NATURAL ATHEISM contains an introduction explaining "What is Atheism?" plus 12 chapters and a bibliography.
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
"The most important new title from American Atheist Press since the death of Madalyn Murray O'Hair/" -- Frank R. Zindler, American Atheist, Summer, 2004
About the Author
DAVID ELLER was born an Atheist and has never found any reason to think otherwise. He holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology and has conducted fieldwork among Australian Aboriginals. He has studied all of the major world religions and dozens of other traditional and tribal religions. He has concluded that an Atheist is not someone who knows too little about religion but someone who knows too much. His book "From Culture to Ethnicity to Conflict" deals with the problem of international ethnic conflict. Other books by Eller include "Culture and the Real World" and "Violence and Culture." He is a regular contributor to major freethought as well as scientific journals. He teaches Cultural Anthropology in Denver, Colorado, where he lives with his wife and three cats.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
316 of 333 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This past week, I received a wonderful surprise in the mail. A friend of mine was excited and impressed by a new book he'd read. He overnighted me his copy. When I opened the package, I saw David Eller's "Natural Atheism." Looking at the cover, it was the most attractive and beautifully printed book on atheism I'd ever seen. In this case, you CAN judge a book by its cover.
I was familiar with David Eller's esteemed reputation in the atheist community, but I had never read a book by Dr. Eller (which is a sad comment on me, rather than Dr. Eller). This is unquestionably one of the finest books on atheism ever published. If you think this is an overstatement, then you have not yet read the book. Thankfully, there is no dishonest attempt in this book to reconcile religion and science, nor to water down the atheist message into agnosticism or secular humanism. The writing is clear, on-the-mark, and no-nonsense. If you are a person whose mind is at all receptive to reason, then you will benefit from -- and enjoy! -- reading this free-thought title. Your ability to combat creationism will be greatly empowered.
Dr. Eller succinctly summarizes all the traditional arguments for and against God's existence. But, more importantly, he actually introduces a wealth of original material. Many books on atheism (and religion) merely rehash the same old arguments again and again. "Natural Atheism," while discussing all the traditional issues, provides a much needed fresh and updated perspective. My only complaint is that, as the author of a title on atheism myself, Dr. Eller's book will no doubt prove to be tough competition!
Nonetheless, I congratulate Dr. Eller for his exceptional volume, which will certainly become a popular seller when word of its publication becomes widely known. Additionally, Dr. Eller's book is published by American Atheists, who, in my opinion, are the leading and most authoritative voice for atheism in the world today. You will be very pleased with "Natural Atheism."
David Mills
Author of "Atheist Universe"
I was familiar with David Eller's esteemed reputation in the atheist community, but I had never read a book by Dr. Eller (which is a sad comment on me, rather than Dr. Eller). This is unquestionably one of the finest books on atheism ever published. If you think this is an overstatement, then you have not yet read the book. Thankfully, there is no dishonest attempt in this book to reconcile religion and science, nor to water down the atheist message into agnosticism or secular humanism. The writing is clear, on-the-mark, and no-nonsense. If you are a person whose mind is at all receptive to reason, then you will benefit from -- and enjoy! -- reading this free-thought title. Your ability to combat creationism will be greatly empowered.
Dr. Eller succinctly summarizes all the traditional arguments for and against God's existence. But, more importantly, he actually introduces a wealth of original material. Many books on atheism (and religion) merely rehash the same old arguments again and again. "Natural Atheism," while discussing all the traditional issues, provides a much needed fresh and updated perspective. My only complaint is that, as the author of a title on atheism myself, Dr. Eller's book will no doubt prove to be tough competition!
Nonetheless, I congratulate Dr. Eller for his exceptional volume, which will certainly become a popular seller when word of its publication becomes widely known. Additionally, Dr. Eller's book is published by American Atheists, who, in my opinion, are the leading and most authoritative voice for atheism in the world today. You will be very pleased with "Natural Atheism."
David Mills
Author of "Atheist Universe"
58 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
In addition to being a contribution to clear and unpretentious explanations on the premises of atheism, this book succeeds in identifying several pitfalls created by faulty argumentation. Eller makes a remarkable distinction between the basis of a "belief," which is neither "true or false" since it is beyond the scope of reason, and a contention presented as fact which requires evidence that can be observed or tested.
In one of my favorite examples, Eller responds in this way when asked if he "believes" in evolution: he states that he doesn't "believe" in evolution but rather "accepts" evolution as the best explanation we have so far based on available evidence; if something more convincing comes along, he is ready to part with his previous views. Would theists be as willing to part with their views in light of hostile new evidence? This is one of many instances where Eller demonstrates his care in avoiding any games associated with "belief." People can hide behind "beliefs" and justify them unfairly, either by using feelings and/ or personal experiences or reason itself--until, of course, reason fails to support their claims. That is, when convenient, logic and reason are allies to the believer. When not, it is time to hide behind the myriad of gods, spiritual experiences, etc.
Eller maintains an open mind and recommends rigorous questioning and skepticism as a way of avoiding hasty conslusions and assumptions. Much explanation is given, and the reader should come away with a lucid understanding of the importance of the "burden of proof." If we are to accept everything at face value without question, we would resort to considering any claim--regardless of how ludicrous--as serious.
This book can reinforce a healthy mentality, challenging readers to examine the integrity of their thinking. From the role of philosophy and logic to the often misrepresented views of the "founding fathers," Eller covers plenty of ground; to oversimplify his discussion of serveral matters with general comments would be unfair. I can hardly represent the depth of his elaborations. Eller delivers impeccable arguments complete with a combination of honesty, sophistication, experience, and wit rarely seen in a work of this nature.
In one of my favorite examples, Eller responds in this way when asked if he "believes" in evolution: he states that he doesn't "believe" in evolution but rather "accepts" evolution as the best explanation we have so far based on available evidence; if something more convincing comes along, he is ready to part with his previous views. Would theists be as willing to part with their views in light of hostile new evidence? This is one of many instances where Eller demonstrates his care in avoiding any games associated with "belief." People can hide behind "beliefs" and justify them unfairly, either by using feelings and/ or personal experiences or reason itself--until, of course, reason fails to support their claims. That is, when convenient, logic and reason are allies to the believer. When not, it is time to hide behind the myriad of gods, spiritual experiences, etc.
Eller maintains an open mind and recommends rigorous questioning and skepticism as a way of avoiding hasty conslusions and assumptions. Much explanation is given, and the reader should come away with a lucid understanding of the importance of the "burden of proof." If we are to accept everything at face value without question, we would resort to considering any claim--regardless of how ludicrous--as serious.
This book can reinforce a healthy mentality, challenging readers to examine the integrity of their thinking. From the role of philosophy and logic to the often misrepresented views of the "founding fathers," Eller covers plenty of ground; to oversimplify his discussion of serveral matters with general comments would be unfair. I can hardly represent the depth of his elaborations. Eller delivers impeccable arguments complete with a combination of honesty, sophistication, experience, and wit rarely seen in a work of this nature.
52 of 53 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
To David Eller, an atheist is someone who does not believe in any God, as opposed to someone who affirmatively denies the existence of God. People, according to Eller, are not born believing in God; they have to be converted. In Eller's terminology, we are all natural atheists, hence the title of this worthwhile and well reasoned book.
Eller's intention is to convert you back to your natural atheism. He even offers a twelve-step program; it won't work, of course, but neither do any other twelve-step programs, as far as we can tell.
The book runs the gamut from reasoning and philosophy to science and religion, toleration, separation of church and state, and (although he doesn't call it that) epistemology. Many of the subjects are at least vaguely familiar to me, yet I found Eller's treatments refreshing and worthwhile.
The book is a wonderful combination of reasoned argument and cogent one-liners. You'll have to read the reasoned arguments for yourselves, and I recommend you do so, but here, paraphrased, are some of the insightful one-liners. To the charge that atheism is a religion, Eller responds that atheism is no more a religion than not collecting stamps is a hobby. To monotheists, Eller (an anthropologist) observes that countless cultures believed in countless gods, and monotheists disbelieve in all but one. Atheists thus disbelieve in only one god fewer than monotheists. Finally, religion has no methodology and cannot solve problems: physics debunked phlogiston, but the Protestant Reformation could only replace one paradigm with a welter of conflicting paradigms.
Two criticisms: Eller's inconsistent use of "god(s)" for "God" drove me crazy. More importantly, the book has no index; unlike a fish without a bicycle, a nonfiction book without an index is considerably less useful than the same book with an index.
Such carping aside, it is a splendid book, and I highly recommend it.
Eller's intention is to convert you back to your natural atheism. He even offers a twelve-step program; it won't work, of course, but neither do any other twelve-step programs, as far as we can tell.
The book runs the gamut from reasoning and philosophy to science and religion, toleration, separation of church and state, and (although he doesn't call it that) epistemology. Many of the subjects are at least vaguely familiar to me, yet I found Eller's treatments refreshing and worthwhile.
The book is a wonderful combination of reasoned argument and cogent one-liners. You'll have to read the reasoned arguments for yourselves, and I recommend you do so, but here, paraphrased, are some of the insightful one-liners. To the charge that atheism is a religion, Eller responds that atheism is no more a religion than not collecting stamps is a hobby. To monotheists, Eller (an anthropologist) observes that countless cultures believed in countless gods, and monotheists disbelieve in all but one. Atheists thus disbelieve in only one god fewer than monotheists. Finally, religion has no methodology and cannot solve problems: physics debunked phlogiston, but the Protestant Reformation could only replace one paradigm with a welter of conflicting paradigms.
Two criticisms: Eller's inconsistent use of "god(s)" for "God" drove me crazy. More importantly, the book has no index; unlike a fish without a bicycle, a nonfiction book without an index is considerably less useful than the same book with an index.
Such carping aside, it is a splendid book, and I highly recommend it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Naturally Enlightening
Natural Atheism by David Eller
"Natural Atheism" is a thought-provoking, and inspiring book about atheism. Read more
"Natural Atheism" is a thought-provoking, and inspiring book about atheism. Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Gomez
Extremely Well Argued
This book was a pleasure to read. The reasoning demonstrated in this book is of very high quality and makes a very strong case. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Book Fanatic
Not your usual 'atheism' book
As an atheist virtually all of my adult life, and one who has put considerable study into comparative religion, I actually read very few books on atheism /per se/. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Dr H
Top 10
This book makes my all-time Top 10 list, pretty good as I've read almost 2,000 books. Very well thought out and written, probably my favorite book on atheism.
Published 17 months ago by Donny L
More like a short course on Reason
This book goes more in-depth on reason itself than most books on atheism that I have read.
Richard Dawkins is scientific where Christopher Hitchins demonstrates to us of... Read more
Richard Dawkins is scientific where Christopher Hitchins demonstrates to us of... Read more
Published 20 months ago by John Grove
A very sound, solid, refreshing, and deep book on Atheism
It is unique among so many atheism books that are popping out into the market nowadays that instead of trying to appeal to the masses, it is based heavily on academic philosophy,... Read more
Published on June 4, 2009 by Chung Dynasty
Atheism is natural to human existence.
David Eller has revolutionized, and continues to revolutionize, the concept of atheism, by returning it to its natural state of existence. Read more
Published on January 25, 2009 by S. Mason
Excellent, but wordy
I was highly impressed with Eller's thinking throughout the book. He was able to put into words a number of things I had been mulling over, but was unable to adequately express. Read more
Published on October 29, 2008 by Garry V. Grofcsik
Taking Steps Beyond The Heated Debate
This is a great book but I want to focus on one thing this books does at the end that other books on atheism I have read don't seem to do. Read more
Published on May 8, 2008 by Waxl
WOW!!! You MUST read this book!
This book is absolutely beautiful in its reason and argumentation. I liked the fact that arguments from Biblical authority are dismissed in just about one sentence by recognizing... Read more
Published on December 19, 2007 by Darren G. Gates
Inside This Book
(learn more)
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs):
(learn more)
First Amendment, United States, Intelligent Design, Huston Smith, Jehovah's Witnesses, Old Testament, Supreme Court, Christian Bible, Protestant Reformation, Thomas Jefferson, American Atheists, New Testament, Stephen Jay Gould, Ten Commandments, Agnostic Theist, Australian Aboriginal, Bhagavad Gita, Declaration of Independence, George Smith, Gush Emunim, Martin Luther, Pledge of Allegiance, Santa Claus, Cliff Walker, James Kennedy New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
First Amendment, United States, Intelligent Design, Huston Smith, Jehovah's Witnesses, Old Testament, Supreme Court, Christian Bible, Protestant Reformation, Thomas Jefferson, American Atheists, New Testament, Stephen Jay Gould, Ten Commandments, Agnostic Theist, Australian Aboriginal, Bhagavad Gita, Declaration of Independence, George Smith, Gush Emunim, Martin Luther, Pledge of Allegiance, Santa Claus, Cliff Walker, James Kennedy New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 69
books:
See all 69 books this book cites
3
books
cite this book:
- Fundamentalisms Observed (The Fundamentalism Project) by Martin E. Marty on 4 pages
- Atheism: A Philosophical Justification by Michael Martin on page 21, page 154, and Back Matter
- Atheism: The Case Against God (Skeptic's Bookshelf) by George H. Smith on page 21, page 61, and Back Matter
- The Physics of Immortality: Modern Cosmology, God and the Resurrection of the Dead by Frank J. Tipler on page 180, and Back Matter
- The Battle for God by Karen Armstrong on page 313, and Back Matter
See all 69 books this book cites
- God: The Failed Hypothesis: How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist by Victor J. Stenger on page 106, and Back Matter
- Illustrated Stories From The Bible by Paul Farrell in Back Matter
- Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person's Answer to Christian Fundamentalism by David Mills in Back Matter
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
So You'd Like to...
|
|
