Alain De Botton: Religion For Atheists

British Humanist Association Dept: Atheism nowadays does indeed require a lot of devotion as it s on the way to becoming a religion. The title of Alain de Botton s new book heralds it: Religion for Atheists: A Non-Believer s Guide to the Uses of Religion . He even wants to build temples because it s time atheists had their own versions of the great churches and cathedrals. , according to The Star. Frank Furedi is a sociology professor and, by his own admission, a supporter of the British Humanist Association . He writes: Where atheism was once depicted as a dangerous and subversive creed, today it is often portrayed as an enlightened outlook that perches on the moral high ground. Perhaps that s also what my host wanted to tell me as I came through his door and some years ago I attended a meeting in the home of a prominent Toronto businessman. Probably because he recognized me as he let me in, he felt compelled to warn me that he was a devout atheist. His book may be an improvement on the many rabidly anti-religious tracts that have become bestsellers in recent years. Whereas they seem to tell readers what they re against in religion, de Botton s is potentially a more positive, albeit eccentric, message. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.