Name some books a believer considering atheism or agnosticism might consult.

[Skald_the_Rhymer]

@Lynn_Bodoni

I’d recommend Job: A Comedy of Manners by Robert Heinlein. It’s in the science fiction section.

You know, that’s perfect for what I had in mind. I’ve read that book multiple times and own two copies of it; why I didn’t think of it my ownself I can’t imagine. :smack:

[Skald_the_Rhymer]

@Turble

For a thought provoking and hilarious look at religious belief try: Letters From The Earth
by Mark Twain

Also, keep in mind that atheists do not “believe there is no god” … atheists do not believe there is a god. I think this is fundamental.

That depends on the atheist, I should think. I know some who would state their metaphysical position as the former.

[Lobsang]

@Turble

For a thought provoking and hilarious look at religious belief try: Letters From The Earth
by Mark Twain

Also, keep in mind that atheists do not “believe there is no god” … atheists do not believe there is a god. I think this is fundamental.

Can you explain the difference please?

I believe there is no God*. I also do not believe there is a God. Are you saying those statements are conflicting?

[sub]*In a non pedantic sense. I know it is physically impossible to have 100 percent certainty of anything. But that argument has a very high level of pedantry. I can state with reasonable certainty that I am sure there isn’t a God.[/sub]

[Skald_the_Rhymer]

@Lobsang

Like me.

My ‘official’ line is, in short…

“There is no God, and anyone who says you cannot ‘know’ this is just being pedantic”

Wrong thread, dude. That one’s surely running over in GD, or the Pit. Also, you are implicitly denying the existence of Thor, and you know I cannot tolerate that. The usual threats.

[Invisible_Chimp]

Doubt: A History by Jennifer Hecht. Another vote for Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman

[Skald_the_Rhymer]

@Ataraxy

Doubt: A History by Jennifer Hecht. Another vote for Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman

Or anything by Bert Ehrman. He’s written the same book four times that I know of, just with the footnotes in different order. Not to put him down at all, but he’s no Elaine Pagels.

[Turble]

@Lobsang

I believe there is no God*. I also do not believe there is a God. Are you saying those statements are conflicting?

Rather than conflicting, I would say the latter is more precise. To believe there is no god is a matter of taking that on faith (since there is no absolute proof) – to not believe there is a god requires no such logical leap; it is simply being without belief.

I might suggest that those who believe there is no god may be more appropriately called agnostic than atheistic.

[twickster]

Please confine the discussion to the names of books, as requested by the OP. For all other issues, pls. take it to Great Debates (and provide a link here to that discussion).

Thanks,

twickster, Cafe Society moderator

[kevlaw]

@B.Serum

Letting Go of God by Julia Sweeney — yes, that Julia Sweeney. It’s only available as an audiobook (because it’s actually a monologue performance). The performance recounts her journey from believer to non-believer and the reasons that cause the change. An abridged excerpt from this show was featured on a This American Life episode called “Godless America,” to which you can listen online for free.

Highly recommended.

I just listened to the whole thing on YouTube. It is magnificent and very moving.

[kevlaw]

@kevlaw

I just listened to the whole thing on YouTube. It is magnificent and very moving.

Now I really listened to the whole thing on YouTube (there are two CDs).

I have to say that it was more magnificent than I would have believed possible. Even if you think you have read everything there is to read about atheism, I recommend that you go listen to this. Listen to it with your whole family. Make sure you have tissues handy.

[Lynn_Bodoni]

@BrainGlutton

Nitpick: That’s Job: A Comedy of Justice, by Robert A. Heinlein.

<facepalm> Yeah, you’re right. I conflated that with another book.