Agnosticism and atheism Books

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Book SynopsisA National Bestseller -- now in paperback!Is Atheism Dead? is a highly entertaining, impressively wide-ranging, and decidedly provocative answer to that famous 1966 TIME cover that itself provocatively asked “Is God Dead?” In a voice that is by turns witty, muscular, and poetic, Metaxas echoes C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton in cheerfully and logically making his case, along the way presenting breathtaking—and sometimes astonishing—new evidence and arguments against the idea of a Creatorless universe. Taken all together, he shows that much we have assumed about the biggest questions of human existence is in fact dramatically outdated — and is therefore in need of the most urgent reevaluation.

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Book SynopsisNatural theology is the process of observing nature and engaging science and reason to provide evidence for God's existence by "reasoning to the best explanation". It sets aside the revealed word and engages only with the evidence supplied by science, history, and philosophical reasoning to affirm the existence of God. This book provides signposts to God from solid evidence from physics, chemistry, biology, the social sciences, philosophy, and history. This evidence has forced many scientists, including a number of Nobel laureates in science, who have thought deeply about the ultimate meaning of their work to accept Almighty God.Table of ContentsPreface; The Value of Natural Theology; Anthropic Reasoning and Explanation in Science; The Micro World; The Big Bang: How It All Began; We Live in the Best Zip Code in the Universe; Feeding the Planets Life; If You Dont Want God, Better Get a Multiverse; The Queen of All Scientific Problems: The Origin of Life; The Language of Life; Biological Evolution: Micro and Macro; Intelligent Design and Theistic Evolution; I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made; The Brain: The Little Universe Within; The Secular Benefits of Christianity; Philosophical Approaches to God; The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: The Event that Changed Everything; The Shroud of Turin: Silent Witness to the Resurrection?; References; Index of Names; Index of Terms.

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Book SynopsisShould we believe in God? In this new book, written for a new generation, the brilliant science writer and author of The God Delusion, explains why we shouldn't.Should we believe in God? Do we need God in order to explain the existence of the universe? Do we need God in order to be good? In twelve chapters that address some of the most profound questions human beings confront, Dawkins marshals science, philosophy and comparative religion to interrogate the hypocrisies of all the religious systems and explain to readers of all ages how life emerged without a Creator, how evolution works and how our world came into being.For anyone hoping to grapple with the meaning of life and what to believe, Outgrowing God is a challenging, thrilling and revelatory read.--------------------------------Trade ReviewOutgrowing God is another sally against his oldest foe, the Almighty * The Times *Books of 2019: The scientist and controversial commentator on religious and cultural questions presents an accessible, "junior" version of The God Delusion (2006). * Guardian *His contagious enthusiasm renders the basics of natural selection newly astonishing. * The Guardian *Books of 2019: Richard Dawkins has always had it in for the almighty and he's back to take another pop at the poor bloke. Here he outlines what he believes is the real meaning of life. * The Times *Dawkins new book is special in the terrain of atheists’ pleas for humanism and rationalism precisely since it speaks to those most vulnerable to the coercive tactics of religion. As Dawkins himself says in the dedication, this book is for “all young people when they’re old enough to decide for themselves.” It is also, I must add, for their parents. * Professor Janna Levin, Claire Tow Professor of Physics & Astronoy at Barnard College of Columbia University *

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Book SynopsisHow Atheists rely on urban myths about religion to buttress their case against God. God, and the whole business of being dependent upon him, is being downgraded, downsized, downplayed, and most of all, just plain dismissed in the modern, cultured, educated parts of Europe and in academia. This process is powered and driven by a whole, growing series of interlocked urban myths about what is supposed to be involved in being a religious (and often specifically Christian) believer. This book examines and critiques those myths, showing how the Christian faith can be intelligent and supported by reason.

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Book SynopsisExamining the birth and development of early modern atheism from Spinoza’s Tractatus theologico-politicus (1670) to d’Holbach’s Système de la nature (1770), this study considers Spinoza, Hobbes, Cudworth, Bayle, Meslier, Boulainviller, Du Marsais, Fréret, Toland, Collins, Hume, Diderot, Voltaire, and d’Holbach and positions them in a general interpretive scheme, based on the idea that early modern atheism is itself an unwanted fruit of early modern metaphysics and theology. Breaking with a long-standing tradition, Descartes claimed that it was possible to have a "clear and distinct" idea of God, indeed that the idea of God was the "clearest and most distinct" of all ideas accessible to the human mind. Humans could thus obtain a scientific knowledge of God’s nature and attributes. But as soon as God became an object of science, He also became the object of a thoroughgoing scientific analysis and criticism. The effortlessness with which early modern atheists managed to turn round their adversaries’ arguments to their own favour is a sign that the new doctrines of God which emerged in the seventeenth-century, each based in its own way on principles and dogmas related to the new science of nature, were plunging headfirst towards the precipice under their own steam.

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Book SynopsisAtheism in Five Minutes offers insights into a number of commonly held questions about the ideas, practices and attitudes concerning atheism and atheists. The volume highlights approaches based on the study of religion, sociology, history, anthropology, politics and psychology. It also examines the implications and assumptions in common questions about atheism. Ideal for both classroom use and personal study, some of the questions asked include: Are atheists immoral? Are children born atheist? Do atheists have rituals? How has atheism related to politics? Why do some atheists remain members of religious groups? Is it difficult to be an atheist in Muslim countries? Do atheist parents have atheist children? Why are there so few black atheists? What are the most atheistic societies? Has the Internet made atheism more popular? Each essay is based on the latest research written by a leading scholar in the field. They offer concise and thoughtful answers along with suggestions for further reading.Table of ContentsPreface Teemu Taira Conceptual and Historical Issues What Does the Term “Atheism” Mean? Nathan G. Alexander What Is the Difference Between Atheism, Agnosticism, Nonreligion and Secular? Christopher R. Cotter, University of Edinburgh Have All Great Scientists Been Atheists? Aku Visala, Univesity of Helsinki Were There Atheists in Ancient Greece and Rome? Ramón Soneira Martinez, University of Erfurt What Is the Relationship Between Judaism and Atheism? Daniel Langton, University of Manchester Why Has Buddhism Been Perceived as Atheistic? Jens Schlieter, University of Bern Is It Difficult to Be an Atheist in Muslim Countries? Karin van Nieuwkerk, Radboud University Society, Politics and Media What Are the Most Atheistic Societies? Isabella Kasselstrand, University of Aberdeen Why Are Some Societies More Atheistic than Others? Teemu Taira Are Atheists Typically Young People? Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme, University of Waterloo, & Joel Thiessen, Ambrose University Why Are Men More Likely to Be Atheists than Women? Tiina Mahlamäki, University of Turku Why Are There So Few Black Atheists? Daniel Swann, Goucher College and University of Maryland College Park How Has Atheism Related to Politics? Steven Kettell, Univesity of Warwick Does Atheism Promote Peace? Stacey Gutkowski, King's College London How Has Atheism Related to Communism? Atko Remmel, University of Tartu Is Contemporary Atheism Leaning Politically to Right or Left? Stuart McAnulla, University of Leeds Do Laws About Religion Take Atheism into Account? Lori Beaman, University of Ottawa What Do Religious People Think of Atheists? Petra Klüg, Universität Bremen How Are Atheists Organized? Richard Cimino, Religion Watch, & Christopher Smith Do Atheists and Feminists Support Each Other? Tiina Mahlamäki How Are Atheists Represented in the Media? Teemu Taira What Is the Historical Role of Atheism in Literature and the Arts? James B. Reeves, Texas State University Beliefs, Values and Practices Do Atheist Parents Have Atheist Children? Christel Manning, Sacred Heart University How Does One Become an Atheist? Julia Martínez-Ariño, University of Groningen How Do Atheists Deal with the Problem of Evil? Sami Pihlström, University of Helsinki How Do Atheists Cope with Mortality? Jacob S. Sawyer, Pennsylvania State University Where Do Atheists Get Their Values? Kyle Thompson, Harvey Mudd College and MiraCosta College Do Atheists Have Religious Experiences? Abby Day, Goldsmiths, University of London Do Atheists Have Sacred Scripture? Ethan G. Quillen Do Atheists Have Rituals? Richard Cimino & Christopher Smith Can an Atheist Be Spiritual? Atko Remmel Are Atheists Immoral? Kyle Thompson Are Atheists Intolerant? Filip Užarević, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb Do Atheists Value Some Religions More than Other Religions? Joel Thiessen & Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme What Do Atheists Value in Religion, If Anything? Teemu Taira Is Atheism Good for Your Health? Kevin McCaffree & Anondah Saide, both at University of North Texas Future What is the Future of Atheism? Teemu Taira

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Book SynopsisWhen Richard Dawkins published The God Delusion, David Robertson wanted an intelligent Christian response – and so he wrote it. This honest book draws on Robertson’s experience as a debater, letter writer, pastor and author to clarify the questions and the answers for thinkers and seekers, and to respond to Dawkins in a gentle spirit.Trade Review"I have read your manuscript. In a word, it is SUPERB! You really do an extraordinary job." -- Samuel Logan (International Director, World Reformed Fellowship)Wow, this is an intelligent and well-crafted view of RD's book. -- Response from an atheist on Richard Dawkins WebsiteThe content is excellent. It's a fun, engaging read. -- Ligon Duncan (Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary)The book does a particularly good job of point out the unending contradictions between what Dawkins wants to believe and what he must actually believe. -- Tim Challies (Author, ‘Seasons of Sorrow’)This book is a more than useful contribution to the 'Dawkins Debate.' -- Christian Marketplace (Resourcing retailers and suppliers)Brief, brilliant and compelling... It is a remarkable apologetic for the Christian faith and an essential tool in winning the battle of ideas. I'd give it ten stars if I could! -- Richard Morris, Wesley OwenThis book is a refreshing, excellent read... I wouldn't hesitate to pass this book on to a non-Christian, atheistically-persuaded friend. -- The Evangelical Magazine (Published by Evangelical Movement of Wales)Note from the author: The poster, 'richarddawkins.net' (is this an official view?) accuses me of lying and gives the example of the quotes on the cover of the book having been made up. From a Christian perspective this accusation of lying by either myself or CFP is very serious. Lying for Jesus is obviously self contradictory and wrong. The example that the poster gives is just wrong. All the quotes came from the Dawkins website, were seen by many people, and I have copies of them all. However over 300 posts were removed from that particular thread - including many of my own posts and all the ones referred to in the book. Perhaps it was just a coincidence but whatever the case those quotes did exist. If the poster is writing on behalf of richarddawkins.net, they know this and therefore are themselves not telling the truth. It is not the first time that a lie is told in order to accuse others of lying. It is very strange that richarddawkins.net are so keen to accuse me of lying, it indicates a certain level of desperation. They are struggling to answer The Dawkins Letters and so have to revert to attacking the author. -- David RobertsonWow, this is an intelligent and well-crafted view of RD's book. -- Reader on www.richarddawkins.net

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Book SynopsisThis is an exciting book, breaking new ground and in particular the stale confrontation between atheism and religion. Calling on his experience in industry and his interest in faith and values, Geoff Crocker offers a fresh interpretation of religion as strong myth from which to create personal and social values. He argues that contemporary atheism, whilst a valid hypothesis, destroys a source of values without offering any alternative. The result is moral nihilism and a materialist self centred consumer society.This he argues is much less than a full understanding of human life and society. He starts by tracing the development of philosophy to an atheist position, arguing that metaphysical concepts, an aspect of faith, are essential to human life. He then suggests a reinterpretation of the religious texts as myth, offering a wide range of examples on themes of justice, love, the market, the role of the state, fear, resurrection and sibling rivalry. This book will appeal both to secularists who are looking for believable interpretation of faith and to Christians looking for a relevant interpretation of faith.Trade ReviewGeoff Crocker seeks to steer a pathway between traditional theistic religion and other non-rationalistic approaches whilst refusing to settle for the nihilism and amorality implicit in much postmodern culture and thought. Here is a new and clear voice in popular philosophy which deserves a hearing by religious and non-religious readers seeking to make sense of our world today. (Paul Roberts,Dean of Non-residential Training, St Michael's College, Llandaff, Cardiff) Geoff Crocker brings a fresh voice to the God debate, arguing that Biblical mythology and critical thinking need not be enemies. Eloquent and persuasive. (David Boulton, Author of The Trouble with God and Who on Earth was Jesus?)

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Book SynopsisThe key to the book is a set of interviews with people who fall broadly into the Christian Atheist category; some are more agnostic and less sceptical than others, but what they have in common is the rejection of traditional belief in God, counterbalanced by an admiration for the aesthetic genius of Christianity (leading to a sense of deeper value), the Christian moral compass, and in some cases the community aspect of Christian life. As one of his interviewees points out, you can?t have Christian atheism without mainstream, traditional Christianity, so Brian Mountford sets their comments within a broader discussion of the issues: God, aesthetics, orthodoxy, doubt and belief, ethics and communal values. His purpose is threefold: to validate and affirm the Christian atheist position within the broad spectrum of Christianity to say to the Church, you ignore this phenomenon at your peril to show that the distinction between atheist and religious adherent is rarely black and white, and that the ground between the two is a fertile source of meaning and valueTrade ReviewIn this fascinating and thoughtful book, Brian Mountford explores the borderland where Christians and atheists gaze at each other with expressions ranging from the hostile and scornful to the friendly and sympathetic. In some ways it is the most interesting place in contemporary religion. Mountford has an extensive knowledge of this borderland, and in the interviews and reflections in this book he explores it in the company of some eloquent and thoughtful contemporaries. (Philip Pullman, author and self-confessed Christian Atheist)

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Book SynopsisBased on 10 years of dedicated research, Dangerous Illusions is a battle cry for the human race to throw off religion in favour of logic and reason. In this committed and passionate book, author Vitaly Malkin - a philanthropist, business man and investor - argues for a radical shift in humanity's thinking about religion; that reason and religion cannot co-exist, and that mankind will only be truly happy if we are able to shake off the illusions of religion in order to live a life more rooted in the present. Dangerous Illusions sets out to explore the irrational demands that religion makes of man and asks the reader to question what benefit these acts offer human beings in this life. Malkin scrutinises topics such as suffering and evil, pleasure and asceticism, sex and celibacy, and circumcision and excision, through the lens of the three major world monotheistic religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism. In doing so, the book fearlessly refutes our most careless beliefs, encouraging us to be more aware of the dangers religions pose to our society and, even to change our intellectual practices altogether.

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Book SynopsisRachael is one of the the most effective advocates of the argument that there are immense practical benefits, and even a demanding moral necessity to investigate and uncover the intricacies of religious faith... Her ability to penetrate so deeply into other peoples modes of religious expression and belief, whether they stand in light or in darkness, is remarkable and unique. At the same time, her voice of where to direct her gaze, whether at Christian media accounts of Jews in the period of the Second World War or the sexual machinations of cults of the late twentieth century or the struggles of women to make a place for themselves in religious institutions, is both brave and expansive. - Rabbi Prof. Fred Morgan. Rachael Kohns insightful comments, inform, inspire, and provoke: a lovely combination of scholarly research, journalistic clarity and personal passion. -- Prof Amy-Jill Levine, New Testament and Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University. Rachael Kohn understands the issues she writes about at the deepest level and as well as providing a way through the thorniest controversies always keeps a sense of the shape of the whole argument... This is a superb volume. Greg Sheridan, foreign editor, The Australian, author of God is Good for You.

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Book SynopsisRachael is one of the the most effective advocates of the argument that there are immense practical benefits, and even a demanding moral necessity to investigate and uncover the intricacies of religious faith... Her ability to penetrate so deeply into other peoples modes of religious expression and belief, whether they stand in light or in darkness, is remarkable and unique. At the same time, her voice of where to direct her gaze, whether at Christian media accounts of Jews in the period of the Second World War or the sexual machinations of cults of the late twentieth century or the struggles of women to make a place for themselves in religious institutions, is both brave and expansive. - Rabbi Prof. Fred Morgan. Rachael Kohns insightful comments, inform, inspire, and provoke: a lovely combination of scholarly research, journalistic clarity and personal passion. -- Prof Amy-Jill Levine, New Testament and Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University. Rachael Kohn understands the issues she writes about at the deepest level and as well as providing a way through the thorniest controversies always keeps a sense of the shape of the whole argument... This is a superb volume. Greg Sheridan, foreign editor, The Australian, author of God is Good for You.

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Book SynopsisA unique take on death and bereavement without a belief in God or an afterlife Accepting death is never easy, but we don’t need religion to find peace, comfort, and solace in the face of death. In this inspiring and life-affirming collection of short essays, prominent atheist author Greta Christina offers secular ways to handle your own mortality and the death of those you love.Trade Review"In this book Greta Christina tackles the subject of death with the insight of a philosopher and the relaxed candor of a friendthat really cool, intelligent friend who understands and cares." David Niose , author, Fighting Back the Right: Reclaiming America from the Attack on Reason"This is a book about the philosophy of death that actually confronts the practical reality of it, and helps you come to practical terms with it . . . The best book on the atheist philosophy of death you are likely ever to read." Richard Carrier, author, Sense and Goodness without God"Greta Christina continues to provide unique advice and information to the growing community of seculars. We all need to consider our mortality and learn positive and productive ways to deal with our inevitable deadline. Thanks for this little book of wisdom. Christina has written a handbook we can all use. But it should be in the hands of every hospital and military chaplain, every hospice care giver, even ministers, etc. No secular person should be subjected to supernatural ideas and wishful thinking when they are dealing with death, dying and grief." Darrel Ray, founder , Recovering from Religion

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Book SynopsisComing out as an atheist is a powerful, liberating act. It makes life better for you, for other atheists, and for the world. But telling people you’re an atheist can be risky. What are the best ways to do it? And how can we help each other take this step? In this compassionate, friendly, down-to-earth how-to guide, author Greta Christina offers concrete strategies and guiding philosophies for coming out as an atheist. Based on hundreds of coming-out stories, the book offers a map of the territory atheists are likely to encounter and ideas on how to pick the path that’s best for you. This accessible, empathetic guide reflects a wide range of coming-out experiences, and for atheists who are already out, it gives practical ideas on how to help others join you in the sunlight. For atheists who are on the fence, it offers guidance on making that decision—and gentle encouragement to take that step. Inspiring and realistic, kind and powerful, Coming Out Atheist is the much-needed guidebook atheists have been waiting for.Trade Review"Witty, wise, helpful, and humane, this clear and engaging book is most timely. Coming Out Atheist is a great resource for the many Americans out there who have rejected religious faith and are moving towards embracing, acknowledging, and proclaiming their atheism." Phil Zuckerman, PhD, author, Faith No More: Why People Reject Religion"Chock-full of useful ideas; but above all it is wise and compassionate." Alan Sokal, professor of physics, New York University"There's no doubt that it's hard to be an atheist in America, but Greta Christina's message will make you rethink keeping your beliefs to yourself. There's an optimistic truth that ties her book together: By coming out publicly as nonreligious, we are doing something courageous, powerful, and important. Given the choice between simply handing someone a copy of The God Delusion and telling that person you don't believe in God, Greta reminds us that the personal message may be the most powerful weapon in the atheist arsenal." Hemant Mehta, blogger, FriendlyAtheist.com, and author, The Young Atheist's Survival Guide"What an accomplishment! In Coming Out Atheist , Greta Christina has pulled together a great resource for emerging atheists. She very thoroughly captures the reality that atheists are people too, including nonbelieving clergy." Catherine Dunphy, acting executive director, the Clergy Project"Greta Christina knows that the philosophy of atheism is incomplete without practical and sensible advice about how to live in a world full of believers. Her fascinating life experience and astute observations of atheists, in or out of the closet, offers readers some of the most potent testimony for why coming out as an atheist will make a godless life better." Hector Avalos, professor of religious studies, Iowa State University, and author The End of Biblical Studies"Millions of Americans are discovering that life without religion and superstition can be rewarding, fulfilling, and joyful. Greta Christina has done that growing demographic a great service, with this thoughtful and entertaining book that will inform and inspire those who embrace personal secularity."" David Niose, author, Nonbeliever Nation: The Rise of Secular Americans"This is an important book at the right time by a clear thinker, elegant writer, and passionate human being. Greta Christina is one of a small handful of atheist authors I can count on to bring that happy combination home, time after time." Dale McGowan, Atheism for Dummies

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Book SynopsisEvery thinking person wants to lead a life of meaning and purpose. For thousands of years, holy books have told us that such a life is available only through obedience and submission to some higher power. Today, the faithful keep popular devotionals and tracts within easy reach on bedside tables and mobile devices, all communicating this common message: “Life is meaningless without God.” In this volume, former pastor Dan Barker eloquently, powerfully, and rationally upends this long-held belief. Offering words of enrichment, emancipation, and inspiration, he reminds us how millions of atheists lead happy, loving, moral, and purpose-filled lives. Practicing what he preaches, he also demonstrates through his own personal journey that life is valuable for its own sake—that meaning and purpose come not from above, but from within.Trade Review"A lovely book!" Richard Dawkins, author, The God Delusion"One of the biggest misconceptions about atheists is that without God they can have no morals, values, or meaning in their lives. In this lovely secular sermon, Dan Barker handily rebuts that claim, showing that true meaning and morality can come only from accepting our finitude, and dealing with it rationally and humanistically." Jerry Coyne, author, Why Evolution Is True"Dan Barker has cleverly reversed the arrows of purpose so they fly from the bows of life instead of raining down from an imaginary archer in the sky." Victor J. Stenger, author, God: The Failed Hypothesis

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Book SynopsisOn one side of the argument is a collection of godless academics with doctorates from the finest universities in England, France, and the United States. On the other is Irrational Atheist author Vox Day, armed with nothing more than historical and statistical facts. Presenting a compelling argument (but not for the side one might expect), Day strips away the pseudo-scientific pretentions of New Atheism with his intelligent application of logic, history, military science, political economy, and well-documented research. The arguments of Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, and Michel Onfray are all methodically exposed and discredited as Day provides extensive evidence proving, among other things, that: More than 93 percent of all the wars in human history had no relation to religion The Spanish Inquisition had no jurisdiction over professing Jews, Muslims, or atheists, and executed fewer people on an annual basis than the state of Texas Atheists are 3.8 4 times more likely to be imprisoned than Christians "Red" state crime is primarily in "blue" counties Sexually abused girls are 55 times more likely to commit suicide than girls raised Catholic In the twentieth century, atheistic regimes killed three times more people in peacetime than those killed in all the wars and individual crimes combined. The Irrational Atheist provides the rational thinker with empirical proof that atheism's claims against religion are unfounded in logic, fact, and science.

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Book SynopsisScience and Catholicism in Argentina (1750–1960) is the first comprehensive study on the relationship between science and religion in a Spanish-speaking country with a Catholic majority and a "Latin" pattern of secularisation. The text takes the reader from Jesuit missionary science in colonial times, through the conflict-ridden 19th century, to the Catholic revival of the 1930s in Argentina. The diverse interactions between science and religion revealed in this analysis can be organised in terms of their dynamic of secularisation. The indissoluble identification of science and the secular, which operated at rhetorical and institutional levels among the liberal elite and the socialists in the 19th century, lost part of its force with the emergence of Catholic scientists in the course of the 20th century. In agreement with current views that deny science the role as the driving force of secularisation, this historical study concludes that it was the process of secularisation that shaped the interplay between religion and science, not the other way around.

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Book SynopsisThe book analyses under what conditions was it possible to develop scientific atheism which was by the contemporaries in the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia understood not only as a branch of propaganda but as a specific scholarly discipline. It maps out not only the state of affairs before the organisational changes allowed the emergence of research but also analyses the motivation which led the historical actors to make such decision in both national contexts. One of the key findings is undoubtedly the fact that scientific atheism developed as a new type of thinking about religious phenomena within the context of Marxist-Leninist epistemological doctrine. Moreover, if the socio-political conditions were favorable, it also contributed to the rethinking of the key aspects of Marxist doctrine. The comparative analysis allows to draw conclusions about the existence of specifically Soviet and Czechoslovakian scientific atheism and questions the level of sovietisation in this context.

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Book SynopsisCivilizations of the Supernatural: Witchcraft, Ritual, and Religious Experience in Late Antique, Medieval, and Renaissance Traditions brings together thirteen scholars of late-antique, medieval, and renaissance traditions who discuss magic, religious experience, ritual, and witch-beliefs with the aim of reflecting on the relationship between man and the supernatural. The content of the volume is intriguingly diverse and includes late antique traditions covering erotic love magic, Hellenistic-Egyptian astrology, apotropaic rituals, early Christian amulets, and astrological amulets; medieval traditions focusing on the relationships between magic and disbelief, pagan magic and Christian culture, as well as witchcraft and magic in Britain, Scandinavian sympathetic graphophagy, superstition in sermon literature; and finally Renaissance traditions revolving around Agrippan magic, witchcraft in Shakespeare's Macbeth, and a Biblical toponym related to the Friulan Benandanti's visionary experiences. These varied topics reflect the multifaceted ways through which men aimed to establish relationships with the supernatural in diverse cultural traditions, and for different purposes, between Late Antiquity and the Renaissance. These ways eventually contributed to shaping the civilizations of the supernatural or those peculiar patterns which helped men look at themselves through the mirror of their own amazement of being in this world.Table of Contents Notes on Contributors Foreword, Teofilo F. Ruiz Introduction, Fabrizio Conti CHAPTER 1. Naomi Janowitz, Aelian on Tortoise Sex and the Artifice of "Erotic Love Magic" CHAPTER 2. Attilio Mastrocinque, The Dodekaoros, Magical Papyri, and Magical Gems: Egyptian Astrology and Later Hellenistic Traditions CHAPTER 3. Tiana Blazevic, How to Deal With the Evil Daimones. Apotropaic Rituals of the Third and Fourth Centuries CE According to Porphyry, Iamblichus, and the Greek Magical Papyri CHAPTER 4. Joseph E. Sanzo, Prayer and Incantation on Early Christian Amulets: Authoritative Traditions, Ritual Practices, and Material Objects CHAPTER 5. Paolo Vitellozzi, Astrological Amulets in the Sacred Book of Hermes to Asclepius CHAPTER 6. Michael D. Bailey, Magic and Disbelief in Carolingian Lyon CHAPTER 7. Martina Lamberti, The Merseburg Charms: Pagan Magic and Christian Culture in Medieval Germany CHAPTER 8. Francesco Marzella, Hirsuta et cornuta cum lancea trisulcata: Three Stories of Witchcraft and Magic in Twelfth-Century Britain CHAPTER 9. Andrea Maraschi, Sympathetic Graphophagy in Late Medieval Scandinavian Leechbooks and Collections of Charms CHAPTER 10. Ewelina Kaczor, Superstitions in a Sermon of Stanis?aw of Skarbimierz (ca. 1360-1431) CHAPTER 11. Noel Putnik, Operari per fidem: The Role of Faith in Agrippan Magic CHAPTER 12. Melissa Pullara, Reasoning with Witchcraft: Moral Deliberation in Macbeth CHAPTER 13. Cora Presezzi, Envisioning the Afterlife from the "Seaport of Friuli": Conjectures on a Toponym

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Book SynopsisHenry More (1614-1687) was probably the most important English philosopher between Hobbes and Locke. Described as the 'hammer' of the Cartesians, More attacked Descartes' conception of spirit as undermining its very intelligibility. This work, which analyses an episode in the evolution of the concept of spiritual substance in early modernity, looks at More's rational theology within the context of the great seventeenth century Cartesian controversies over spirit, soul-body interaction, and divine omnipresence. This work argues that More's new, univocal spirit conception, highly influential upon Newton and Clarke, contributed unwittingly to a slow secularisation process internal to theistic culture. It thus fills a lacuna in scholarship by examining how conceptual changes in early modern metaphysics, as opposed to better researched transformations in moral philosophy, were an additional ingredient in the origins of modern speculative atheism. It also suggests that these controversies are by no means merely of historical interest but represent a resource for contemporary philosophical reflection. Winner of the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise 2013.

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Book SynopsisEste livro analisa, ainda que de forma abreviada, a criação de mitos, muitos dos quais já consagrados em várias religiões, sobre a criação do Universo, do planeta Terra e dos seres que a habitam, com enfoque especial no ser humano como animal pensante e, portanto, o único capaz de elaborar perguntas e procurar pelas respostas que há milênios vêm desafiando a humanidade. Somente o homem, utilizando-se da principal ferramenta de que dispõe - a ciência -, pode ultrapassar a barreira do incognoscível e questionar o que nos ensinam a maioria das religiões, por meio de seus mitos e de crenças muitas vezes sem fundamento plausível e de algumas divindades que provavelmente nunca existiram. O Universo, desde o seu início, se desdobra em novos espetáculos continuamente e de forma imprevisível. E o faz, naturalmente para usufruir a sua própria essência. Existe, é claro, para o gozo da vida material. É por isso incompatível com a ficção espiritual - ideia que nasceu do sofrimento e da inconformidade com a morte.Este livro foi pensado e composto no dia a dia de um pesquisador e professor de neuroanatomia, por várias décadas, em uma Universidade Estadual. Ao escrevê-lo, o Autor mantém o que defende desde a juventude, o que ele percebeu em relação às coisas sobrenaturais e às crenças religiosas. O seu propósito não é outro senão o de convidar o leitor a fazer uma introspecção a respeito do sentido das religiões e das crenças que nos são propostas há séculos. A sua sólida análise parte de um dado científico: o corpo morre. A alma é feita do mesmo material que o corpo. A alma morre. No momento de nossa morte ela simplesmente se dissolve - não há vida após a morte. Os que creem vêm tanto se consolando quanto se torturando com a ideia de que algo os espera depois de suas mortes.A reflexão encetada pelo Autor nos convida a reconhecer que, como a alma morre junto com o nosso corpo, é necessário entender que não pode haver recompensa ou castigos póstumos. Por isso, é bastante plausível supormos que todas as religiões organizadas são, acima de tudo, ilusões supersticiosas. Essas ilusões baseiam-se em desejos, medos e ignorâncias enraizadas profundamente ao longo dos séculos. Os humanos projetam imagens do poder, da beleza e da segurança perfeita que gostariam de ter. Ao moldar seus deuses de acordo com essas imagens, tornam-se escravos de seus próprios sonhos impossíveis.Longe de aceitar o desespero como saída para essa conclusão lapidar e assustadora, com coragem e ousadia, o Autor se alinha com a atitude do herói grego, daquele que merece ser lembrado porque vive sem esperança, mas ainda assim enfrenta o agon, ou seja, o conflito, que é a vida e o comportamento para quem vive tragicamente. Viver sem esperança é o modo de amadurecimento resistindo à melancolia, olhando-a nos olhos, mas, ainda assim, desafiando-a na lida com os objetos concretos da vida, que nos retira da doença, do desespero, legando-nos à coragem como outra grande virtude trágica, sustentada pela virtude da reverência como reconhecimento de que vivemos lutando contra forças que jamais venceremos.

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Book Synopsis

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