Religion is on a decline in the United States, as the religiously unaffiliated segment climbs to more than 25% of the overall population. This is likely due to demographic shifts, but it may also be influenced by factors such as mass migrations from rural to urban areas and the advancement of isolating technology. Additionally, many are turned off by what they consider outdated stances and exclusiveness of many religions. Given these changes, what place does religion have in contemporary society? Can it adjust with the times? Diverse experts in the field tackle this timely topic.
Discusses the different ages of atheism, by exploring the various ways intellectuals have attempted to understand salvation, purpose, progress, and evil.
Understanding the Nonreligious examines the diverse set of people who hold no religious beliefs. In addition to atheist or agnostic, they have a variety of ways to label themselves, as well as opinions on how to find fulfillment in life and what values to hold.
"How new is atheism? Although adherents and opponents alike today present it as an invention of the European Enlightenment, when the forces of science and secularism broadly challenged those of faith, disbelief in the gods, in fact, originated in a far more remote past"--Jacket flap.
Traces the history of atheist and agnostic thought throughout history, examining the writings of key people that have shaped the debate over the existence of God from ancient times to the present.
Eighteen-year-old Matt's atheism is tested when, after a horrific accident of his own making that plunges him into a dark, quiet place, he hears a voice that calls everything he has ever disbelieved into question.
"Collection of letters, essays, diary entries, book excerpts, blogs, monologues, and other writings by atheists and agnostics that expresses their feelings of unbelief"--Provided by publisher.
Eighteen-year-old Matt's atheism is tested when, after a horrific accident of his own making that plunges him into a dark, quiet place, he hears a voice that calls everything he has ever disbelieved into question.
