What If I'm an Atheist?: A Teen's Guide to Exploring a Life Without Religion

by David Seidman

Can you have guidance without God? This thoughtful, one-of-a-kind guide offers answers to all of your questions about atheism and nonbelief.Have you ever wondered what religion and belief means for your life? Maybe you believe in nothing at all. Does that mean you’re an atheist? What does atheism even mean? Regardless of the religious background you grew up with, it’s natural to question what you believe…or what you don’t. Establishing your views about religion and spirituality is part of becoming an individual, but outside pressures can make it tough to know what is right for you. What If I’m an Athiest? offers a thoughtful exploration of how atheism or the absence of religion can impact your life. From discussing the practical significance of holidays to offering conversation starters and tips, this guide is an invaluable resource about religion, spirituality, and the lack thereof. This compassionate, nonjudgmental guide includes peer interviews featuring both religious and atheist teens and provides a safe space to find answers to the questions you may not want ask out loud, so you can decide what you believe—or don’t—for yourself.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2015

About the author

David Seidman is a Los Angeles–area journalist, editor, and author who often writes nonfiction for teens. He comes to the topic of atheism with empathy
for teenagers and for people in the religious minority, but he’s nobody’s advocate. He has written on topics as diverse as a US president, civil rights, teens
in Iran, and holiday lights displays.

Reviews

[ashes ➷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just be clear about this book since a lot of people (specifically in the ratings) were somewhat misled.

This book is about atheism. It is only about atheism, and it references other teens' experiences to give the reader a wide range of thoughts on atheism. The book is indeed aimed at teenagers, and it is meant to be a guide.

If you read it as a guide to atheism, it's great. However, I wouldn't recommend religious folk trying it, because there are a lot of anti-religion opinions expressed.

I really enjoyed this, personally, because it answered a lot of questions I had (as well as some I didn't.) It's supremely helpful to those that are on the atheist spectrum, and it's extremely supportive.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate that the book encouraged teens to be kind/tolerant while being firm in their own beliefs.

Note: the VOYA review that mention strong language must have been reviewed from an ARC. The library copy I read only included swear words in actual quoted material, and asterisks were used to obscure the word.

[Callen DeWit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, a good, fair and balanced presentation of a tricky topic. I appreciated the compassionate approach, encouraging maturity and respect for believers, AND including a chapter on the possibility of converting back to religion later in life. I like especially the inclusion of humor, like the end quote, after all the evidence, deliberation and angst: "There's probably no god. Now stop worrying and go enjoy your life!"

[Charlie Parra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is entertaining. I've been an atheist for a little more than 10 years.

I can tell the book is directed to a younger audience, but it has some good parts for us, the little older part of atheism.

[Max Bakke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This authors going to hell.

[Mykayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Christian I read this book as a purely informative read, which is exactly what I got. I struggle imagining teens reading this book as it's very dry, dull, and oft repetitive. I read this book as objectively as possible and appreciated the advice to teens about not being combative and disrespectful in their newfound beliefs. I also appreciated how the author when talking of arguing doctrine included both sides of the argument. I am still a firm believer but I believe I now have a better understanding of Atheists and their struggles as a whole.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was previewing this one for my daughter. Kids (and even some teachers) can be cruel. I got tired of the abundance of teenage anecdotes but I'm not really the intended audience for this book so what do I know? There is a lot of positive and nonjudgmental information for anyone on the religious spectrum - those questioning the beliefs they were raised in and those questioning their lack of belief. It does give practical information for those looking for resources and for those needing help dealing with being bullied.

[Deirdre Lohrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gives sound advice and it's useful for not just teens, but adults as well who might not be sure what an atheist is or how to handle a situation where they do not want to offend someone when they meet them.

It's hard enough being a teen so this is a good guide. I couldn't imagine being a teen and not having the support of my parents. As an adult I havent been to church in a long time but I do not label myself as such. Would recommend for parents of teens to read and not just for the teenage crowds.

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great for any beginner atheist no matter your age, keeping in mind that the resources and personal quotes are mainly from teenagers.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid pragmatic resource with surprising facts to ponder. Interesting food for thought.
Not really a cover to cover read; designed to skim and peruse.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I realized I had never read a book about atheism since becoming an atheist. It was...mostly stuff I knew already. But I'm glad to have read it.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's Nonfiction post is on What If I'm an Atheist?: A teen's Guide to Exploring a Life Without Religion by David Seidman. It is 256 pages long and is published by Simon Pulse. The cover is like a blackboard with everything written in chalk on it. The intended reader is a teenager or people wanting to learn about atheism. There is no foul language, no sexuality, and no violence in this book.


From the back of the book- Can you have guidance without God? This thoughtful, one-of-a-kind guide offers answers to all of your questions about atheism and nonbelief.
Have you ever wondered what religion and belief means for your life? Maybe you believe in nothing at all. Does that mean you're an atheist? What does atheism even mean? Regardless of the religious background you grew up with, it's natural to question what you believe--or what you don't. Establishing your views about religion and spirituality is part of becoming an individual, but outside pressures can make it tough to know what is right for you.
What If I'm an Athiest? offers a thoughtful exploration of how atheism or the absence of religion can impact your life. From discussing the practical significance of holidays to offering conversation starters and tips, this guide is an invaluable resource about religion, spirituality, and the lack thereof.
This compassionate, nonjudgmental guide includes peer interviews featuring both religious and atheist teens and provides a safe space to find answers to the questions you may not want ask out loud, so you can decide what you believe--or don't--for yourself.


Review- This is a good book for anyone who wants to learn more about atheism in general. It is written for young adults but the language is accessible for most readers. Seidman lays out what an atheist is and what that can mean. He discusses more than just atheists. He covers agnosticism and what the differences between the two are. Seidman does many things in this book from talking about what it could mean if the teen comes out as an atheist to what happens if you find religion after being an atheist. This was a generally positive book about atheism but it is positive about religion too. It really just wants to give information to those seeking it without judging or condemning the choices of others.


I give this book a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry but very informative.

Its very much for teens, as it talks about how to be respectful, kind, and bide your time if you think your parents are likely to blow a fuse.

All the quotes from teens (ranging from 13 to 19) were very poignant and came from a place of searching and seeking their own truth. They are taken from internet forums and ask for anonymity to keep everyone safe. While others were from notable atheists, writers, scholars, and scientists.

Shame a book like this has to exist because Christianity (what the book does mostly focus on) can have such a cult mentality that parents have beaten (tales are shared within the book) or kick out their own flesh and blood for not believing in their imaginary friend. The book touches on the problems of Jewish, Islam, etc, all the main faiths that pressure and push people, and how to escape.

It has a massive notes section to fact check all the data provided. It also has ways to escape your home like making your own bank account, attending college, and how to stand up for yourself. Some of the online websites have changed hands and the web addresses are no longer valid, but the fact pages and groups to seek when you need help are still here to help.

The book is not an answer key but rather a "calm down, it will be alright" instruction manual combo with shared stories. It never takes on a rude tone, and simply implores tolerance and acceptance. It touches briefly on queer issues (how many faiths demonize them), happiness, ostracization (from religious folk not practicing what they preach), and how to find an equilibrium in standing up for yourself.

atheists dot org and infidels dot org were among the referenced aid for resource and help.

--

All in all:

The book's focus on tolerance, acceptance, and finding equilibrium is a valuable message for anyone, regardless of their faith or lack thereof. It's great to see the book references reliable sources for resources and aid, and the note section is a great idea to help readers verify the information presented. Overall, it sounds like a well-researched and well-written book that could be beneficial to many young people who may be struggling with tough issues related to faith, family, and identity.

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a good book for atheist teens or teens thinking about deconversion! it normalizes being non-religious, answers common questions, debunks myths, talks about finding a label that feels comfortable, etc. it might help you realize and accept the fact that religion may not be right for you! it also talks about telling your family and friends and how to deal with discrimination.

do note there is some very light swearing at the beginning, the f-word is used twice, (uncensored the first time, censored the second) and b*llshit is also used once (uncensored).

[Katie Buckingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book so mamy stars BUT it was painfully lacking. There is not a big selection of books on atheism, as a matter of fact, I can only think of 1 other. This book had an unbiased view but it had "sources" that were random online kids? I'm sure that there could have been legit citing and better voices shared. I just felt it lost credibility using someone's online handle for their quote. Hoping kids have more options to read in the future.

[Corey W]

話晒都係全球第三大信仰，又睇咗本講無神論嘅。美國人對無神論者嘅排斥、歧視、污名化，香港讀者簡直無法想像。畢竟我哋文化好唔同，根據Adherents，美國係最多基督徒嘅國家；而於2020年，無宗教/無神論者佔香港人口54.7%，以人口比例計係全球第五高。本書亦引用調查指，無神論者係最不受美國人歡迎嘅小眾，比起穆斯林��同志、新移民更甚；家長亦最唔希望仔女同無神論者結婚。估計容不下無神論新抱/女婿嘅應該更加唔會接受同性婚姻，咪即係寧願個仔娶個lesbian，或者個女嫁個gay佬，都唔想仔女同相愛嘅無神論者結婚！作者亦教年青讀者，向家人「出櫃」時儘量唔好提起 the “A” word（難聽過粗口嘅「無神論者」）。
儘管今日受盡白眼，本書結尾教美國年輕無神論者盼望，學者推測到2038年，無神論者將增長至超過全球人口一半。Welcome to the right side of history LOL!

[Justin Young]

A book for a young audience that find themselves surrounded by religion. Atheists, Agnostics, Freethinkers that have been indoctrinated into a religious organization would find this book helpful. For those that are life long Atheists, Agnostics or Freethinkers may not connect with this book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skimmed May 2024 --- really good informational book for teens looking to explore Atheism.

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher.

[Bethk · Rating 5 out of 5]

What If I'm An Atheist? by David Seidman Copyright 2015 This Beyond Words/Simon & Schuster
ISBN 978-1-58270-407-4
Recommended: 4 Star.

I read this book as a pre-release e-book obtained through NetGalley,
provided by the publisher.

This book explains Atheism, as well as other terms used to describe those without a belief in a personal, supernatural deity. It describes the realities of life as an unbeliever, dealing with objections of others, celebration of holidays as an atheist, and the option to eventually believe in a religion in the future with remarkable clarity and simplicity. As a book written for tweens, teens, and young adults who find themselves questioning their faith, it is extremely well written. The explanations are simple, yet very complete. This includes common objections, such as ""How can you find meaning in life without belief in God or an afterlife?" to specific objections offered to the young such as "You're just going through a phase." " to more formal arguments including Pascal's Wager, Argument from Design, Argument from Evil, Divine Hiddenness and typical notions such as "Atheists are intolerant."

This is a very good book in the sense that it teaches good tips about
making arguments or persuasion in general, and how to and how not to go
about it. And, to note that your goal is not to convince someone of the
"truth" of what you are saying, just the validity.

The book includes many other resources for further reading or study,
including news services, websites, twitter feeds, and other "new media"
which are popular in the 21st century.

Included are descriptions of consequences that a minor child or dependent student may encounter from telling their parents of their unbelief if it is not well-accepted by the parents. Helpful groups in high schools and colleges are mentioned. Factual stories of teens who have successfully dealt with issues involving their unbelief are described - and many of those teens had help from their parents. Resources for various forms of help, including finding other teens who are also questioning, how to find a therapist if you want to talk to one, or how to get help if the polite suggestions on dealing with parents fail, and parents begin hitting them or expel them from the home. Or, resources for teens to get help with this or other problems.

[Kelly Akemann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book from the get go. As someone who has struggled with my religious beliefs both as an adult and as a youth, I was hoping to see a true conversation if you will about religion. I was hoping to encourage the youth of today to read this book to be able to make their own informed decisions about their religious life. But this was such a disappointment, I cannot reccomend this to anyone really. I was disappointed that they kept labeling people as athists as opposed to agnostic. And it really did not give a good definition of the two and their differences. And let me tell you that athists and agnostics are not the same. But this seemed to lump anyone who did not prescribe to a labeled religion (Catholic/Muslim/Christian/Jewish/Etc) then they were atheist. When in fact the way they described Abraham Lincoln or Mark Twain and many celebrities, one could tell they were not atheist at all, but were agnostic or just not defining their religious distinctions. Just because one does not attend a certain church does not mean they are not religious.
Therefore, I give this book a 1 star rating. I was disappointed by the overall book because in my opinion this was not a "guide for teens to explore a life without religion" as the cover stated

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I think it's important to have a book like this in a middle and high school library, as many teens are questioning their faith at this time. The book serves as a much-needed guide to students navigating the sometimes tricky waters of becoming (or staying) an atheist. Atheism is a rich topic with an abundance of sources to cite for both background information and personal experiences. I was bothered by the author's reliance on quotes from teens in various message boards on the Internet. He quotes these types of sources extensively using their screen names. I wouldn't accept these types of sources from my students, and I would have expected more robust sources of information in a published book. I would have enjoyed the books more if he had interviewed and quoted real teens instead of getting information from random people on the internet.

[AquaMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if I'm An Atheist is interesting, informative, and, most importantly, respectful toward all "sides." This book deals with how to "come out" about one's non-belief, how to handle bullies and backlash, and how to become comfortable with one's personal viewpoint in an, otherwise, very religios world. The quotes and personal accounts throughout make this book relatable to the teens who would likely pick it up. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to teens (or adults, for that matter) who are either questioning or seeking advice for how to haldle their own personal lack of belief.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This helpful and informative book for teens includes interviews with teens and young adult atheists who share their experiences and give advice about how to speak to family, friends and others about the fact that they are atheist. Teens are encouraged to remain calm and polite and the book gives tips on how to respond to religious people who are critical of their lack of belief. I think that teens will find this book to be a helpful resource. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.

[Tayla Potayta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Received a free ebook for an honest review.

I was really hoping this was going to be a story. It was more of a really long research paper. I mean how can you have a book with citations? I'll definitely keep going back to this book if I need information but I read one chapter and ending up skimming a while until I realized it wasn't going to stop and get to an actual story. I was really excited for this :/

[Darcee Kraus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this novel in the First Read's giveaway! I enjoyed the initial tones of David Seidman's discussions; however I felt as if I could not grasp the main ideas of each topic. I wish that Seidman's ideas would have been more thorough. I felt as if I was waiting to hear his true questions and their answers. I will definitely pass it on!

[Shauna Yusko]

Not rating.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well put together and I love the fact that they included a section about people who were atheist and switched over to find religion. Very non-judgmental, non-bashing book.