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Society without God: What the Least Religious Nations Can Tell Us About Contentment Paperback – August 10, 2008

by Phil Zuckerman (Author)

4.4 107 ratings

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“Silver” Winner of the 2008 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award, Religion Category
Before he began his recent travels, it seemed to Phil Zuckerman as if humans all over the globe were “getting religion”—praising deities, performing holy rites, and soberly defending the world from sin. But most residents of Denmark and Sweden, he found, don’t worship any god at all, don’t pray, and don’t give much credence to religious dogma of any kind. Instead of being bastions of sin and corruption, however, as the Christian Right has suggested a godless society would be, these countries are filled with residents who score at the very top of the “happiness index” and enjoy their healthy societies, which boast some of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world (along with some of the lowest levels of corruption), excellent educational systems, strong economies, well-supported arts, free health care, egalitarian social policies, outstanding bike paths, and great beer.
Zuckerman formally interviewed nearly 150 Danes and Swedes of all ages and educational backgrounds over the course of fourteen months. He was particularly interested in the worldviews of people who live their lives without religious orientation. How do they think about and cope with death? Are they worried about an afterlife? What he found is that nearly all of his interviewees live their lives without much fear of the Grim Reaper or worries about the hereafter. This led him to wonder how and why it is that certain societies are non-religious in a world that seems to be marked by increasing religiosity. Drawing on prominent sociological theories and his own extensive research, Zuckerman ventures some interesting answers.
This fascinating approach directly counters the claims of outspoken, conservative American Christians who argue that a society without God would be hell on earth. It is crucial, Zuckerman believes, for Americans to know that “society without God is not only possible, but it can be quite civil and pleasant.”

Print length

238 pages
Language

English
Publication date

August 10, 2008
Dimensions

6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

0814797237
ISBN-13

978-0814797235
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book succeeds in documenting how the conditions of a liberal social welfare state promote contentment." ― Choice

"While never presuming to offer a strictly generalizable snapshot, by focusing his attention on what are probably the least religious countries in the world (2), his provocative and engagingly written book is very effective in helping readers to examine numerous assumptions concerning the place of religion in the modern world... The real strength of this book is that, by challenging widespread analytical assumptions, it presents us with more complexity and with more nuanced questions regarding the nexus of the religious and the secular in contemporary life. To quote a famous Dane on this very point, There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. If, as Horatio should have done, we are to heed these words in terms of expanding the frameworks of our accordingly, it will be due in good measure to paying attention to thoughtful and creative books like this one. In my estimation, not to do so would be, well, a tragedy." ― Sociology of Religion

"Society Without God" offers a unique perspective on the active debate regarding the necessity of religion . . . By turning to one of the most secular societies in the world, Scandanavia, Phil Zuckerman offers an empirically grounded account of a successful society where people are happy and content and help their neighbors without believing in God. The book is fluently written and highly illuminating. It offers an accessible entry to important questions in the study of religion and secularism." -- Michael Pagis ― Journal of the American Academy of Religion

"Society without God is both a sociological analysis of irreligion and Zuckermans apologia pro vita sua. He wants us to know that, contrary to the deeply held beliefs of some Americans, a society without god can be a good society and an irreligious person can be a moral person, too. To his credit, Zuckerman provides enough nuance and detail to allow a skeptic like me to see what Peter Berger called & signals of transcendence in the society without god he portrays. Along with the volumes engaging writing style, this makes it ideal for classroom use. I know my students will enjoy reading and discussing Society without God." -- David Yamane,author of The Catholic Church in State Politics

"[Zuckerman] tells of a magical land where life expectancy is high and infant mortality low, where wealth is spread and genders live in equity, where happy, fish-fed citizens score high in every quality-of-life index: economic competitiveness, healthcare, environmental protection, lack of corruption, educational investment, technological literacy . . . well, you get the idea. Zuckerman (who has explored the sociology of religion in two previous books) has managed to show what nonbelief looks like when its & normal, regular, mainstream, common. And hes gone at least partway to proving the central thesis of his book: & Religious faithwhile admittedly widespreadis not natural or innate to the human condition. Nor is religion a necessary ingredient for a healthy, peaceful, prosperous, and . . . deeply good society." -- Louis Bayard ― Salon.com

"Most Americans are convinced that faith in God is the foundation of civil society. Society Without God reveals this to be nothing more than a well-subscribed, and strangely American, delusion. Even atheists living in the United States will be astonished to discover how unencumbered by religion most Danes and Swedes currently are. This glimpse of an alternate, secular reality is at once humbling and profoundly inspiring and it comes not a moment too soon. Zuckermans research is truly indispensable." -- Sam Harris ― New York Times

"Puts to rest the belief that you need God in order to be a moral person, that irreligious societies are wracked by social problems, and that godless people are unhappy and unmoored. . . . In the case of Scandinavia: God may be dead, but Swedes and Danes lead rich, full lives. Society Without God is a colorful, provocative book that makes an original contribution to debates about atheism and religiosity. Ideal for classroom use, it will get students thinking about their own lives and choices." -- Arlene Stein,author of Shameless: Sexual Dissidence in American Culture

"Despite this books weighty topic, with its conversational writing style, Society Without God is amazingly readable, even fun. It presents rigorous arguments that are deceptively simple to understand, but that are, when you think about them more deeply, quite transformative." ― PopMatters

"In an anecdotal and eminently readable manner, Zuckerman offers a novel idea within the study of religious sociology." ― Library Journal

"His reporting of previously published material is invaluable to persons not previously familiar with such information." ― Humanism Ireland

"Much that he found will surprise many people, as it did him." ― The New York Times

"For those interested in the burgeoning field of secular studies or for those curious about a world much different from the devout U.S.this book will offer some compelling reading." ― Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Phil Zuckerman is Professor of Sociology at Pitzer College, and the founding chair of the nation’s first Secular Studies Program. He is the author of several books, including What It Means to be Moral (Counterpoint, 2019) The Nonreligious (Oxford, 2016), Living the Secular Life (Penguin, 2014), Faith No More (Oxford, 2012), and Society Without God (NYU 2008, 2nd edition in 2020), and the editor of several volumes, including The Oxford Handbook of Secularism (2016) and The Social Theory of W.E.B. Du Bois (SAGE, 2004).

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ NYU Press (August 10, 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 238 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0814797237
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0814797235
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #382,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #53 in Agnosticism (Books)
- #341 in Sociology & Religion
- #667 in General Anthropology

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T.A.L.

Religion not necessary for bliss on earth

Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2009

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The Danes and Swedes live in countries that consistently rank among the world's best in terms of social conditions. They have low crime and high economic equality. They have some of the lowest rates of infant mortality and highest life expectancy. They have one of the most educated populations on earth and as well as highest levels of happiness. They also are some of the most secular societies in existence today.

Sociologist Phil Zuckerman spent over a year there interviewing and trying to ascertain how and why this is. His findings and explication of this culture would shock many believers who think that society and morality is founded upon religion.

For instance, most Americans would describe about 75% of these people as atheist or agnostic for if they do not explicitly say they don't believe in God or a higher power, they will only say that they "believe in something." And many evangelicals would take that 75% to 95% for only about 5% of these Scandinavians believe that the Bible is the "Literal Word of God."

But this isn't some simplistic screed saying that secularism begets a heavenly society for by no means is correlation necessarily causation. Nor are these countries without their share of problems (as is documented in the book).

However, Zuckerman delves deeply into the multi-faceted and complex web of interactions that have led to such a very good society and his answers are many. They have a welfare state with free healthcare, virtually no poverty, and some of the least disparity between the rich and poor. They have had a different historical relationship with religion. Their state religion of Lutheranism has, like a lazy monopoly, failed to market its message (contrast that with the constant religious advertising we see in the US). And the explanation I found to be the strongest - their culture has never been perceived as at risk. (Religious belief strengthens to solidify in-group solidarity.)

There are many topics covered at length and breadth in this wonderful book including the phenomenon of "cultural religion" where rituals and festivals are still carried out under religious guise but only a minority of people actually believe the supernatural content such as that the Danes and Swedes are fond of (compare Jewish people).

However, that said, I must point out one glaring omission in the book - an explanation for the source of secular morality. Indeed, it is a, if not the, central point to the book that a society can be secular and moral. This topic is certainly dealt with, but only in a superficial manner. Many of the interviewees consistently say their cultural religion is a good thing in that it is their "ethical frame" (158). Following much of the interview discourse, Zuckerman often reflects back on what was said and offers analysis. On the roots of this, though, he is silent.

In my estimation, morality is hardly ever religiously derived, even if people report it so and even if they don't believe in the supernatural portions of it. People start with their ethical judgments and in an ad hoc fashion justify them with religious texts. It is my understanding that morality is like grammar (read Marc Hauser's Moral Minds: How Nature Designed Our Universal Sense of Right and Wrong ) and that it operates almost unconsciously. And like grammar, most people can perform it, practice it, and be competent in it but they couldn't break it down into the deep syntactic structures or in the case of moral judgments identify the source.

This isn't to say that morality is wholly biological but that it is at least almost wholly biologically primed. This is where religion comes in. The fact is that it is almost always the only available explicit description of morality is why even these secular Scandinavians seem to still fall under its sway in one area. That Zuckerman left this discussion out is probably one of intended scope for the book, but it is one that I would have liked to see.

All in all the book is a lucid antithesis to the groundless and fear-mongering assertion that secularism invites societal chaos. But "Nor is religion a necessary ingredient for a healthy, peaceful, prosperous, and [...] deeply good society" (183).

23 people found this helpful

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David Marshall

Hagar the Horrible gets saved!

Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2013

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As an historian with a few drops of Norwegian, maybe Swedish blood in me who has hung around the Scandinavian ghettos in Seattle, I found this book fascinating. Sociologist Phil Zuckerman interviews five longships full of Vikings about their lives, perceptions of God, religious beliefs (or, more often, lack thereof), morals, and thoughts about death. He notes that most Danes and Swedes don't seem to require much belief in God to live happy and reasonably virtuous lives, as good or (by his count) better than Americans, by and large. (Though a more apt comparison would be to Scandinavian Americans, who by my observation seem more pious, and no more crime-ridden.)

The interviews are full of interesting details -- for instance, the nurse who doesn't believe in God, but has she thinks observed spirits leave bodies on their death, so is a bit "heretical" in relation to strict naturalism. And the fear some express of being looked down on, for believing. Unlike some of those who interpret his writings, Dr. Zuckerman is careful not to go beyond his evidence to claim that atheism or secular humanism is the cause of Scandinavia's success. He argues, reasonably I think, that the evidence demonstrates that society can succeed (at least in the short run, one might cautiously add) without much strong faith in God.

Or at least, without much faith in God among the present generation. The ironic thing is -- and here I have to give a nod to Zuckerman's honesty -- numerous interview subjects point out that Christianity is the basis of their own morality, or of traditional Danish / Swedish morals and laws. Zuckerman even admits that he could give many times more such quotes, and he gives at least half a dozen.

I think there is strong historical evidence to buttress this view. What we know of the Vikings, before Christianity arrived, is at stark variance with their present pacifist and productive reputation. One Muslim traveler in 922 AD reports wanton drunkenness, slavery, filth, lack of concern for the poor, and human sacrifice. The rest of Europe, of course, came to know the Vikings from their depredations. Sifting through the Cambridge History of Scandinavia and other historical accounts, and a biography of the pietist Norwegian reformer Hans Hauge, I found lots of support for the notion echoed by Zuckerman's subjects, that Christianity originally transformed Hagar the Horrible into his present, milder descendent. So even if Scandinavian society does not need faith in God at the present moment to maintain its virtues, those virtues may yet have originated in such faith.

And there is also the question of the future. Zuckerman himself elsewhere expresses concern over the low birth rate common among secularists. Combine that with Muslim immigration and a lack of civilizational confidence, one has additionally to ask if secularism can long sustain what it probably did not create. The Roman Empire decayed demographically before that decay was manifest in loss of territory, and that could certainly happen again. I am not certain of the answer, but it may be that some time in the future, Scandinavia will recognize its need for God, to confront new existential threats, or because, after all, there is more in heaven and earth, as many of Zuckerman's subjects put it. (Do they all read Hamlet in school?)

What makes this book interesting is the series of lives it lays open. Zuckerman enters into the story himself, honestly relating his own views and perceptions. You may disagree, but I prefer that kind of social science to dry, "objective" statistical analysis. Zuckerman knows his stuff, and lets it inform, without intruding on, his interviews, helping to put the "human" back in secular humanism. I would especially recommend this book to missionaries headed to Scandinavia. :- )

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Cliente Kindle

Good book

Reviewed in Brazil on June 20, 2018

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It's a very informative book about God belief um scandinavian countries. I thought would be more general. Sometimes it's too much repetitive, specialy at interviews.

Eine Kundin

Gesellschaft ohne Gott

Reviewed in Germany on March 17, 2018

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.. Was uns die am wenigsten religiösen Nationen über Zufriedenheit erzählen können. lautet der Titel auf deutsch. Ich bin durch die Autorin Victoria Rationi auf Phil Zuckerman gestoßen und sehe hier bestätigt, was ich schon lange vermutet habe: Religionen machen nicht glücklich, es gibt eine Moral, die man aus einer liebevollen Kindheit lernt, dann braucht man keine alten Bücher mehr, um zu entscheiden was gut oder böse ist ...

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Ernie L

Gods only needed for the insecure

Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2010

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This read shows what truly civilized populations are like. Unlike America, their churches are funded by the state and individuals can either opt in or out of contributing to the churches funding through their taxes. I like the idea of no high-pressure tactics practiced by the clergy, everyone's religious activity is private, to be accepted in the community you don't have to be'Christian in Good Standing.' I think this is a good read for any thoughful person who's fed up with the stupidity of the 'Christian Right' in America.

5 people found this helpful

Jamus Carson

An honest, charming, but perhaps predictable look at the irreligious element of some of the world's finest places to live

Reviewed in Canada on August 21, 2017

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Zuckerman's book reads a lot like a documentary. The reason this book stands out from most books (for better or worse) is that a large portion of the book is comprised of transcripts from interviews that he conducted during his time spent living in Scandinavia. One of my biggest faults with the book could also be viewed as one of its strengths: he offers too many examples to back up the point he's trying to make. For almost all of his assertions, he provides sometimes up to 5 examples of excerpts from his interviews to support what he's trying to say, something I found a little redundant and unnecessary. The main demographic of people who will be surprised by anything in this book are the fundamentalist American Christians described by Zuckerman in the book. Most of us have no issue at all understanding that societies could function smoothly and morally without the bulk of its members believing in gods or goddesses. Overall, this book is a nice, light read, and unfortunately I feel that the only people who will learn something new and significant from it are those unlikely to ever read it.

Pembaca

His own analysis is very good, though not (in my view) flawless

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2015

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A fascinating book. The more-or-less verbatim interviews with ordinary Scandinavians are at the heart of it, and Mr Zuckerman is to be congratulated for the tenacity which which he pursued these. His own analysis is very good, though not (in my view) flawless. In particular, he seems to me to overstate the uniqueness of Scandinavians (and, in one section, Jews). Much of what he has observed in this book could equally well be said of the French, the English, the Koreans, and others. He does indeed acknowledge that these and other societies are highly secular, but he still speaks of the Scandinavians as if they are unique in this respect (and others). The real point (which he also makes) is that the U.S.A. is the outlier among advanced nations in continuing to adhere to formal religion; and his analysis of why this should be so (essentially, the existence in that country of a free market in religion) is penetrating.

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