Good Without God: What a Billion Nonreligious People Do Believe by Greg Epstein

Jul 16, 2011

dan rated it

Shelves: religion-or-lack-thereof

Epstein argues that yes, we can be good without God. But is being good enough? The Bible has a few things to say about that (not that humanists care what the Bible says, but...).

It was interesting to see Epstein avoid blatant religion-bashing (as Hitchens and Harris are wont to do), instead opting for a peace-and-love view of cooperation. This is a double-edged sword. While it's nice to feel like you aren't in a war zone, I don't know if Epstein uses all the firepower at his disposal...more

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Apr 20, 2011

Lee Harmon rated it

This is a book about Humanism, a “religion” that is badly misunderstood, trampled in Christian media as selfish. Epstein sets the record straight, articulating the beliefs he preaches as a Humanist chaplain. He points out that in our generation “we’ve successfully responded to the head of religion, but not to the heart of religion … we’ve produced a very heady atheism. But I believe in the heart of Humanism.”

I can’t call this an evangelical book, since Epstein stresses goodness over be...more

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Nov 28, 2010

Kevin Miller rated it

Shelves: 2010-reading

In Good without God, Greg Epstein is not trying to engage the debate on whether God exists, or to critique religion. His goal is to defend non-believers, and to formulate a positive, ethical outlook on life that does not depend on theism for its legitimacy.

He is also peroccupied with building communities that can meet the same needs that churches fulfill for traditional religions. These needs include culture, literature, and ritual, counseling; guidance for children, support groups, co...moreIn Good without God, Greg Epstein is not trying to engage the debate on whether God exists, or to critique religion. His goal is to defend non-believers, and to formulate a positive, ethical outlook on life that does not depend on theism for its legitimacy.

He is also peroccupied with building communities that can meet the same needs that churches fulfill for traditional religions. These needs include culture, literature, and ritual, counseling; guidance for children, support groups, community service, and political engagement. Many believers enjoy the benefits of supportive, life-affirming community; so why not non-believers?

A concern I have is that Epstein leaves Humanism open to attack when he refers to Humanism as rejecting "objective values" early in the book. As the book proceeds, however, it becomes clear that he holds some "core values" as being essential: self-responsibility and the dignity of the individual, empathy and dignity accorded between people, honesty and integrity, and growth and improvement, among others. The application of these values to particular ethical dilemmas might change with time, but for most Humanists, these core values do not.

The only real drawback for my was the history of atheism/free thinkers, although he does reference Doubt as source for a more in depth look at the history of freethought. I think it would have been nice to have had a more comprohensive background. I understand why Epstein choose not to include a more detailed section on the subject, but I still feel that it would have enriched the understanding of those who are unfamilar with the movement.

One of my favorite passages that sums up the whole book for me:

"Being good blossoms from the hearts of people who are awed by nature, energized by the bonds of love, sympathetic with the plight of those in need, and are moved to action to make the world a better place. The sincerity of these emotions and the virtues they evoke do not depend upon an outside force. They come from within."(less)

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Jul 07, 2011

Tucker added it

Shelves: finished

As a Humanist, Epstein finds it more important to focus on values than on the lack of theistic underpinnings for those values, especially when the word "God" is used so liberally that it is difficult to pin down its meaning. He explains that there are different kinds of atheism and nihilism and different theories about why ethics evolved. He provides a long discussion about dignity, a complex virtue which includes self-awareness and taking responsibility for oneself while also empath...moreAs a Humanist, Epstein finds it more important to focus on values than on the lack of theistic underpinnings for those values, especially when the word "God" is used so liberally that it is difficult to pin down its meaning. He explains that there are different kinds of atheism and nihilism and different theories about why ethics evolved. He provides a long discussion about dignity, a complex virtue which includes self-awareness and taking responsibility for oneself while also empathizing with and being generous to others. Dignity partially depends on acknowledging differences between people.

He has no sympathy for the idea that atheists cannot be ethical, calling it a "prejudice" and attributing it to some of history's cruelest figures. He pointed out that "as soon as you get into forgiving bad religious people on the basis that they might not have really believed, in fairness you'd probably have to look at many seemingly great people who said they did what they did to honor God but may actually have had much more secular reasons for doing it." (p. 30)

Disagreeing with a simplified Buddhist expression about eliminating desire and attachment, Epstein says that it is good to care about ourselves and others. We want to be ethical, and for most of us, this means acknowledging our emotional lives and sharing our experiences with a community. Epstein cites Steven Pinker who said that considering other people's feelings is ingrained in our consciousness because of our need for long-term cooperation and social cohesion. (p. 20) He explained various types of cooperation outlined by Martin Nowak: kin selection; direct reciprocity, or tit for tat; indirect reciprocity, or paying it forward; network reciprocity; and group selection.

We are naturally prone to believe that other people have minds, thoughts, intentions, and we continue believing that they exist even when we cannot see them. Self-consciously, we worry about what they might be saying about us behind our backs, and what they might be plotting. From there, it is a simple leap to a belief in an invisible, all-seeing God. Epstein rehashes a claim that the idea of God is a "spandrel," that is, a byproduct of other, more useful evolutionary useful mental processes.

What is mentioned in the previous paragraph could function as a summary of much of Jesse Bering's recent book, The Belief Instinct, for those who prefer a more conversational presentation of these ideas. The first part of Epstein's book tends to be a little academic, focusing on the history and theory of Humanism, while the end becomes very practically oriented regarding how people can live fulfilling lives in Humanist community, serving others in need and meeting their own needs for art, nature, and companionship.

Epstein also rejects the "Noble Lie" defense of religion, which is the admission that there probably is no God coupled with the claim that people's lives are enhanced when they at least play "make-believe" that there is a God. He questions the modern Jewish metaphor of "tikkun" (healing) as a stand-in for the concept of social justice and other forms of good deeds, since much of what is needed to improve the world is not restoring the world to an earlier, better state, but inventing something totally new for the future.(less)

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Jan 09, 2012

Allison rated it

Shelves: 5-stars, read-2012

The title may sound offensive or blasphemous to the religious, but this book isn't offensive at all — it's a thoughtful lesson on Humanism (one might say that theism is to Christianity as atheism is to Humanism, in super simplistic terms) and what it means in our world. Epstein raises the discussion beyond the theism/atheism debate to a description of ethics and morality beyond religion and dogma. He also does a great job outlining the history of Humanism, describing its long-standing roots and ...more

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Jan 14, 2010

Dofang rated it

"Good Without God" serves as a very good introduction to humanism, and for that reason is worthy of four stars if you're new to humanism or are humanism-curious.

As a long-standing atheist / humanist, I have some quibbles with "GwoG," especially with his occasional willingness to throw them bad ol' New Atheists under the bus. I understand and appreciate Epstein's point that it's best for humanists to confidently declare their atheism and move on to more construc...more

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Aug 02, 2010

Harry Potter rated it

This book was lent to me by my boyfriend a few weeks ago. I started it a few days ago, and finished it with mixed feelings today. Epstein tries very hard to create a middle ground between religion and the "new atheists" such as Dawkins and Hitchens. It served as a good introduction to the idea of humanism and how one can still participate in community and charity without having to believe in the supernatural.

However, this book gets three stars and not more becau...more

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Sep 25, 2010

Ken Rideout rated it

The author sets out to make a case for Humanism - an organized form of non-belief. I found his premise that people like ritual, community, and searching for improvement even if they are not religous compelling. I secretly have thought that many nominally "religious" people are in it more for the fellowship and may not really buy into a lot of the specific leaps of faith that their religion takes.

The book, however, is quite rambly and although many interesting points are m...more

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Jul 28, 2011

David Chivers rated it

A lot of books have been written in the last few years exploring whether or not there is a God. This is not one of them.

Refreshingly, Greg Epstein starts a step further down along the line of debate. His premise, stated simply, is this; However they got there, there is now a significant portion of the population who simply do not believe in God. And yet most of them (including himself)live what would be thought of by most as perfectly "good" lives, raising their children, taking care ...moreA lot of books have been written in the last few years exploring whether or not there is a God. This is not one of them.

Refreshingly, Greg Epstein starts a step further down along the line of debate. His premise, stated simply, is this; However they got there, there is now a significant portion of the population who simply do not believe in God. And yet most of them (including himself)live what would be thought of by most as perfectly "good" lives, raising their children, taking care of their parents, helping out in the community, and the like. They are people you would like to have as neighbors. So if they don't believe in God, why do they act in this way? Why aren't they all out marauding, looting and pillaging? If not God, what do they believe in?

Of course, there is no one answer. But in a straight-forward, learned, yet conversational style, Epstein takes us on a brief tour of the history of non-religious based thought and ethics (which extends back as far as religious history.) He then turns to explaining a simple, rational, functional basis for exploring morality and ethics in society, and how one can do this by synthesizing the lessons of history and human experience, aided by science and research. But Epstein's emphasis is on the story of the human experience. He recognizes there are needs beyond cold rationalism to find out what is important in life. There is a place for a sense of awe, for humility, for art and nature. But he finds it in places other than a belief in God.

Epstein knows that atheism is a negative statement, that is to say, a statement of what is not believed rather than what is believed. This leads him to spend the later chapters in an explanation of Humanism, a "lifestance" (his word, which I like immensely) rather than a religion, encompassing a view of life in which compassion, joy, service and human interaction is lived and celebrated for its own sake. One of the strengths of the book is that this Lifestance is not presented in a confrontational mode. He does not shape this explanation in terms of "this is better than religion" although it is clear it makes more sense to him. Rather, it is presented as a "here is what I believe, and more importantly, why it makes sense to me" fashion. He is quick, and even eager, to point out that many of the ideas that shape Humanism are recognizble in religious traditions as well. These lessons are not to be tossed out just because one doesn't believe in God. Some still make sense, some do not. His emphasis throughout is that the important thing is what people do and how they behave to each other.

The books of Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchens argue that belief in God makes no sense. If your question is whether there is a god, then read those authors (and their religious counterparts.) But if you are now at a place where that question is settled, the question that then presents itself is- how do I live my life? Greg Epstein provides an answer in this excellent book, which is sure to be a work that will resonate for years to come.

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Dec 08, 2010

Steve rated it

Shelves: bookclubideas

There are a couple of moments when I'm not completely on board with him, but overall this is a really valuable and important book. He doesn't try to convince the reader that there's no God; instead, he just stipulates that there's no God and focuses attention on the details of developing a positive, moral, and meaningful life in light of that.

He also notes that many religious liberals who espouse a belief in God mean by "God" something completely unlike what religious conser...more

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Aug 15, 2010

Sarah rated it

Shelves: religious

This book is a classic. A necessity in all libraries; religious or not. There is humanity and morality beyond religion and dogma. Epstein makes a great case for the ethical Humanist (and Atheist) community and provides excellent commentary regarding the importance of, not religion, but ethical behavior precisely because we are human. We have natural capabilities and common sense that exceed any law written in the context of religion. We don’t need a deity to tell us what is inherent in ourselves...more

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Apr 03, 2010

Joey rated it

Shelves: non-fiction, religion

The title might sound scary and/or blasphemous to many devout theists, but it is actually an insightful look into how nonreligious people view themselves, others, and their relationships to others as nonbelievers. I appreciate Epstein's respect for both the religious and the nonreligious. The book is not an attack on God; rather it is more of an articulation on Humanism. In my understanding, Humanism is very similar to Christianity in praxis.

I appreciate all the little sections of h...more

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May 03, 2010

Steve Mount rated it

An excellent book that aims to organize humanists into more than just outliers in the mist, but into more of a movement for good in society. Epstein desperately wants humanists to come together in the same way that religious folks do, meeting to discuss secular morality, community wellbeing, individual support, and to help organize personal milestones. Though such groups have come together before, notably the Ethical Society in New York City, they have nothing like the reach of a local evangelic...more

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Jul 18, 2011

Brennan rated it

This was a solid primer, and should be helpful as you have conversations with your theistic friends. Epstein concretizes and summarizes things that I had known intuitively but would have been at a loss to articulate (so how well did I know them, really?), and he gives great, non-confrontational entrees for dialog with our theistic/ religious friends. There is a non-theological, humanistic argument for behaving well, and Epstein presents it well and cogently.

This is not Hitchens o...more

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Jul 05, 2011

Mrs.Chili rated it

I've been trying, for a while now, to figure out exactly where I stand in terms of "belief." This book helped me to solidify my thinking about my attitudes about faith and goodness and humanity. Written like a conversation with a friend, this novel is easy to read, reasonable, and respectful, to both atheists and believers; it's a positive book about how nonreligious people find purpose and meaning in their lives without the constraints of organized religion, and makes a strong case ...more

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Feb 01, 2010

Amy rated it

I read this book and keep thinking - "That's exactly how I feel". Epstein says the things I've thought a long time, and he does it so clearly. I wish I lived somewhere where I could find a community of people to interact with that felt this way too. Actually, I think there are more people around here who go to church that go for the fellowship, but would agree with most of what Epstein puts up - if they were willing to read it.

One of Epstein's points that I like best is...more

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Jan 06, 2010

Ken rated it

It’s a book about Humanism – an alternative to traditional religion. The author is the Humanist chaplain at Harvard University Greg M. Epstein holds a B.A. in religion and Chinese, as well as an M.A. in Judaic studies from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in theological studies from the Harvard Divinity School.

He is the Humanist chaplain at Harvard University and a pretty popular guest on radio and TV that has made him a face for Humanism.

I had first read a few exce...more

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Apr 25, 2010

Mary rated it

Shelves: philosophy-and-religion

Epstein is a humanist rabbi, who writes passionately about humanism as a religion without gods. He discusses the history of humanist thought, its present status as a movement poorly understood--and about its strong ethical commitment. I like his emphasis on doing, not believing, as the measure of the good life. His commitment to community and his suggestions as to how to be culturally true to one's traditions at the same time being part of the world ring true to me, as a fulfilled humanist-un...more

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Dec 31, 2010

Broodingferret rated it

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Shelves: religion, non-fiction, philosophy

This made for an interesting read, an informative and thought provoking treatment of developing an ethical and moral framework in the absence of belief in the supernatural. While at least one of the scientific concepts that Epstein touched on was clearly one that he misunderstood (Group Selection, which is an incorrect theory anyway), the fact that the book's foci were morals and ethics rather than scientific facts allows for the forgiveness of such errors. I also liked Epstein's non-confrontati...more

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Sep 01, 2010

Todd rated it

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I listened to a lot of Fresh Air interviews over the course of a 3,000 mile road trip around the Pacific Northwest with my family. After a particularly interesting interview, I would add whatever book was being discussed to my wish list. First I would pull over, of course.

This is one of the books on that wish list. Because the interview was so interesting and because I've been looking for a book like this for a while, I really wanted to like this book more than I ultimately did.
...moreI listened to a lot of Fresh Air interviews over the course of a 3,000 mile road trip around the Pacific Northwest with my family. After a particularly interesting interview, I would add whatever book was being discussed to my wish list. First I would pull over, of course.

This is one of the books on that wish list. Because the interview was so interesting and because I've been looking for a book like this for a while, I really wanted to like this book more than I ultimately did.

Greg M. Epstein, the Humanist Chaplain(?) at Harvard(!), wrote this book as a positive statement of Humanist (read atheist) values and a description of a meaningful life without God. The problem is that, perhaps overcorrecting for the recent batch of ornery atheists like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, Mr. Epstein is offering a sort of "compassionate Humanism" that stands equal with the "other" religions.

I feel that this book needs a little more bite and a lot more passion if it really wants to achieve its purpose. The Humanism in this book is the secular version of those churches out here in California where people play acoustic guitar and have crosses made of felt glued on the altar. I want some Sturm und Drang to go with my atheism, please.

Come to think of it Alain de Botton wrote some very good articles about a Humanist church. I'll dig up the links if anyone wants to read them.

He does make some very good points, though:
- Why is it okay for people to announce that they would never vote for an atheist? What exactly are they trying to deflect?
- This is a much larger issue than just "science vs. religion," which is a very limited way to frame your world view. It's not like we are a bunch of Galileos having our great scientific discoveries denounced.
- Whether or not you believe in God is a meaningless question. The real question is what do you believe about God. People can stretch what they mean by "God" so much as to make it an almost meaningless concept.
- He neatly dispatches New Age and dressed up, westernized Eastern Religions. I wish I could find the quote but he compares eastern mysticism to a beautiful woman from another part of the world -- she's beautiful, she's mysterious, she's out of your league.
- He points out that the lovable Dalai Lama is against gay marriage.
- There is even a Humanist version of AA called SMART for those who have problems with the whole higher power thing. (I don't think the higher power thing is enforced very strictly because a woman once told me that dolphins were her higher power.)
- I agree with him that people should be literate about religion though I think it's important as a cultural touchstone, not so that we can learn to be more accepting or whatever. Refusing to read the Bible is the same as refusing to read Shakespeare.
- It is much cooler and more succinct to write "Eric Clapton is God" than "Eric Clapton exemplifies the values that we Humanists cherish," so perhaps we shouldn't be so quick to let go of God. (I made this one up.)

But Mr. Epstein loses me in the chapter where he goes through the Ten Commandments and interprets them to Humanist values. Why is the burden of proof on him? I can't think of anything else from the Bronze Age that we are trying so hard to preserve for anything other than historical value.

Until the Mayan calendar runs out in 2012 and destroys the world, I think I'm going to be catching up on my Christopher Hitchens.
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Jun 14, 2010

Georgia (Jeni) Sabovich rated it

I got this book, b/c I study different religions. This book promised to be the next greatest educational book on humanism, so I thought I'd check it out. While I can see where Epstein derives his arguments for humanism, he spends a little too much time putting down traditional Christianity. Some of his ideas make perfect sense, and I agree with them; however, his writing takes on a passive-aggressive tone a little too often. In the end, there is not much backing to the ideas he is proposing....more

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Apr 21, 2010

Emily rated it

Shelves: already-read

So, I can't say that Greg Epstein is the best writer I've ever read, but this book gives voice to many of the ideas that have been floating around in my head for years, which is something I truly appreciate.

The book is really divided into two sections: the history of atheism/non-believers, and the current roles/beliefs of the non-religious community. Some of the history lessons get a bit draggy, but I am still glad that I read them, as they contained some good information.

...more

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Feb 11, 2010

Ridley rated it

Shelves: 3-star, non-fiction, read-2010, ebook

Epstein's book is a refreshing break from the self-conscious atheism of Dawkins et al. The focus on what atheists do value, rather than on what we don't, was thought-provoking.

Now, Dawkins may be obsessed with debunking creationism and Hitchens with shocking you into submission, but at least they're engaging. This work is much more scholarly and amiable in tone and substance, which is all fine and good, but it's not something to get people fired up to join the Humanist movement. Nor ...moreEpstein's book is a refreshing break from the self-conscious atheism of Dawkins et al. The focus on what atheists do value, rather than on what we don't, was thought-provoking.

Now, Dawkins may be obsessed with debunking creationism and Hitchens with shocking you into submission, but at least they're engaging. This work is much more scholarly and amiable in tone and substance, which is all fine and good, but it's not something to get people fired up to join the Humanist movement. Nor is it a page-turner for some light entertaining reading.

It reads more as a pragmatic guidebook. Epstein spends little time on whether or not god exists, as what people think either way isn't important to his thesis, he's only concerned with how to live a good life without the guiding influence of gods. He is speaking to atheists who wonder what defines their values, since they reject any value set not grounded in human reason. He makes no effort to convince believers they're mistaken.

This is where the book excels. The survey of various ethical and moral philosophies is enlightening. Thinking about how exactly we know right from wrong, as we all surely do, was an enormously helpful exercise. He deftly disconnects goodness from divinity through comparing and contrasting thousands of years of the world's religions and philosophies. He leaves no question of our ability to live just, moral and fulfilling lives guided by nothing larger than human dignity.

It's when he devolves into a listing of Humanist beliefs, practices and politics that he started to lose me. I'm a liberal blue stater, but even I cringed at his Obama worship and constant avowal of liberal issues like gay marriage. I may love Obama and gay marriage, but I'm sure many atheists don't as they're far from universal values. The author's politics are writ large and detract from what should have remained a general survey of what nonbelievers value and why.

The drier prose and occasional grandstanding don't detract from the useful self-examination, however. I'd just suggest most people skip the last 1-2 chapters unless they bleed blue. As an ethical survey and source of Humanist organizations and additional readings, this work is an excellent resource. Epstein just doesn't have a future in political entertainment.(less)

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Apr 18, 2011

Bakari rated it

Shelves: atheism-religion, 2011-books-read, ibooks

I can see why this book gets mixed reviews. It’s very difficult to be balanced and neutral when it comes to writing about religion, morality, atheism, humanism and so on. I too think Epstein critique of the “new atheists” movement, led by Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris, etc, is too harsh and he doesn’t give the movement enough credit for bringing atheism out of the closet, so to speak. The new atheist movement—if it can be called that—has been instrumental in giving voice to people who have longed to...moreI can see why this book gets mixed reviews. It’s very difficult to be balanced and neutral when it comes to writing about religion, morality, atheism, humanism and so on. I too think Epstein critique of the “new atheists” movement, led by Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris, etc, is too harsh and he doesn’t give the movement enough credit for bringing atheism out of the closet, so to speak. The new atheist movement—if it can be called that—has been instrumental in giving voice to people who have longed to openly declare ourselves non-believers, without fear and retribution. I think Epstein could have devoted a chapter or section of his book to how “new atheism” has played an important role in the struggle against religious dogma.

On the other hand, I find Good Without God a useful book about humanism. I’ve always felt that it’s important that we as atheist not just declare what we don’t believe in, but more so what we do believe in. While i don’t want to see religious dogma replaced by “humanist” dogma—if there is such a thing—i think humanism should be understood as a world view that says we human beings must learn how to live together on this planet. We must care about our own well being and the well being of our brothers and sisters, for we’re all that we have. We know there’s no supernatural being that is going to save us. We know there’s no supernatural demonic forces that causes people to do evil things. There’s only us and nature, and we must learn how to coexist with it.

Good Without God also points out some of the ways non-believers can lead “spiritual lives” without praying to non-existent gods, and such. He discusses the power of meditation, the appreciation and power of life- affirming art, and the importance of community—including long established rituals for how we recognize marriages, celebrate the birth of babies, confront the death of our love ones, and even how we need to reflect on the role of humanism and what it says about war, poverty, and inequality.

This is one of the few books I’ve read about humanism, so i really can’t say if it’s better or worse than other books on the subject. But the subject of humanism and how we define will become increasingly more important as we move from a religious, theistic-centered society, to a more secular one. (less)

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Feb 18, 2010

Len rated it

When I first saw Greg Epstein on the Bill Maher show last year I knew I found a kindred spirit -- someone who was not only comfortable with being an atheist but who made it his life's work to help atheists better understand their own situation and work together for the common good of all mankind.

I know that sounds a little over the top, but frankly it's how I feel and after reading his book I feel even stronger now that it is possible to live a good life without god and be able to ap...moreWhen I first saw Greg Epstein on the Bill Maher show last year I knew I found a kindred spirit -- someone who was not only comfortable with being an atheist but who made it his life's work to help atheists better understand their own situation and work together for the common good of all mankind.

I know that sounds a little over the top, but frankly it's how I feel and after reading his book I feel even stronger now that it is possible to live a good life without god and be able to appropriately communicate this truth when need be.

What is so great about Good Without God is that it is not a book about why atheism is right and religion is wrong. Unlike other popular books recently (The God Delusion, etc.) this book refrains from defending atheism and arguing against the existence of god, but rather explains how atheists can live a good life without god and how important it is for atheists to have a community of their own.

The sense of community Epstein writes about is exactly the reason why my wife and I have recently started going to meetups of other atheists. Just because we don't believe in god and don't go to church does not mean we don't need community. Humans need community.

This book is full of history and ideas and definitions. It gives atheists a common language and a common goal. The weird thing is that common goal has always been my ultimate goal in life -- to live a good life, help others and leave some kind of legacy. Epstein uses the term "dignity" to describe how we should live and I really like that term. It suggests that we do what is right because it is right, not because of some promise of future glory or reward. It suggests that we do unto others as we would have done unto us, which is a concept that has its roots long before the theists adopted it as their "golden rule." It suggests that we respect each other, and respect the planet and, with all due respect to religious leaders, make living a good life our purpose with no ulterior motive.

This is a great book for atheists, non-believers, Humanists, agnostics, and others who do not believe in god to read. It is also a wonderful book for religious people to read if they are interested in learning something about the estimated one billion nonreligious people in the world rather than making assumptions about how we choose to live. In other words, it's a book that can help bring us together rather than force a wedge between us. That is a great lesson for all mankind, religious and nonreligious.(less)

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Sep 01, 2011

Stuart Lutzenhiser rated it

Shelves: non-fiction

A good overview of moderate Humanism. That is a religiosly tolerant Humanism. Not in any way to be confused with the New Athiesm movement. Epstein is grounded and good but isn't quite old enough to be cranky. He throws out a few feights but basically allows dogmatic religious thinkers a leg to stand on. Maybe he'll get angrier as he ages. I liked some of the sections on the history, especially leading up to Existentialism. Way more could have been done to explore the consequences of Human...more

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Jun 09, 2011

Joan Snodgrass Callaway rated it

Humanists and believers can get along...
All this conversation about whether our President is a Christian or not is way beyond the point. I remember when Reverand Rick Warren, pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life said that he could never vote for an atheist (or I presume a Humanist) to be President. Too bad, as I think we might have a better shot at abandoning our devotion to the military-industrial-security complex or, indeed, a need for them. I, however, said at the time, and I co...more

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Feb 22, 2011

Ed Sullivan rated it

Shelves: adult-nonfiction

Epstein, a Humanist chaplain at Harvard University, makes the convincing and quite reasonable case that the nonreligious are just as capable as the religious of leading ethical and moral lives. Epstein's thoughtful tone is a refreshing alternative to the obnoxious approaches taken by "New Atheist" authors Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens. A favorite quote: "Most nonreligious people are not antireligious!"

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Jun 02, 2010

Joshua Pritt rated it

Everyone needs to read this to understand how you really can be good without superstition and myths. Be good for goodness's sake. The golden rule really works. Helping others live with dignity helps you live with dignity. We can make the world a better place if we first see we are all really the same without things to divide us such as religion and divisive religious myths and commandments that say anyone is different and should be hurt or otherwise shunned for believing different.

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Jan 13, 2011

Leroy Seat rated it

This was an interesting and helpful book in many ways, but I also thought it was flawed in numerous ways.

Epstein makes a good case for the legitimacy of Humanists, and he is, no doubt, a good, moral man. But it is very misleading to suggest that everyone who does not believe in God is a humanist like he is or is, even potentially, as good as he is.

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title link	preview: Good Without God: What a Billion Nonreligious People Do Believe
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6362097-good-without-god?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1269992439m/6362097.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6362097-good-without-god?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Good Without God: What a Billion Nonreligious People Do Believe by Greg Epstein[/url]

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