According to the Guardian website, philosopher and author Alain de Botton is soon to publish Religion for Atheists. This title piqued my interest! Here’s what the Guardian‘s blurb says: “(de Botton) argues that the supernatural claims of religion are of course entirely false – and yet that religions still have important things to teach the secular world. This book proposes that we should look to religions for insights into how to build a sense of community, make our relationships last, overcome feelings of envy and inadequacy, and more.”
De Botton’s insights on ideas, work, travel, architecture, status, relationships, airports and – almost anything! – are great, so I’m looking forward to reading this book. If the blurb is a good guide, I guess believers could take it as a nice compliment. However, to dismiss the possibility of the very motivation for the benefits and qualities of faith – a loving, creator God – does seem sad. (JK)