mostly fabulous, with very tolerant presentation

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	• The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality Andre Comte-Sponville Viking Adult, 2007 - 224 pages average customer review:based on 19 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A fine, fine book.

This book is a joy to read. For all the religionists who complain about the screeds of Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris, if you want to find out what many atheists are really like, Comte-Sponville's book provides a beautiful window. He is convinced that no god exists, and offers compelling reasons for this conviction, but he could not be more kind to persons of faith. In fact, he says that the only thing that separates him from most Christians is "three days"--the span between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. He makes a case that many of the key goals of Christians and atheist humanists like him are very nearly identical, as they are rooted in love. He allows that exceptions exist, such as the Roman Catholic prohibition on condom use, which he finds at best sectarian and at worst unloving. Atheists used to a bitter bunker mentality will find much to imitate in Comte-Sponville's attitude, and religionists should find much to admire. This is a challenging book, but the challenge is intellectual and not personal. Comte-Sponville does not attack, cast aspersions, question motives or sincerity--he just quietly presents a reasonable, soft-spoken case for a godless lifestyle that is worth living primarily because it taps into what is best in humanity, without ever pretending that humanity is itself divine.

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A high standard has been set.

This book was refreshing. Comte distinguishes between fundamentalism and religious believers, which I think is a necessary distinction. Unlike other critics of all manner of religious believers, Comte does not betray a sense of intolerance. Yet he rightly identifies fundamentalisms of various sorts as a dangerous trend that most be countered. More importantly, he identifies moral, ethical, community, and spiritual experiences that are universally human for atheist and others. His description of the spiritual experience makes it a desirous experience to have.
As a former evangelical Christian, turned atheist, and subsequently engaging in buddhism, I found this book helped me to accept more of my own Christian past. Mystical experience is real, and transforming, even if the beliefs that accompanied it are no longer meaningful for you. It also helped me to appreciate the good things that many faiths bring to us. In his chapter addressing his reasons for not believing in God, his arguments are clever and full of heart. He has a way of "turning things on their head". But this book is important whether you're an atheist or not - whether you're interested in spirituality or not. It's important because it is written with the attutide and respect that people should bring to the table when discussing matters such as these. Tolerance shouldn't be absolute. Militant atheism, political and religious fundamentalism, and all such mindsets need to be countered. Culture wars are real. But imprecise assessments lead to unecessary collateral damage. Comte's thoughtful, heartfelt, and precise approach is a model that all could learn from. As a buddhist, my approach to spirituality is not entirely the same, but I found his practice and (for want of a better word) "teaching" inspiring.

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mostly fabulous, with very tolerant presentation

Andre Comte-Sponville presents his case for spirtuality without religion and without God in such a tolerant style that it may be read by anyone who is not hard-core against religion or who is not completely resistant to challenges to faith. In the face of a wave of anti-religion best sellers, his approach is very refreshing and encourages contemplation rather than a defensive posture by readers who are not already atheists.

Naturally, he lightly points out the long history of evil done in the name of religion, yet he acknowledges the other side also has plenty of demerits. His recognition of the good religion has done him (as an ex-Catholic) and for millions of others thus keeps the book from being another "religion is good" vs. "religion is bad" treatise. He instead focuses on logical and philosophical arguments rather than emotional, as he believes religion and atheism will co-exist indefinitely.

Many of the author's ideas and phrasings are very similar to those of Alan Watts, who is not included in the suggested reading at the end. The late Mr. Watts had similar analysis of why religion was not necessary and that one should live a life in the "here and now", organized around a philosophy that mixed western and eastern concepts.

The book has three chapters: "Can We Do Without Religion?"; "Does God Exist?"; and "Can There Be an Atheist Spirituality?".

The first is exceptionally well done. The author clearly articulates his reasons that the best attributes of human society, such as community and fidelity, can exist without religion. Some of the strengths of religion, such as mourning rituals and a sense of purpose, receive special attention. Comte-Sponville doesn't merely state his side without exploring some counter-arguments. His holds nihilism in particular disdain, as he claims its "nothing matters" attitude is harmful for both religious and atheist humans. The author's world without religion is a positive one, not one without love and meaning.

For "Does God Exist?" the author studies three positive arguments and three negative ones. He examines the so-called "proofs" that God must exist, and finds them wanting, of course, just as he cannot prove that God does not exist. Another thread is, "I cannot help thinking that if God existed, he should be easier to perceive or feel. All you would need to do is open your eyes, or your soul. I keep trying to do this and no matter how wide I hope them, what I see is the world and what I love is humanity." Comte-Sponville challenges the counterpoints to his assertion.

His other points include the "excess of evil", the "mediocrity" of human beings allegedly made in God's image, and how the descriptions of God in western religions are so much as humans want God to be, that God was constructed to fulfill those wishes. Whether you find these topics to be distasteful or not, the author calmly presents his views.

The final chapter on atheist spirituality probes how to live a spiritual life without religion or God. This did not work as well for me, perhaps because we may easily differ on what "spiritual" actually means. As an example, the author believes spirituality grows when we recognize our relative insignificance in the universe and dissolve our egos. I had a harder time with "living for now" and accepting what is, and losing concern for eternity, and with it hope and fear. If the philosophical arguments work for him and show a way forward without religion or fear of death, that's great. My guess is that some concepts will resonate with some readers, whereas others will be too abstract or otherwise may not fit. A personal philosophy anchored in humility, morals, ethics, love and community without religion probably would not get a lot of argument from the author.

This wonderful, serious little book isn't harmed even if you don't fully agree with his closing lines, "Love, not hope, is what helps us live. Truth, not faith, is what sets us free. We are already in the kingdom. Eternity is now."

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An excellent, if different take.

*The title of the original French book is "L'Esprit de l'Atheisme" ("The Spirit of Atheism"; why was it changed?).

*Both Michel Onfray (author of "Atheist Manifesto") and Andre Comte-Sponville are very smart French philosophers, but the take of their
books is very different. Onfray is angry, Comte-Sponville contemplative.
I would argue their books complement each other.

*Comte-Sponville sympathizes with the non-metaphysical aspects of Eastern
philosophies and religions.

*A refreshing read!

reviews: 1, 2, 3, page 4

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