The Young Atheist's Handbook: Lessons for Living a Good Life Without God

The Young Atheist's Handbook: Lessons for Living a Good Life Without God

by Alom Shaha (Author), Alom Shaha (Author), A. C. Grayling (Foreword)

Synopsis

Growing up in a strict Muslim community in south-east London, Alom Shaha learnt that religion was not to be questioned. Reciting the Qur'an without understanding what it meant was simply a part of life; so, too, was obeying the imam and enduring beatings when he failed to attend the local mosque. Shaha was more drawn to science and its power to illuminate. As a teen, he lived between two worlds: the home controlled by his authoritarian father, and a school alive with books and ideas. In a charming blend of memoir, philosophy, and science, Shaha explores the questions about faith and the afterlife that we all ponder. Through a series of loose 'lessons', he tells his own compelling story, drawing on the theories of some of history's greatest thinkers and interrogating the fallacies that have impeded humanity for centuries. Shaha recounts how his education and formative experiences led him to question how to live without being tied to what his parents, priests, or teachers told him to believe, and offers insights so that others may do the same. This is a book for anyone who thinks about what they should believe and how they should live. It's for those who may need the facts and the ideas, as well as the courage, to break free from inherited beliefs. In this powerful narrative, Shaha shows that it is possible to live a compassionate, fulfilling, and meaningful life without God.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 240
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Biteback
Published: 19 Jul 2012

ISBN 10: 1849543119
ISBN 13: 9781849543118

Media Reviews
A very special book. Stephen Fry Illuminates the route to a better destination for all those who seek what Alom found, namely, that precious liberty of mind which makes its possessor open to all good things. A.C. Grayling, philosopher and author of The God Argument More than just a great handbook, this is an honest and often very moving story about valuing truth over hope, even in the face of grief. Tim Minchin, comedian He is gentle and persuasive - the type of teacher you would have loved to have had educate you. Nick Cohen, The Guardian A book that destroys the cliche of the atheist as joyless rationalist and shows the humanity, love, and concern that often lies behind godless thinking. Robin Ince, writer and comedian Charismatically discusses everything - he writes sensitively and reasonably. Tania Ahsan , Metro An inspiring and brave book that speaks for thousands who dare not admit their atheism. Samira Ahmed, Journalist and broadcaster A touching personal account that makes for a courageous and compelling read. Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE, physicist and broadcaster [T]he book is essential reading for all young people. Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association [A]n honest telling of one man's experience that everyone should read, no matter their theological stripe. Thinking Christian Shaha writes with a highly-engaging first person narrative that is crisp and highly readable. Greg Jameson, Entertainment Focus This book will make you think and it's hard to give a greater compliment than that. RE Today
Author Bio
Alom Shaha was born in Bangladesh but grew up in London. A teacher, science writer, and filmmaker, he has spent most of his professional life trying to share his passion for science and education with the public. He teaches at a comprehensive school in London and writes for a number of print and online publications, including the Guardian.