To Hell with Heaven: An Introduction to Apatheism

by Adam Kunz

The population of the United States is becoming less and less affiliated with any religion, at the same time that national, state, and local governments are considering policies that elevate religious freedom over other civil rights and liberties. Meanwhile, religious extremism and religiously motivated violence are steadily rising. In these vigorous debates, the loud voices of extremists drowned out religious and irreligious moderates. As the so-called “faithful” demand more and more accommodations for their beliefs, are large percentage of the population is on the sidelines. How should this “silent majority” of moderates approach such a pressing national conversation?

In To Hell with Heaven, Dr. Adam Kunz offers a apatheism. A combination of the words “apathy” and “theism,” this attitude meets religious claims with indifference. In his part-philosophical, part-autobiographical account, Dr. Kunz explains what apatheism is and how it differs from its opposite, religious zealotry. Drawing from his own experience leaving Mormonism, he argues that when it comes to religious extremism, rather than “fight fire with fire,” moderates should embrace passive resistance. Instead of accepting the high-energy, apocalyptic narratives of zealots, Dr. Kunz invites moderates to counter it with their own narrative – that zealot thinking and sectarian debates should take a backseat to much more pressing issues. Ultimately, this book empowers believers and non-believers to look extremists in the eye and, as with a playground bully, “I don’t care.”

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Janja Lalich]

Excellent book -- very relevant for today's world. Personal exploration and explanation of extremist beliefs.

[Dallin Karlsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This booked said exactingly how I feel about religion. I wish everv one in my personal life would get a copy of this and read it. There are more of us apatheists out there and we need to start speaking up!

[Lynds Perrott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating exploration

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written journey through deconstructing one’s thoughts surrounding religion, life, and love.