Richard Lettis

A-Theism Richard Lettis

Targeted toward a general but educated audience, A-Theism is a user's manual for both committed and would-be atheists, skeptics, and the open-minded faithful. The book begins with a light discussion of Robert Ripley, the cartoonist made famous for ferreting out and illustrating seemingly impossible facts, who challenged people to "believe it... or not." Ripley helps to illustrate the dilemma faced by those thinking about faith--whether to believe in a deity or not. From there, A-Theism turns toward a wide range of thinkers and writers like Hume, Kant, Christopher Hitchens, William Blake, and Emily Dickinson to help illuminate the book's expansive exploration of atheism.

A-Theism covers major historical moments and summarizes the philosophical arguments for and against atheism through an educated and curious lens, all the while guided by the author's wit, wisdom, and experience. Rather than rehashing the typical arguments against god and religion, the book makes a wide examination of the topic and takes many approaches. The author uses data about what people believe and logic to make his case in a positive and welcoming manner while never losing his conviction or edge.

A-Theism provides both an evidence-based and a moral argument and is full of information to help a new atheist argue his or her position while also providing a foundation of moral and logical non-belief for the new atheist, the skeptic, or the questioning believer. While much of the book examines the various arguments for atheism, A-Theism also gives valuable historical context and uses data about contemporary belief to investigate the diminishing role of religion in many people's lives.

A-Theism uses sharp humor and an academic's rigor to parse the various cases for and against religious beliefs in an intelligent, readable style. As a compendium, A-Theism provides a practical guide to navigating the wide and fascinating history of an often glossed-over belief system and will find a home with anyone interested in interrogating their own beliefs, no matter what they are.