I want to become an atheist, are there any books that you can recommend?

Question

Will i have to read a chapter every night before i sleep and every morning when i wake up?

Answer 1

Atheism: The Case Against God by George H. Smith
god is not Great by Christopher Hitchens
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
The End of Faith by Sam Harris
Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris

I know this is probably a joke and you don't care to read any of these books, but seriously, I've read them (well, I haven't read god is not Great yet but I've read several reviews and excerpts and it sounds great) and they ARE well written and quite enlightening.

Answer 2

'Become an atheist'? What's that mean? Either you believe in deities or you don't, surely?

If you're conflicted, and want information - what sort of info would you want? Information on how the universe and this planet came to be as they are without divine intervention?

How open are you to such data? If you're hostile to it in advance, then you'd need something that nails it all down in fine detail, and that's tedious. Reality is very complex, and the easy answers provided by theism are easy and comforting to swallow.

If you need a scientific grounding in, say evolution, I recommend Dawkins' 'The Blind Watchmaker'. If you want a general book about the flaws in religion, try 'The God Delusion' by the same author.

And there are several other books generally attacking religious precepts on the bestseller lists right now: Harris and Hitchens have two great ones.

But a manual on how to be an atheist? Just drop God - it ain't there.

CD

Answer 3

You either believe in god or you don't. If you don't, you are an atheist.

If you're unsure, why would you "want" to become an atheist? If you are 90% sure, read some of the books Zero C00L suggests. But why not balance it with some pro-religion books as well? Arrive at the conclusion that is right for YOU.

Answer 4

An atheist isn't something you become, it's a "handle" used be "non athiests" to describe them.
"Non athiests" presume that anyones point if view can be only one of two perspectives, but there are many different perspectives outside of religion, and the blanket charge of "athiest" suits the simplicity that is occurs when religious, usually christian people actively attempt to challenge mainstream science or assert their moral "turf"..

But a look at nature and marveling at it's complexity and history would be a good start, and consider what questions you ask and what fields of the natural sciences might humour them, and seek books accordingly.

Answer 5

LETS TORQ :::"An atheist isn't something you become, it's a "handle" used be "non athiests" to describe them.
"Non athiests" presume that anyones point if view can be only one of two perspectives, but there are many different perspectives outside of religion, and the blanket charge of "athiest" suits the simplicity that is occurs when religious, usually christian people actively attempt to challenge mainstream science or assert their moral "turf"..

But a look at nature and marveling at it's complexity and history would be a good start, and consider what questions you ask and what fields of the natural sciences might humour them, and seek books accordingly."

Answer 6

Sounds like you are seeking a means to overcome the religious indoctrination and brain-cluttering you have been subjected to (and obviously unfortunately succumbed to).

If you have been heavily conditioned over a number of years to believe in God then it might require a steady reading program to undo the unreason brain-cluttering and restore self-control of your rational thinking.

ZERO-COOL has provided an excellent book list already so go to...good luck! You should only need to read each book once to understand the concepts presented, occasionally you might dip back in to look up a reference, just read at the times you normally would read.

Answer 7

Why don't you try Salman Rushdie's........
SATANIC VERSES ......

BUT WAIT let me tell ya someting

Every responsible voyager across unknown territory has to establish a contingency route of some kind.

Suppose you were scaling a mountain no one has ever climbed-- you would have to develop a primary stategy, and then a secondary stategy for reaching your destination in case of miscalculation,unforseen circumstances,or simple bad luck.

So. .You have never died before. What is your backup plan?

Answer 8

If you don't believe in any gods, you're an atheist. There's no required reading involved.

Nonetheless, I recommend "The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster". It's a hoot.

Answer 9

I would recommend reading as much literature as possible both religious and non religious.Not because you need to read literature to be an Atheist but because if you read and learn you will have a better standing.

Answer 10

To become an atheist,you dont require any books.
If you are really wants to become like that,i suggest you to read Bhagavad Gita As It Is before that.