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The Earthbound Parent: How (and Why) to Raise Your Little Angels Without Religion
The Earthbound Parent demonstrates why all parents who value science and reason can help stop the centuries-old practice of religious indoctrination and offers advice on how to encourage children to discover the world and their place in it for themselves.
152 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 13, 2018
As I don't need to be convinced to leave religion, I only found the last chapter and FAQ of any real use. I guess I was hoping for a bit more of the parenting part rather than the why to avoid religion in general that makes up the majority of the book.
October 5, 2021
Let me start out by stating that I went into the book with an open mind, and came out continuing to believe in organized religion, G-d and most of its trappings.
The book was extraordinarily well-written in easy to understand language. That is as refreshing as it is rare, given the intelligence of the author (in full disclosure I went to high school with him). If I were remotely on the fence on the issue I can say I would have been persuaded.
His tips on parenting and grandparenting are invaluable. He is a strong advocate for constant, personal interaction with children. For that alone the book is both worth reading and advocating. Thus the five stars are well-earned.
The book was extraordinarily well-written in easy to understand language. That is as refreshing as it is rare, given the intelligence of the author (in full disclosure I went to high school with him). If I were remotely on the fence on the issue I can say I would have been persuaded.
His tips on parenting and grandparenting are invaluable. He is a strong advocate for constant, personal interaction with children. For that alone the book is both worth reading and advocating. Thus the five stars are well-earned.
July 19, 2018
This is definitely a very important book for all parents (and aspiring parents) to read. It's a short and easy read, combining deep philosophy interspersed with lively humor and life experience. Mr. Conn never gets preachy (that would be odd, given the message of the book), but provides a solid baseline for why bringing your kids up as good humans is in many ways easier without relying on thousand-year-old fairy tales wrapped in the context of organized religion. I found the earlier part of the book (discussing the basic origins of morality and psychological allure of religion) and the later practical advice (on living in a generally religious society) to be particularly interesting. Much of the other parenting advice is reasonably basic and open-ended, but may give you ideas for what to do with all that free time with your kids (that was a joke only really busy parents will understand).
Not to detract from the book in any way, but my main problem with the concept is that its message is targeting an audience that is already "converted" in some way - already living a comfortable secular lifestyle, already open-minded and progressive, and possibly looking for incremental advice on how to cut the religious cord completely. While that group definitely needs parenting advice (we all do), they are probably not the main source of problems that extremist religious fanaticism is causing in the world. And unfortunately reaching those extremes is not feasible with a single book, or even the whole Library of Congress. Every step in the direction of society as a whole moving toward reliance on reason is a positive one, but as long as there are impressionable minds in the world, there will be people looking to use the pulpit to advance their own agendas and promote their own power and position.
So in short, thank you for the book, and keep up the good fight.
Not to detract from the book in any way, but my main problem with the concept is that its message is targeting an audience that is already "converted" in some way - already living a comfortable secular lifestyle, already open-minded and progressive, and possibly looking for incremental advice on how to cut the religious cord completely. While that group definitely needs parenting advice (we all do), they are probably not the main source of problems that extremist religious fanaticism is causing in the world. And unfortunately reaching those extremes is not feasible with a single book, or even the whole Library of Congress. Every step in the direction of society as a whole moving toward reliance on reason is a positive one, but as long as there are impressionable minds in the world, there will be people looking to use the pulpit to advance their own agendas and promote their own power and position.
So in short, thank you for the book, and keep up the good fight.
July 12, 2018
The Earthbound Parent
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While Kant makes the argument that morality derives from pure reason, his writing is opaque at best. Richard Conn by contrast approaches this complex issue with clear arguments and prose. He makes a compelling case for his vision of rearing responsible, moral children without what he views as the often destructive myth of religion. While Conn’s position will no doubt strike many readers as controversial, they may be surprised to find out how persuasive his arguments have are if they approach this book with an open mind. In a world riven by warfare among rival religious factions using ever more deadly weaponry, Conn argues that a better and more peaceful future for our children depends on our ability to transcend divisive ideologies.
The book goes on to provide a truly alternate vision of parenting, with lots of specific ideas. It becomes clear that the problem is not solely religion, but also the many other ways in which cultural norms are imprinted on young minds. These include TV and the myriad outlets for social media. Conn suggests eliminating these distractions in favor of a host of other activities, including music, language, reading, play and family time.
A very worthy read and in its own way quite courageous in espousing a point of view so outside the mainstream - both for its views on religion as well as for daring to suggest that young minds would actually be better served by learning to play chess rather than spending hours of precious time making posts on Facebook and Instagram.
————
While Kant makes the argument that morality derives from pure reason, his writing is opaque at best. Richard Conn by contrast approaches this complex issue with clear arguments and prose. He makes a compelling case for his vision of rearing responsible, moral children without what he views as the often destructive myth of religion. While Conn’s position will no doubt strike many readers as controversial, they may be surprised to find out how persuasive his arguments have are if they approach this book with an open mind. In a world riven by warfare among rival religious factions using ever more deadly weaponry, Conn argues that a better and more peaceful future for our children depends on our ability to transcend divisive ideologies.
The book goes on to provide a truly alternate vision of parenting, with lots of specific ideas. It becomes clear that the problem is not solely religion, but also the many other ways in which cultural norms are imprinted on young minds. These include TV and the myriad outlets for social media. Conn suggests eliminating these distractions in favor of a host of other activities, including music, language, reading, play and family time.
A very worthy read and in its own way quite courageous in espousing a point of view so outside the mainstream - both for its views on religion as well as for daring to suggest that young minds would actually be better served by learning to play chess rather than spending hours of precious time making posts on Facebook and Instagram.
August 5, 2019
Even though I completely agree with the views and conclusions of the author, I'm giving it 1 star. The book was recommended by Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science Facebook page and with a forward by CEO of Center of Inquiry, I was hoping for more. Much more.
The first 60% of the book is spent on basic atheist apologetics mostly quoting thinkers and authors like Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Bertrand Russell, Sigmund Freud and others. To which I can say only one thing - go and read these original authors instead. Because of this, more than half of The Earthbound Parent looks like a very shallow overview of the most known atheistic arguments.
The last part chapter (!) of the book then finally gets to what the title promises - parenthood. And unfortunately, this part gets even shallower than the first one. The author clearly is no child psychologist or has any pedagogical experience. The only training he has is as good as any other parent's - his own kids. And his advices are as good as any other parent's, too. Spend time with your kids. Oh and about that religion thing? Don't expose kids to it.
To sum up, I'm failing to understand what the right audience for this book is. If you're interesting in atheism and counter religion argumentation, spend your time and money on better books. How to find them? Just google "atheist books" and any result you'll find will be better than this. If you're interested in parenthood, then find any other parenting book by a myriad of great authors.
The first 60% of the book is spent on basic atheist apologetics mostly quoting thinkers and authors like Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Bertrand Russell, Sigmund Freud and others. To which I can say only one thing - go and read these original authors instead. Because of this, more than half of The Earthbound Parent looks like a very shallow overview of the most known atheistic arguments.
The last part chapter (!) of the book then finally gets to what the title promises - parenthood. And unfortunately, this part gets even shallower than the first one. The author clearly is no child psychologist or has any pedagogical experience. The only training he has is as good as any other parent's - his own kids. And his advices are as good as any other parent's, too. Spend time with your kids. Oh and about that religion thing? Don't expose kids to it.
To sum up, I'm failing to understand what the right audience for this book is. If you're interesting in atheism and counter religion argumentation, spend your time and money on better books. How to find them? Just google "atheist books" and any result you'll find will be better than this. If you're interested in parenthood, then find any other parenting book by a myriad of great authors.
August 4, 2018
A thoughtful, detailed and well written book. The Earthbound Parent methodically and logically addresses a complex and emotional topic.
July 16, 2018
The Earthbound Parent is a great first point of reference for the parents who are already pragmatically considering exactly what the book suggests – bringing up their children without a religion (especially in a society where it’s not the base case scenario), but with a thoughtful concern for their wellbeing and moral development. It has a good mix of non-primitive, but very clearly explained conceptual background and practical down-to-earth advice. Basically, it’s to the point. While written predominantly with US parents in mind, it will be useful for wider international audience. However, the author's unambiguous anti-religious stance may make the book less palatable to readers with religious sensitivities.
July 19, 2018
I purchased this book on amazon and found it to be extremely well-written and deliberated. Mr. Conn makes a persuasive case for his thesis. I have recommended it to others.
April 11, 2020
Incredibly well done thesis without being a simple echo of positions previously put forward by Dawkins, Dennett, Harris and my personal hero Christopher Hitchens. I am about to become a grandfather for the third time and it is important for rational, educated people to take serious stock of how they raise their children in this world. Focus on critical thinking as opposed to manufactured magical thinking is an essential skill.
Here we in the midst of a global pandemic, and the author is raising some timely questions as many people speak of "god's will" and how prayer will safe the infected... or maybe not. Powerful questions are asked -Are we better off with or without religion? This book offers some brilliant arguments for the latter.
The book offers a comprehensive clear focus on how not to convey the religious virus to our children. Mr. Conn conveys an extremely important message by encouraging rational thought, critical thinking and a deep appreciation for reality instead of magical thinking. The author drives the point home that religion is not the source of human morality, but instead it is the reflection of it. As a father who kept his now adult children "earthbound", I am proud to say they are among the most decent, moral people on the planet - I applaud the book and have sent copies to each of them.
Here we in the midst of a global pandemic, and the author is raising some timely questions as many people speak of "god's will" and how prayer will safe the infected... or maybe not. Powerful questions are asked -Are we better off with or without religion? This book offers some brilliant arguments for the latter.
The book offers a comprehensive clear focus on how not to convey the religious virus to our children. Mr. Conn conveys an extremely important message by encouraging rational thought, critical thinking and a deep appreciation for reality instead of magical thinking. The author drives the point home that religion is not the source of human morality, but instead it is the reflection of it. As a father who kept his now adult children "earthbound", I am proud to say they are among the most decent, moral people on the planet - I applaud the book and have sent copies to each of them.
October 1, 2019
Highly recommend!!! Great book for open-minded parents and parents to be! Cogent and insightful- full of tips on how to raise FREE human beings- equipped and programmed to thrive, not merely survive in the world.
Plenty of valuable advice on how to instill a strong set or moral and ethical values- the inner-compass enabling your child to make choices out of INNER-standing the right and wrong paradigms versus acting out of fear to get punished or not fit in.
The book doesn’t advocate for one way of parenting while discrediting another, which I strongly respect. Every point of discussion raised by the author is backed up by a decent amount of facts, which allows readers to form conclusions based on the rationale provided. Much valuable content that would resonate with any parent, regardless ideology or parenting style. The book is not built exclusively around the non-religious versus religious parenting aspects; I, mostly, found it to be a great set of tips from one conscious parent to another- an easy to read guide on how to raise children that think outside the box, creative, analytical, compassionate, strong-willed and able to live up to their own uniqueness/ individuality as well recognize and respect uniqueness and individuality in others.
Plenty of valuable advice on how to instill a strong set or moral and ethical values- the inner-compass enabling your child to make choices out of INNER-standing the right and wrong paradigms versus acting out of fear to get punished or not fit in.
The book doesn’t advocate for one way of parenting while discrediting another, which I strongly respect. Every point of discussion raised by the author is backed up by a decent amount of facts, which allows readers to form conclusions based on the rationale provided. Much valuable content that would resonate with any parent, regardless ideology or parenting style. The book is not built exclusively around the non-religious versus religious parenting aspects; I, mostly, found it to be a great set of tips from one conscious parent to another- an easy to read guide on how to raise children that think outside the box, creative, analytical, compassionate, strong-willed and able to live up to their own uniqueness/ individuality as well recognize and respect uniqueness and individuality in others.
September 21, 2018
The Earthbound Parent is an excellent book full of common sense. I would highly recommend it especially to young parents looking to bring up their children to be well balanced, confident individuals with a strong moral compass. Many of the concepts may seem familiar, yet the presentation and arguments in the book help to flesh out and expand those common sense ideas stored deeply within us.
This book resonated strongly with my own life experience. I was raised in a religious environment and educated within the Catholic system from kindergarten through University. Throughout my childhood, I followed along as an obedient child primarily out of respect for the beliefs of my elders. I am a deeply spiritual person, but the religious doctrine never really made sense to me. The notion that I would receive a reward in heaven if I was ‘good’ and burn in hell if I was “bad” just didn’t ring true. At the age of 25, facing many emotional conflicts I finally came to the conclusion that religion was not the answer for me to lead a good and productive life.
This book resonated strongly with my own life experience. I was raised in a religious environment and educated within the Catholic system from kindergarten through University. Throughout my childhood, I followed along as an obedient child primarily out of respect for the beliefs of my elders. I am a deeply spiritual person, but the religious doctrine never really made sense to me. The notion that I would receive a reward in heaven if I was ‘good’ and burn in hell if I was “bad” just didn’t ring true. At the age of 25, facing many emotional conflicts I finally came to the conclusion that religion was not the answer for me to lead a good and productive life.
February 27, 2020
Reading this reminded me of another Atheist author who once blocked me for disagreeing with him on secular parenting. I say this because only one chapter in this whole book was actually focused on parenting and it felt more like he was boasting. His parenting tips and ideas are for a more stricter form of secular parenting that seems to have been gaining popularity over the years among non-believers. With this author I disagree with him about completely removing or cutting out religion in a child's growth. I would rather teach my child about religion then having her learn it from someone else and religious songs and books will not convert them so it's safe to allow them if you talk to them. I will stick to Parenting Beyond Belief by Dale McGowan for my parenting needs.
October 3, 2018
I became a parent 22 years ago, and though so many books prepared me for pregnancy and delivery, no books prepared me for parenting. When my older daughter turned 6, she began violin and I encountered the first productive conversation about nurturing a child with love, patience, and instruction. Like Suzuki Shinici's wonderful book, "Nurtured by Love" Conn provides practical, candid advice and encouragement for parents who want to pro-actively raise children with values and love.
August 22, 2023
This was a very short book, but the majority of it talks about why we as parents should think critically and abandon religion. I have been without religion my entire adult life, so most of this book had information that I didn't feel was new to me. Only 1 chapter in its entirety is dedicated to how I can parent my children as a non-religious person and in a secular way. I just wish more of the book had been dedicated to that topic, as it's what I was looking for.
August 12, 2019
Agree wholeheartedly with the ideas expressed in this book. Like other reviewers have said, I think the "how" part of the book could have been longer, whereas the "why" part could have been much shorter. I was really interested in Richard Conn's ideas about TV, too, and I'm glad he went into that subject a little bit!
June 7, 2020
The first half of the book addresses the why. The second half addresses the how. I'm not sure who this book is written for. The first half, while well-reasoned, seems too forceful to appeal to a theist, but unnecessary for an athiest. The title feels misleading, as I was expecting the entire book to cover the material that was only covered in the second half.
March 24, 2019
I wanted a book to make me feel a little less guilty about not doing the whole church thing with my kids. He does ramble a bit though especially the part about television.
September 29, 2019
Very much enjoyed the book.
January 7, 2026
Like an earlier reviewer, I too was disappointed that the “how” section made up such a small portion of the book. I am happily non religious but live surrounded by an overtly religious community and bought the book hoping to find more practical parenting advice. The last chapter was useful in that regard and provided some great suggestions that I will be implementing into our family life.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews