Spirituality for the Godless: Buddhism, Humanism, and Religion

In this book, Michael McGhee explores the possibility of spirituality in the absence of religion, discussing how religious traditions and secular humanism can function as schools of wisdom to expose and overcome forces that obstruct justice. He examines the ancient conception of philosophy as ethical self-inquiry and spiritual practice conducted by a community and demonstrates how a non-theistic Buddhism can address both religious and secular humanism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Many individuals identify as secular rather than religious, yet they frequently accompany this assertion with a claim of interest in spirituality. However, what form of spirituality can exist in the absence of religion? In his book, Michael McGhee explores this intriguing question. He demonstrates how religious traditions and secular humanism serve as schools of wisdom, striving to expose and overcome the forces that hinder justice. McGhee delves into the ancient concept of philosophy as an ethical self-inquiry and spiritual practice conducted within a community, offering a fresh perspective on the philosophy of religion. He discusses the idea of a dialogue between religion and atheism, drawing upon Buddhist practices to illustrate how a non-theistic Buddhism can engage with both theistic traditions and secular humanism. Furthermore, his book explores the shift towards focusing on states of mind and conduct as the center of gravity, moving away from religious belief.

Introduction:
In contemporary society, a growing number of individuals are identifying as secular rather than religious. While this shift may be attributed to various factors, such as the rise of science, the decline of traditional religious institutions, or personal beliefs, it raises important questions about the nature and potential of spirituality in the absence of religion.

The Concept of Spirituality:
Spirituality is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses a wide range of experiences, beliefs, and practices. It can be defined as the search for meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than oneself. While spirituality can be found in various forms, including religious traditions, secular humanism offers a unique perspective on spirituality.

Religious Traditions and Secular Humanism:
Religious traditions have played a significant role in shaping human spirituality throughout history. They provide a framework for moral and ethical guidance, offer a sense of community and belonging, and provide a means of addressing existential questions about the meaning of life. However, secular humanism, which emerged in the 18th century as a response to religious dogmatism, emphasizes reason, humanism, and individual autonomy.

The Role of Philosophy:
Philosophy has long been recognized as a valuable tool for exploring the nature of spirituality and the relationship between religion and secularism. In this book, Michael McGhee examines the ancient conception of philosophy as a form of ethical self-inquiry and spiritual practice conducted by a community. He argues that philosophy can help us to reconceive the philosophy of religion in terms of philosophy as a way of life.

Dialogue between Religion and Atheism:
One of the central themes of this book is the idea of a dialogue between religion and atheism. McGhee discusses the possibility of a non-theistic Buddhism that can address itself to both theistic traditions and secular humanism. He demonstrates how a non-theistic Buddhism can provide a moral and ethical framework that is compatible with both religious and secular values.

Shifting the Center of Gravity:
Another important aspect of this book is the shift towards focusing on states of mind and conduct as the center of gravity. McGhee argues that religious belief should not be the sole or primary source of morality and ethics. Instead, he suggests that we should focus on developing states of mind and conduct that are conducive to justice, compassion, and peace.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a valuable exploration of the relationship between religion and secularism. It demonstrates how religious traditions and secular humanism can function as schools of wisdom, striving to expose and overcome the forces that obstruct justice. By examining the ancient conception of philosophy as a form of ethical self-inquiry and spiritual practice conducted by a community, McGhee provides a fresh perspective on the philosophy of religion. He also discusses the idea of a dialogue between religion and atheism, drawing upon Buddhist practices to illustrate how a non-theistic Buddhism can engage with both theistic traditions and secular humanism. Furthermore, he explores the shift towards focusing on states of mind and conduct as the center of gravity, moving away from religious belief. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, secularism, and spirituality, as it offers a thought-provoking and insightful perspective on these important topics.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316613757