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Summary
Summary
A brilliant, elegant argument for spirituality without God
Can we do without religion? Can we have ethics without God? Is there such thing as “atheist spirituality”? In this powerful book, the internationally bestselling author Andr Comte-Sponville presents a philosophical exploration of atheism—and comes to some startling conclusions. According to Comte-Sponville, we have allowed the concept of spirituality to become intertwined with religion, and thus have lost touch with the nature of a true spiritual existence. In order to change this, however, we need not reject the ancient traditions and values that are part of our herita≥ rather, we must rethink our relationship to these values and ask ourselves whether their significance comes from the existence of a higher power or simply the human need to connect to one another and the universe. Comte-Sponville offers rigorous, reasoned arguments that take both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions into account, and through his clear, concise, and often humorous prose, he offers a convincing treatise on a new form of spiritual life.
Author Notes
Andre Comte-Sponville is one of the most important--and certainly the most popular--of the new wave of young French philosophers. Now in his early forties, he teaches at the Sorbonne & is the author of five highly acclaimed scholarly books of classical philosophy as well as the widely popular "A Small Treatise on the Great Virtues", which spent 14 months on the French bestseller list & is being translated into 19 languages. Comte-Sponville lives in Paris.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly 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) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Raised Christian but atheist since he lost his faith at 18, philosopher Comte-Sponville holds that while no one can prove the existence of God, the existence of religions is indisputable, part and parcel of human history and culture. But can we live without religion? As an atheist, he says yes but readily admits that most of the world doesn't agree. He clarifies that he doesn't intend to convert people to atheism, and he doesn't hate religion. Yet, motivated more by love of philosophy than any malice toward religion, he sometimes describes himself as a faithful atheist. By faithful, he means that he acknowledges his place within the Greco-Judeo-Christian value system of the West. And he firmly believes in an atheist spirituality. Though I am an atheist, that by no mean implies I should castrate my soul! In this small volume, he makes reasonable and measured arguments for this atheist spirituality that, he believes, is rooted in both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.--Sawyers, June Copyright 2007 Booklist