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Though it has been argued that an atheist doesn't need a companion, The Young Atheist's Handbook by Alom Shaha might be just another gospel*, preaching to an assembly of non-believers. The author is more ambitious, and hopes to be a humble guide to those searching for a meaningful life, be it filled with religion or in a godless world.
The best guide one can be, is through example. Alom Shaha fills the pages with his own search for meaning, from a poor immigrant family where he was raised a Muslim, to his current atheist activism. Most of the book tells a very personal story, which can easily be seen as a weakness. Isn't this what we read everyday on blogs, but then with pictures? Instead of pictures Alom Shaha interlaces his text with quotes from philosophers. Epicurus, Plato, Nietzsche are mentioned. The author builds his arguments around facts taken from scientific studies. This way he can turn the weakness of his book into a strength.
The Young Atheist's Handbook says it on its title page: "Lessons for living a good life without God". It's a book that primarily reaches out to adolescents who could be the author's own students. Within a very personal story readers can find lots of food for thought. The handbook isn't one that says you what to do, but how to do it. It serves as that wonderful teacher who nudges you in the right direction on the path to become a good person living a good life. Most important every child should be able to choose that life for herself through critical thinking. (The author tends to be a bit preachy when he drives that point home**.)
Using his own personal history to lure his readers in, Alom Shaha has outed himself as a sneaky teacher who knows the tricks of the trade. In a world where teachers of religious education, various world view courses or philosophy classes can work with a ton of material on religion, The Young Atheist's Handbook is (excuse the pun) a godsend. It should be required reading for students since it provides a straightforward account of what it means to be an atheist. And that's rather unique.
For the young atheist, it's a compelling read that makes her crave for more. For the old one, who followed a similar track to atheism***, it's an impulse to deeper thought and a welcome break from "New Atheism".
*The gospel mentioned here can now be found as a download at Anne Provoost's website. (pdf in Dutch)
**Strangely he does it in my voice.
***That would be me. Since I have some more thoughts on different aspects of the book, which didn't fit into a review, I'll reserve those for another post.
The best guide one can be, is through example. Alom Shaha fills the pages with his own search for meaning, from a poor immigrant family where he was raised a Muslim, to his current atheist activism. Most of the book tells a very personal story, which can easily be seen as a weakness. Isn't this what we read everyday on blogs, but then with pictures? Instead of pictures Alom Shaha interlaces his text with quotes from philosophers. Epicurus, Plato, Nietzsche are mentioned. The author builds his arguments around facts taken from scientific studies. This way he can turn the weakness of his book into a strength.
The Young Atheist's Handbook says it on its title page: "Lessons for living a good life without God". It's a book that primarily reaches out to adolescents who could be the author's own students. Within a very personal story readers can find lots of food for thought. The handbook isn't one that says you what to do, but how to do it. It serves as that wonderful teacher who nudges you in the right direction on the path to become a good person living a good life. Most important every child should be able to choose that life for herself through critical thinking. (The author tends to be a bit preachy when he drives that point home**.)
Using his own personal history to lure his readers in, Alom Shaha has outed himself as a sneaky teacher who knows the tricks of the trade. In a world where teachers of religious education, various world view courses or philosophy classes can work with a ton of material on religion, The Young Atheist's Handbook is (excuse the pun) a godsend. It should be required reading for students since it provides a straightforward account of what it means to be an atheist. And that's rather unique.
For the young atheist, it's a compelling read that makes her crave for more. For the old one, who followed a similar track to atheism***, it's an impulse to deeper thought and a welcome break from "New Atheism".
*The gospel mentioned here can now be found as a download at Anne Provoost's website. (pdf in Dutch)
**Strangely he does it in my voice.
***That would be me. Since I have some more thoughts on different aspects of the book, which didn't fit into a review, I'll reserve those for another post.
