Persian Realm

What aspects of religion should atheists (respectfully) adopt? Alain de Botton suggests a "religion for atheists" -- call it Atheism 2.0 -- that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence. ( See Related CNN article by De Botton Here)

TED Talks : Alain de Botton: Atheism 2.0 :

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

            
- Alain de Botton says athiests are right to disbelieve religious dogma

            
- But he says they make the mistake of rejecting the benefits religion brings

            
- De Botton: Religion offers consolation, ritual, spirituality that atheists can adopt

- Religions have been the most successful educational movements, he says

About the Author :

Alain de Botton is the author of a new book "Religion for Atheists" and of "How Proust Can Change Your Life." He is the founder of www.theschooloflife.com and of an architectural organisation called www.living-architecture.co.uk. He spoke at the TED Global conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, last year. TED is a nonprofit dedicated to "Ideas worth spreading" which it makes available through talks posted on its website.

Related Blogs on 'Faith':

Mother Teresa: Saint or Scandal? Christopher Hitchens Vs Bill Donohue (Hardball Debate)

Queen Elizabeth Greeted by British Baha'is at Diamond Jubilee's multi faith reception

DISCRIMINATION: Vendetta Against Anglican Bishop in Iran (1980) 

VOA’s OFOGH: Abbas Milani and Mansour Borji on Fate of Iran’s Christians

ROYAL CHRISTMAS: Shahbanou Visits Church in Rezaiyeh (1970's) 

Other Blogs on Alain De Botton:

Alain de Botton - On Pessimism and Why it's Useful 

HISTORY OF IDEAS: Seneca on Anger - A Guide To Happiness with Alain de Botton (BBC)

HISTORY OF IDEAS: Montaigne's Guide To Happiness,Wisdom and Self-Esteem (BBC Documentary) 

HISTORY OF IDEAS:Socrates on Self-Confidence and Non Conformist Thought (BBC Documentary)