A World Without God: The Search for Meaning in a Society Overwhelmed by Despair

by Chris Palmer

Is the existence of God essential to humanity?

A World Without God is a philosophical exploration that challenges readers to consider the implications of a hypothetical society without divine influence.

Like Dostoyevsky's enigmatic characters and the brutal depictions of reality in the book of Judges, this book considers--in the form of narrative philosophy--the consequences of abandoning faith in God. Journeying into the nihilistic haze of technological oversaturation and moral decline, Chris Palmer, PhD, confronts today's most persistent questions about meaning, purpose, and existence in a world adrift.

A World Without God offers an honest yet hopeful path for those open to God but unsure why they should commit to a belief they cannot ground in science. In its fresh look at key influences in literature--from Albert Camus to Jordan Peterson--this book examines how people search for meaning without a creator and how the absence of the divine can lead to chaos and psychological collapse.

Whether you're a Christian, a skeptic, or simply curious about the implications of a world without God, this book will spark imagination and deep reflection.

Genres: Christian

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Chris Palmer is an environmental and wildlife film producer who has swum with dolphins and whales, come face-to-face with Kodiak bears, and camped with wolf packs. Chris has spent 25 years producing more than 300 hours of original programming for prime time television and the giant screen (IMAX) film industry. Born in Hong Kong, Chris grew up in England and immigrated to the United States in 1972. He is married to Gail Shearer and the father of three grown daughters (Kim, Christina and Jenny)."

Reviews

[Jackson Blythe]

Read this book. Intertwines theology and philosophy beautifully. Will help you see beneath the nihilistic age we live in. Rather than just speculate about it, Palmer creates characters to live amongst godless ideologies in a town called “Novemberton” and shows the demise and meaningless to life that always comes in a world without God. This book grew me into a more imaginative thinker, revealed areas of my life that I choose active meaninglessness over trust in God, and will help understand the paths of life many actively choose umbrella of godlessness.

Also would highly recommend for any deep thinking intellectuals who struggle with saying yes to Jesus.

[Edie]

Palmer takes us on a journey in a mythical town called Novemberton. It's a nod to Moby Dick"s "November of the Soul" representing a bleak, existential state. Palmer references Dostoyevsky, Nietzsche and the Book of Judges to understand what it would look like if people reject the notion of God or His influence in their lives. He also looks at the "nihilistic haze of technology" and its effects on society. I thought this quote is a good summary of the tension for those who believe in a world without God, "beneath the modern mood, underneath the weight of meaninglessness, people are torn between modern disenchantment and the possibility of transcendence."

It is very interesting that Pew Research found that 23% of those who identified as atheists believe in a higher power, with some who still pray to that higher power. Overall, it truly is depressing to consider a world without God.

[Autumn Phillips]

An intriguing delve into modern society, how we got here and where we’re heading; all proposed through a thin veil of fiction. This book ties theology, philosophy, and inspiring conclusions to drive the reader towards the question of whether we can survive in a world without God.

[Jackson Paladin]

An easy read full of deep thoughts, very timely for the modern age.

[Melanie]

World Without God is one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read. It challenges readers to think deeply about faith, morality, purpose, and what society would look like without God. Whether you agree with every point or not, the book encourages honest reflection and meaningful conversation.

Chris Palmer writes in a way that is engaging, easy to follow, and backed by thoughtful reasoning. I appreciated how he tackled difficult questions while keeping the message accessible and respectful. It left me thinking long after I finished the last chapter.

If you’re interested in Christian apologetics, exploring life’s big questions, or strengthening your faith, I highly recommend this book. It’s an insightful and compelling read that deserves five stars.

[Alessandro]

I gave this book one star because I believe it presents a caricature of non-believers rather than an accurate representation of who they are and what they believe.
My invitation to prospective readers is simple: you can choose to accept the picture of non-believers presented in this book, or you can speak to atheists, agnostics and other non-believers yourself and decide which version better reflects reality. In my experience, you may find the reality very different from the one described here.

[Matthew Wright]

Great philosophical exploration of a world without God and how that leads to nihilism. My only reason for holding back a star is I feel like he could have gotten to how God brings meaning and purpose a little sooner and focused a bit more on that to bring people back to the solution of nihilism.

[Tim Houston]

This could have been so much more. He diagnoses a genuine problem in society very creatively and vividly and gets so close to providing the cure, but falls short by giving such a small portion of Christian hope.

[Kristy]

Loved this book so much - fabulous mix of philosophy and theology 👏

[Ashley]

This is a contemplative read that doesn’t offer surface level solutions to life’s biggest questions but brings you on a journey that ends with not answers, but hope.

[moony]

very insightful and thoughtful however i would’ve appreciated if it elaborated on the theoretical side as opposed to talking abt fake people and scenarios and hypotheticals

[Kelli]

By page 110 I felt the gray of Novemberton seeping into my bones. I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because a few times I was jarred out of the captivating narrative by a different voice. It was odd. But the book was absolutely fantastic!