The Atheist Book Club discussion

I know we've got some authors in this club. Here's a space for you to tell us about your works!

Voltaire once said that, “If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent him.” How right the guy was. “Whom God Would Destroy” takes this premise and runs with it, asking, what if God was an imposter and all theists were suckers?

The book has everything one could ask for in a killer satire: a “deity,” space aliens, insanity, Big Macs and the search for the Ultimate Orgasm (no, get your mind out of the gutter, it’s not what you think). It even takes a serious stab at explaining why religion was once useful - too bad that was thousands of years ago.

In March, WGWD was awarded The Scattering’s “Spring 2011 Heretic Badge of Honor.” The last winner was Mark Twain (sadly, unlike me, he didn’t get to brag about this coup, as he got his badge posthumously).

The Kindle version of Whom God Would Destroy is currently available for a mind-boggling $.99 (that’s over a thousand words a penny)!! The paperback is still a great deal...one penny gets you 71 words ($14 - and if you order from www.whomgodwoulddestroy.com that includes those pesky S&H costs). I hope some of you get a chance to check it out. Who knows, maybe you can even help it lose its “book discussion group” cherry? It dreams of being dissected.

In closing, let me say that Whom God Would Destroy covers a lot of territory, but mostly it’s about taking reality (and religion) with a pillar of salt!

Thanks for being there.

-Commander Pants

Commander wrote: "Voltaire once said that, “If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent him.” How right the guy was. “Whom God Would Destroy” takes this premise and runs with it, asking, what if God was an ..."


I'm really eager to read this -- just signed up for the give away, but I'll definitely buy it if I don't win.

So glad that I've piqued your interest. Good luck with the giveaway (sorry you have to wait so long to find out).

Oh no! I didn't realize it didn't end until July?! I may not be able to wait that long!

That's the spirit (then, when you win the book you'll have a perfect gift for that person who has everything).
If you have a Kindle, it's only a whopping $.99!

Hello everyone! I have just published a book titled 'The Resurrection' which deals with an Atheist interaction with the New Testament writers. I would love to have as much Christian input as possible if this work does grab their interest. In order to purchase through Kindle or hard copy access my blog site: http://theresurrectionseries.wordpres... and click on the book cover or Amazon image.

Parker

The recent failed "rapture" makes my novel The Rupture more relevant than ever. The book has been on the ebook bestseller list at different times in the US and the UK. An alien from Alpha Centauri comes to Earth to forestall a religious war that is threatening to destroy the planet. He develops a stand-up comedy routine, achieves global notoriety, and in a shocking climax turns the Rapture on its ear. Read an excerpt on my goodreads site, as well as reviews, and excerpts from my other books, some of which have also been bestsellers.

One of my 'atheist comic sci-fi pulp fiction' books is on special promotion right now from Amazon - free for your kindle (if you have one) at http://www.amazon.com/Missy-Tonight-e...

It's always free from Feedbooks and Smashwords, as are all my books.

Missy Tonight is a comedy about an atheist TV talk show hosted by a cranky old atheist named Missy D'Angelo, who loves nothing better than to get religious people on her show so she and her panel of pundits can tear into them. When one of her pundits vanishes, an unlikely candidate thinks he'd be just right for the job. Missy Tonight is the story of his attempt to crash the gates of the New Atheism - hey, he figures, all these other guys are cashing in, why can't I?

Tom, that's fantastic! I love free kindle books and it sounds entertaining. Thanks for posting.

My thanks to Ms. Higgins for allowing me to post this article from the front page of Atheist Activist:

Highly Recommended: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD & EVIL by Glenn Kleier (MacMillan)

"Once was a time novelists took on thorny social issues, defying the so-called moral majority and conventional wisdom. We seldom see that in fiction these days. But one American author has restored the tradition. Glenn Kleier first took on fundamentalism in 1997 with his groundbreaking suspense thriller, "The Last Day," (Warner Books) the story of a female messiah who directly challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. "The Last Day" reached more than 1,000,000 readers worldwide in 17 different languages, despite a boycott effort by the Catholic League of America.

Now, a dozen years later, Kleier returns with another compelling suspense thriller "The Knowledge of Good & Evil,"(MacMillan/Tor/Forge)--a daring satire attacking repressive religious beliefs. Kleier fights fire with fire, using religion itself to undermine fundamentalism and narrow-minded dogma. As Publisher's Weekly describes it: 'Kleier's undeniably gripping second spiritual thriller is bound to provoke as many arguments as his controversial first novel.'

This is a book that all freethinkers should embrace and promote with a passion--a powerful tool in the fight for a more rational, reasonable society. Secular Humanism has gained momentum of late with the non-fiction works of Dawkins and Hitchens. Now we add to that a strong prose voice. Let's spread the word and make the most of this opportunity."

Hi All you Freethinkers!
I just published a book called Rose's Will, by Denise DeSio, and two of the main characters are Atheists. You can buy it and read the reviews here:
http://www.48fourteen.com/catalog/ros...

What happens when you mix a lesbian Atheist, a resentful people-pleaser, a Bulgarian millionaire, and one very nasty matriarch with a colorful cast of extended relatives? Dare to find out.

"This question needs an answer, and I'm gonna bring it home."

Between him and the truth lie a century and an ocean, but nothing can prepare Charlinder for what he'll find.

*****

Charlinder's Walk is a humanist coming-of-age in a post-apocalyptic setting. It ties fantasy elements to skeptical themes. It is available at Amazon and there is a link on the Bookshelf. There is more information, including excerpts at my website: http://www.redsresources.com/charlind...

When I was a youngster a friend of mine, whose mother was teaching us Sunday School, and I slipped out of an open back window in the room when her back was turned. We ended up walking into Louie Catlin’s, a local confectionary, and buying some baseball cards. One other thing I remember is our United Church minister’s sermons were incredibly boring. I don’t remember doing this, but my mother remembered. She told me I used to crawl along the seats of the pew when everyone else stood up to sing. That was a long time ago considering today I am a seasoned seventy year old.

Eventually I grew up and, with my mother’s kind persistence, I learned to behave myself. That is everything but my thoughts learned how to behave. Like most young adults, I often wondered what heaven was all about, and hell, yikes, what was that? A Supreme Creator who suspended a ball of dirt and rock in a space that was beyond comprehension in size amongst a bunch of other dirt balls, which were too many to count, was too much for me to accept. I was convinced that there had to be another explanation.

When I finally figured it out, a quiet calm settled over me. I felt that an enormous weight had been removed from my shoulders. Maybe it was something as simple as feeling the relief from realizing that when I died I wouldn’t suffer in hell for an eternity.

Anyway it doesn’t matter now. What matters is I was smart enough to know that lots of people love to read fictional stories, and if I were to weave my thoughts into an intriguing fictional tale, people might actually be interested.

The problem was, I was not addicted to English Literature during my high school and university years. My interests were focused on math and chemistry at the time, and I ended up succeeding as a Canadian Chartered Accountant. My other problem was, I had never written a novel, my spelling and grammar were beyond atrocious, and you guessed it, the worms damn near got me in 1999.

It was my wife who, at five a.m. on February 14, 1999, suspected something was wrong, dialed 911, and I ended up in the emergency room of our local hospital. My wife-a registered nurse-was wearing a pair of form fitting jeans, her back was turned to me, and she was describing what had happened to the doctor on duty.

That’s the last image I had until I woke up staring at a male nurse who was leaning over me, smiling, and shaking my limp hand. That’s right, I had died. At least my heart had started to fibrillate, and it took two zaps, I think each zap was 82 million volts-well maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration-to get my heart pumping properly again.

Without getting too dramatic, there were no flashing lights and no sensations of slowly drifting off into the great unknown with a group of angels to guide me. Better still, I didn't notice a sinister character lurking in the background, dressed in long red underwear, holding a pitch fork and a sign with my name on it.

Is it any surprise to you that over ten years later I have finished a novel that flushes out my thoughts on all this stuff about a Supreme Creator, a heaven, and a hell? Is it any surprise to anyone that I demanded of myself that I avoid the atheistic tome-like arguments, and offer something that you would actually enjoy reading?

Well, it’s no surprise to me. Yes, I’ve written a novel called, TAMING ARMAGEDDON. It is a story about Howard Rhodes who was only 14 when his parents were killed in a suspicious car accident. Now 16, and intellectually gifted to a genius level, he stuns his teachers by unraveling the metaphysical error in the logic to Zeno’s Paradox – a conundrum which has confounded scientists since 400 BC.

While investigating possibilities regarding small particles bombarding the earth from outer space, Howard not only discovers a new source of energy that would eliminate the need for burning fossil fuels, but he also finds the means of creating a particle beam shield that will protect the United States and its allies from a Ballistic Missile attack; or which, conversely, in the wrong hands can be turned into a Killing Machine.

When Howard’s discoveries attract the attention of Stefan Nacouski – a member of a powerful terrorist group - our protagonist finds himself embarking upon a series of hair-raising and engrossing adventures.

Hi all.

Just publised a novel titled "The secret of the elements"

ebook format: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006VRFH7M

physical form expected soon: visit http://armidapublications.com/index.p...

A short(ish) description:

A 99-year-old woman managed to do the unthinkable and tricked the devil when she sold him her soul. In order for the transaction to be completed, the devil has to negotiate with the keeper of that soul, her grandson Bartholomew (Barto) Marshal, a penniless avant-garde composer. What she would like Barto to do is: ‘be a good boy’ and ask only for the secret of the elements to be revealed to him. Much to his surprise, the hangover atheist discovers that satan exists and his loving grandma sold him her soul. He will do as instructed and his mind will age a million years in a week. During that time he composes the journey of mankind into the future. Barto finds himself able to travel through, and witness, parallel realities. He envisions potential scenarios of the progress of humanity, all of them leading to the same conclusion: 'It is going to happen anyway, it is only a matter of when.'

In the meantime, satan and his Purgatory World Creation (PWC) corporation are scheming an aggressive coup that will overturn god and take over control of his aged and old fashioned NEW EDEN corporation. God tries his best to modernise, increase his resources, open franchises and stop satan's dangerously expanding market share. Both, however, fail to realise that somewhere on planet earth a composer closed in a secret so great that could make their business obsolete. The race is on. Will a young academic save his best friend from what he believes (by not believing) is a perilous journey into the depths of insanity? Will satan rule the cosmos? Will mankind achieve technological and biological immortality? Do the laws of physics allow for humanity to survive the fate of a collapsing universe? Is god physically threatened? What is the secret of the elements?

The end is predetermined but there are an infinite number of paths dressed in luminous tones, for the composer orchestrating the journey to choose, in order to get his audience there.

Your book looks great, Christos. Looking forward to reading it.

My book, published in June, is a historical biography. It has taken me a while to get it listed on Goodreads, and I hope to advance to a giveaway soon. You can also read about it at www.johnemersonroberts.com. John Emerson Roberts: Kansas City's "Up-to-date" Freethought Preacher

Just published a novel Chattanooga: a novel (written by my dad...I made a small contribution as a co-author.) Giveaway currently going on till 1/31, so enter today if interested.

Ellen wrote: "My book, published in June, is a historical biography..."

Right up my alley. Looking forward to reading it.

Forgot to shamelessly plug my book, which is Letters from an Atheist Nation: Godless Voices of America in 1903.

It's a collection of letters from American atheists sent in to a freethought newspaper in 1903. These types of testimonials are popular on atheism blogs right now, and this book happened to initiate one of them, on PZ Myers's Pharyngula blog. It's a good example of how today's NEW atheism is really just a rebirth of the Golden Age of Freethought in the 19th-century.

It's available on Kindle and in paperback.

Letters from an Atheist Nation: Godless Voices of America in 1903

www.thomaslawsonbooks.com

Just wanted to let everyone know that my book will be available for FREE on Amazon Kindle starting on Monday, February 6.

It's free to borrow for Amazon Prime users right now in the Kindle Lending Library, but it will be free "for keeps" for everyone on Monday, through Friday, February 10.

Letters from an Atheist Nation: Godless Voices of America in 1903

Some people have noticed that I tend to nominate my own book when the Atheist book of the month comes around to the genre of atheist fiction. I have not a bad word to say about Philip Pullman or Sir Terry (both of whose works I enjoy), or any of the other fine authors who've been put forward. I just happen to be inordinately fond of my own book in this category-- .

Polly! is a satire wherein the reader discovers:

* why snowmen can't dance
* the Three Laws of Thermodynamics
* a previously unknown Marx Brothers movie
* the secret of the universe

Oh, and also the recipe for the world's most perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The book has received some great reactions. Those of you who know science fiction are probably aware of Hugo- and Nebula-winning author Spider Robinson, who said, "All hands on Decalogue! A protagonist readers will find it easy to identify and empathize with, a classic journey story told with wit, wisdom and deceptive ease, and the most interesting guest star ever--what's not to like, here? Perhaps writers who attempt a book like Polly! wanna crack or two across the face for their audacity (to parrot conventional wisdom)--but not if they can manage to pull it off this entertainingly."

William Hampl, editor of American Atheist magazine, said, "Stephen Goldin's Polly! is an engaging novel, drawing the reader into humorous philosophical discussions about the various demands that people make regarding their deities."

Here are some other great reviews:

http://greatbooksunder5.blogspot.com/...
http://flyingwithredhaircrow.wordpres...
http://adarnasf.com/2011/08/29/polly-...

But the one that warms my heart most is the Goodreads member who called the book "blasphemous" and "highly offensive." Sigh. If only I could get an endorsement like that from Pat Robertson.

On the spur of the moment, I've decided to hold a $1 off sale on the book. Just go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/... and use coupon #WP68Y when ordering to get a buck off the standard ebook price. This coupon is good through Valentine's Day. (I know that's technically St. Valentine's Day, but the holiday is really more about love than religion, and Polly approves very highly of love.)

I hope you'll take this opportunity to get acquainted with Polly. She's really a delightful lady.

Yeah I cought the above commentary. For what it's worth Candide is my all-time favorite novel. It beautifully captures the human condition like no other book I've ever read.
everybody-hates-chris-volkay

I just published my e-book, Feast or Famine, at the Kindle Store at Amazon.com. EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY? It’s more like eat, drink, and be miserable. Feast or Famine is a novel which depicts what happens when the tension between the Catholic Church’s restrictions on self-indulgence and the Italian desire for food, gambling, physical passion, and expensive (although tacky) material things encounters the social upheaval of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

The main character, Mike Accordo, an English teacher, had not spoken for a long time after becoming catatonic following a traumatic event involving some students. As part of his recovery, he is in Florence, Italy, in the summer of 1987 with his mentor/surrogate mother/unofficial therapist, Ambrosia D’Italia. He is dictating his memoir so that he can hear his own voice again and be able to converse with his friend at the same time. The book focuses on South Philadelphians from the 1960’s to the 1980’s, and includes stories about gangsters, murder, drugs, and rock and roll.

Kindle Store at Amazon.com
www.augustuscileone.com

My first book is an attempt to write atheist fiction, in the same way Ayn Rand wrote objectivist, and Kurt Vonnegut wrote post-modern. Would love to hear any thoughts or comments. Thanks

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...

http://www.amazon.com/Jimmy-Lagowski-...

I am a former Vegas stripper giving away my erotic ebook Coveting My Neighbor's Wife. Download your free copy at www.smashwords.com/profile/view/EpicS...

Donegal wrote: "I know we've got some authors in this club. Here's a space for you to tell us about your works!"
"Voltaire once said that, 'If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent him.' How right the guy was."

Yes! For... they DID invent "Him." ;)

I am looking for feedback on a book I have written: The Words that Created God: An Atheist Reveals the True Meaning of the Ten Commandments." The book is about the secular values the 10Cs represent and how the notion of a single God, rather that being their source, is in fact entirely dependent on certain secular values being firmly in place in society. A main point, however, is that religious extremists, while claiming to represent God, in fact undermine the social stability that secular morality has created. There’s a lot more to it, despite this being a fairly short book, including a look at just why the 10Cs were written into the Bible in the first place. It’s a surprising story.
There are free sample downloads of the first few chapters on Amazon, Smashwords, and Goodreads. Timothy NiedermannThe Words That Created God

sounds interesting. have added to my list for reading/review. and please consider reciprocating!

Pat wrote: "sounds interesting. have added to my list for reading/review. and please consider reciprocating!"

Thanks. Glad to.

Well, the world is quiet. I have been posting on several threads, and in view if teh discussions, I want to say a little more about my book, The Words That Created God: An Atheist Reveals the True Meaning of the Ten Commandments." The search for God is really the search for moral clarity. Quite by accident, I discovered that the elements of a moral society were indeed set forth in the Bible, except that the Israelites didn't get it at all. They thought it was about God, but it wasn't. It was about security and faith in each other as human beings.An ancient scribe was a genius who saw that there were a few rules that society needed to exist, and he (or she) added them to the stories collected by to form the first Bible--collected by Greeks, not Hebrews! God was a political add-on, nothing more. I think this is an important book, not just for atheists, but for everyone who wants a moral society. The Words That Created God

Hello All,
I am on the editorial board and author of a brand new anthology, Atheist Voices of Minnesota. The book is available on Amazon and at http://mnatheists.org/store. All proceeds from the book support Minnesota Atheists, a non-profit organization. The book is funny, positive and sensitive. Please check it out. It makes a great book club selection. We hope other states follow our lead and publish their own collections.

Thank you for your support.

Jill Carlson


Atheist Voices of Minnesota: An Anthology of Personal Stories

I highly recommend the Great Leap Fraud. The first volume is huge and initially difficult to read but after the 100 page mark, everything starts to flow and come together, like a perfect maze of puzzle. The second volume was outstanding. It is a must read for anyone interested in the economics of religion. It focuses on whether religion fosters poverty or not. Check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Interesting, C.J. Unfortunately, a lot of the text is not readable -- dark letters against the dark water just don't stand out.

Hi, folks!

I am an author and one of the co-hosts of the commercial radio show and podcast Ask An Atheist. I recently self-published my book Baptism for the Dead after it was rejected by 83 (!!) publishing professionals for a variety of reasons, among them (and most popular), the mistaken belief that atheists aren't a large enough segment of the population to make the book a commercial success. Oh, how wrong they were!

I hope you'll read the book and offer your honest opinion here on Goodreads, on Amazon, on your blog...wherever you typically review books and share recommendations with your friends. I appreciate it!

(And I'm looking forward to being an active member of this group...it looks like a great one!)

No, it is not based on actual events, except in the most glancing and meaningless of ways (for example, there is a scene where the characters go to Driggs, Idaho and find a wrecked house with something unpleasant inside; that really happened to me on a road trip.) I think all writers put a little bit of their actual experiences into their work, but even though I was born in Rexburg and am an ex-Mormon, it is not in any way an autobiographical novel. It's just a story I wanted to tell.

Until I was 23. I'm 32 now.

Now this is my kind of thread. So many awesome books to check out.

I also have one to add to the list, Existence Is Futile.

‘Professor Henry Tomlinson, accredited member of the National Microbiologists Association, author of the best seller ‘The Futility of Sheep’, widower, father of twins, sat on the chair in his ransacked study and for the first time in his life, asked himself if he was losing his mind.’

There are three things which can irrevocably change a man’s life – the death of a loved one, a moment of revelation and saying the wrong thing at precisely the wrong time. Unfortunately for Professor Henry Tomlinson, he has recently experienced all three. And it’s those experiences which threaten to push him over the edge. Is his past really key to understanding his present, or is it yet another trick of his mind?

‘Existence Is Futile’, the debut novel from Scott Andrews, tells the story of one man’s struggle to keep his head whilst he tries to come to terms with his own reality. ‘Existence Is Futile’ aspires to address a number of existential questions, is brave enough to attempt jokes which don’t include toilets and inclusive enough to include a ninja. That’s right. A ninja.

C.J. wrote: "Is the Ninja atheist?"

Not just the ninja, but the Professor too :)

Sounds great, Scott! I'll check it out.

Hello, I'm James Reich, a writer from England, and resident of the United States since 2009. My debut novel I, Judas: A Novel was published by Soft Skull Press in Oct. 2011, and my second, also from Soft Skull is due in July 2013. I hope that you'll check them out. Thank you.

Praise for I, Judas : http://www.amazon.com/I-Judas-Novel-J...

“This one'll have you clenched in a fetal position for a century, relieved only by the occasional orgasms of its mellifluous prose. You have to be strong to read this book: it rains fireballs." —Andrei Codrescu, author of Whatever Gets you through the Night: A Story of Sheherezade and the Arabian Entertainments

“Reading I, Judas, I found myself often provoked, occasionally disgusted or even enraged, and always riveted. It's not often that a book or a writer not only confounds my expectations, but makes me question a set of assumptions I didn't even know I held.” —Julie Powell, author of Julie and Julia

Reich proves to be a thoughtful and meticulous provocateur - a much-needed voice in contemporary fiction. In I, Judas, there is a delicious lawlessness of prose, a revolt against conventional language and storytelling. Some may take offense to his insinuations; but isn't that often the case with great fiction? - Pasatiempo Magazine, New Mexican

"James Reich is a sensible product of 20th century literature, Faulkner, Joyce, Cortazar, Ginsberg, Dylan, -- and film maker Kenneth Anger...Best is his surprising ability to strike home continually with an exalted, consummate phrase, paragraph, even a word...a fascinating thinker...a genuine writer." - Charley Dunlap, Listomania

"Buy a copy of James Reich's novel I, Judas. Walk alongside Judas and Jesus, taste the wine, smell the whores, slip the noose over your head, witness the fear, self loathing and betrayal. Then... abandon all hope... of putting it down until you've finished reading it." - Dirt City Chronicles

"As Taliban fundamentalists dynamited the Bamiyan Buddhas, with this book Reich blows up the Gospels...Yeats' Second Coming is so optimistic in comparison. Reich writes beautifully... a gruesome enchantment...a new and personal understanding of that old-fashioned word blasphemous...iconoclastic and brutal prose poetry." - The Historical Novel Review

*Book of the Week* With exquisite prose James Reich delivers a rich and provocative cultural elucidation as he poetically unfolds the relationship of Jesus and Judas across millenniums. - Bold Type Magazine

Sounds great! I'll definitely read it. Thanks!

Libbie wrote: "Sounds great! I'll definitely read it. Thanks!"

Thanks, Libbie! I hope that you'll enjoy it.

Hi C.J. - I, Judas is anachronistic. Here is the publisher's blurb, from the back of the book: "Judas Iscariot is the historical symbol of betrayal. But what really happened at the Garden of Gethsemane? What really compelled Judas to hang himself from a tree? I, Judas reimagines Iscariot’s relationship to Jesus Christ and explores Judas's orchestration of the elaborate con of the divinity of Jesus Christ, subverting the legend of Judas as he inhabits some of our most notorious literary and historic figures in their darkest hours. Custer, Sexton, Van Gogh: These famous suicides converge through the figure of Judas in a cutting-edge piece of fiction that exposes the dangers of seeking universal truths in myth." There are cameos in the novel from JFK and Oswald, Norman Mailer and Barry Malzberg, Bob Dylan, Ulrike Meinhof and Sylvia Plath.

I, JUDAS: A Novel by James Reich - Nov/Dec choice for Atheist Book Club discussion. Check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/I-Judas-Novel-J...

Hi Folks,

I'd like to tell you about my novel, The Holy Family.

This is a challenging December for Martin Halsey, a New York talent agent. Catholic faith was a key source of insight for Martin as a young man. But when puzzlement overtook insight, he chose atheism and gave his full commitment to his true passions—his work and family.

An acute tragedy, however, has caused Martin to reconsider his choice. In The Holy Family, Thanksgiving proceeds to Christmas as Martin revisits his evolution from belief to unbelief against the backdrop of his early faith, his marriage, career, and family, and a controversial painting of the Holy Family by his daughter Celia.

In the face of deep loss, Martin struggles with the question: Do I renew my faith and accept its promises, or stand firm with the sensual, finite love of a world without God?

Engaging and timely, The Holy Family ventures into contentious waters but transcends the shouting and welcomes the search.

Dale McGowan, author of Parenting Beyond Belief and the forthcoming Atheism for Dummies, wrote: "The Holy Family is a rich and engrossing story, elegant and moving. Though it takes place on the epic stage of religious belief and disbelief, the drama itself is simple, humane, and ultimately devastating as the title’s twin meanings gradually come into focus. A unique and deeply satisfying read."

There are some other reviews at Amazon.

I'd be honored if you'd give it a look--and there's a giveaway on as well, so feel free to enter.

Thanks!

Hello everybody,

I am an author who has happily stumbled upon this group. I have just published a novel for ereaders called Save Me, Rip Orion. The story has a heavy atheist theme, although I disguised it a bit as a superhero parody.
I wrote this novel because I wanted quite badly to express my opinion on the doomed fantasy of waiting for a savior, or trying to become one. Three years, and 4 re-writes, later I am finally proud to exhibit my work.

If interested, here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Save-Me-Rip-Ori...

I have it on sale for .99 cents.
It's also posted on Goodreads.
Feel free to ask me any questions about anything.
Thanks and good to be a member of the group.

Hello Clear Thinkers –
I'm a new member and author of a nonfiction advice book for young adults and parents, Trust Your Radar: Honest Advice For Teens and Young Adults from a Surgeon, Firefighter, Police Officer, Scuba Divemaster, Golfer, and Amateur Comedian.

Part 3 describes the Radar Jammers of our society that interrupt our brain function. Reasonable strategies are proposed. Some jammers are obvious: alcohol and drugs, infatuation and attraction, peer pressure. Others are exalted sacred cows of our society, like religion.

The Religion chapter explores the reasons people believe, problems associated with organized religions, and similar groups like cults and gangs. Readers are encouraged to evaluate their beliefs with simple, clear questions. They’re asked to decide if belief makes sense for them and if so, apply caveats such as not forcing it on others and keeping it out of government. Alternatively, they can decide to drop it or consider switching to a secular service organization that does good charity work without pushing a religious agenda.

Here’s a quick excerpt:
Wild Idea – Convene a meeting of every religion on Earth to appear before a panel of impartial 10-year-olds. Send your top cleric.
Part one, each leader will have one minute to summarize their main beliefs.
Then, part two, provide whatever evidence exists to support said beliefs. Take as long as you like for this part, but it has to be real, reproducible evidence, not that somebody once saw God’s image on a grilled cheese sandwich, etc. The panel will stop you if you go there. I predict part two would be over quickly. Lunch will be served.

Conferences like these occur every day in the world of science. Bring your idea, show your evidence, answer questions, next. Why not for organized religion?



Trust Your Radar: Honest Advice For Teens and Young Adults from a Surgeon, Firefighter, Police Officer, Scuba Divemaster, Golfer, and Amateur Comedian

I'd like to invite everyone to read Thanksgiving Day: an excerpt from “The Holy Family” by Alan Michael Wilt.

It's at this link: http://bit.ly/TY6ACv

Some descriptive hashtags: #AtheistNovel #religion #atheism #writing

Thanks!

Hello everyone. I’m Galen Watson and just posted my debut novel, The Psalter. I also blog about religiosity. The Psalter is a Religious Thriller and Historical Fiction mélange. Thank you.

A religious prophecy, a medieval prayer book, and a forgery that changed the church—forever.

Father Romano has run afoul of the modern inquisitors before. This time, it leads to a medieval manuscript and murder. Was it an ordinary theft gone wrong or something more? The Carabinieri in Rome would like to know.

Michael Romano is an American priest working in the Vatican?s Secret Archives with a penchant for stepping over the line. Church Inquisitors have noticed -- and they aren’t happy. Nevertheless, Romano is also the Church’s senior paleographer, an expert in ancient manuscripts, and his expertise is needed to examine a ninth-century codex known as a Psalter.

Father Romano’s examination leads him into the past as he uncovers an historical narrative of medieval forgeries, Saracen invasions and a legendary fight for the richest kingdom on earth. Yet he has unwittingly become a target for those who will stop at nothing to possess the secret of the Psalter.