the significance of emotions. He also explains the meaning of justice, whether moral agency resides in the individual or the collective and the relationship of morality to politics. Highly recommended.

I echo the positive reviews posted here, but want to emphasize how non-antagonistic towards religion Mr. Rowland's arguments are. His well written work is not an attack on religion in the least. It is a well presented argument for another foundation for morality, a secular, rational basis.

It is well worth the read, and not just by those with a more secular worldview. Not only well worth the read, but an argument that the world sorely needs to consider these days.

This book gives a comprehensive treatment on the topic of secular morality and its impact on everyday decision making. I found it very insightful and illuminating on many topics covered throughout the book. My favorite sections are the ones on moral status, altruism, relationships, mental relaxation, forgiveness, collectivism, individual rights and civil rights. The book does a fine job of explaining what secular morality means, what the motivations are and how decisions are made in a world without the concept of god(s).

Can atheists be moral? I know that the answer is a resounding "Yes!" from personal experience, having lived in both predominantly atheist and predominantly religious societies for many years each. But morality in general is a subject very hard to pin down, especially when it's not a conversation topic that invites clear and objective discussion in any culture. As a result, I am all the more impressed by how comprehensively and clearly this book goes about explaining morality and its ramifications on our lives.

One additional highlight is that this book takes pains to define the terms clearly to draw objective comparisons, so as not to bias any argument through definition or misrepresentation. It's clear that the goal is to communicate clearly, rather than forcing a victory through word manipulation. It takes a lot of intellectual integrity to do that and do that so well.