Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Keith Brian Johnson on September 29, 2012 at 10:38pm

I am working on a book tentatively entitled "Why I Don't Believe in God...and Why You Shouldn't, Either: Conceivability Is Not Good Reason for Belief." It started off as a collection of criticisms of various arguments for God's existence, but it has turned into an account of a nontheistic worldview, including basic epistemology, basic metaphysics, a defense of science, an account of morality without belief in God, and a discussion of meaning(fulness) without belief in God. (My background is in philosophy and mathematics.)

I had to do something I didn't want to do, though: I had to begin the book with a section on tolerance and respect. That's not really how I wanted to start it, but it seemed necessary, as I discovered in online discussions that theists can find criticisms of their beliefs disrespectful and can find typical nontheistic analogies trivializing, and I don't want anyone to stop reading because he feels insulted. However, I have wondered whether I should choose a different title for just that reason. So far, I haven't gotten much response when asking that question in online forums. What do you all think?

Permalink Reply by Michael B. Paulk on October 14, 2012 at 2:18pm

Yes, I came out using my real name, have been published consistently in American Atheist magazine (about 7 articles so far, more to come), contribute to Free Inquiry (three articles) and American Rationalist (one so far). Finishing my book, No Meek Messiah, and plan to publish in Feb 2013 -- http://nomeekmessiah.com -- so yes, I'm working on things. Let us all try to compensate for the void left by our late friend, the Hitch. 

Permalink Reply by Alan Michael Wilt on November 5, 2012 at 4:56pm

Hello, Atheist Writers! I'd like to share the news that my novel, "The Holy Family," is now available in paperback and digital editions. I mentioned this on this thread a while back--can't remember quite how long ago--but I've finally gotten to this point.

Dale McGowan, author of the forthcoming "Atheism for Dummies," had this to say about "The Holy Family": "'The Holy Family' is a rich and engrossing story, elegant and moving. Though it takes place on the epic stage of religious belief and disbelief, the drama itself is simple, humane, and ultimately devastating as the title’s twin meanings gradually come into focus. A unique and deeply satisfying read."

There's plenty of information at this link, including how to purchase a copy. I'd love to hear from readers, and hope you'll feel free to discuss the book with other folks at Atheist Nexus.

Permalink Reply by Michael B. Paulk on November 23, 2012 at 4:47pm

Way cool, Joe. You used the phrase "for lack of a better word" regarding "spiritual" - in an upcoming article in Free Inquiry I used that phrase regarding the word "soulless." I also just had another article published there, and one in The American Rationalist. Also I have a series, "Dogma Watch" for American Atheist magazine. Congrats on the book, and best of luck!

Permalink Reply by Bud the Wonderer on December 12, 2012 at 8:00am

I'm writing a science fiction novel, but based more on 'hard science' than fantasy, much like the late Arthur C. Clark. It also has elements of ancient Near Eastern history, and archeology. The novel combines much of my own interests, such as archeology, ancient Near Eastern culture and languages (I'm probably the only sailor with Sumerian Cuneiform flashcards), cognitive psychology, neurotheology, and the history of religion. The chief character is a science-junkie, but also a skeptic. He'd *like* to believe that we've been visited by aliens in the past, but he doesn't give-in to the 'I Want to Believe' mentality. He's holding out for real evidence.  In fact, he criticizes shows, on channels that are supposed to be somewhat 'educational'  (The History Channel and the Discovery Channel aren't named outright), that portray this sort of thing as fact, with little hard evidence or systematic investigation. He thinks that the moderators and so-called investigators 'sound sciency,' but essentially have no idea what the scientific method is. And then, he actually comes into contact with an ancient artifact, that hadn't been sussed-out by the 'pseudo-experts.' In my story, skeptics aren't given short-shrift. A friend who has read the first ten chapters called it 'sort of an intellectual Indiana Jones novel.'

Permalink Reply by Milan Elesin on January 31, 2013 at 1:37pm

Mr. Fausnight, I could not say that I work on the book, because for books is needed the investment of money. And since to me it is in supernatural sphere. Let's say that I'm working on research. 
I would be happy to receive criticism about the content of my last page:
http://aeris.host56.com/sociology.html
(Of course, not in the sense of poor English, because English was not present in my schooling.)

As for my criticism... you can to have weak usefulness.
In fact my problem is the return to the etymologically original meanings of the terms.
In the case of "the spirituality", since that the Greek word "pneuma" means:
air movement, breath, breathing = matter in gaseous state;
as well in Serbian, where "duh" (spirit, air) is the root word from: 
"vazduh" (all+air, mixture of spirits); 
like in Latin: "spiritus" = breath,
and in Proto-Indo-European *(s)peis (blow, pant, gasp);
spirituality is never been out of matter, except as a philosophical errors.
So, in my case, your title:
"Rediscovering Sprituality in the Material World"
it has a somewhat different meaning.

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