“The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas”
Edited by Robin Harvie and Stephanie Meyers.
Harper Perennial. 11/10. 307 pages. $15.95 (paperback).
Despite its somewhat misleading and almost oxymoronic title (since atheists do not observe Christmas and roughly only half of this book deals with the historical, religious and secular significance of Dec. 25), this comprehensive anthology consists of contributions from 42 leading atheist scientists, comedians, philosophers and writers all of whom donated their time, thoughts, jokes and ideas. All royalties will go directly to the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity.
The two compilers hail from opposite sides of the pond — Robin Harvie, atheist, British publisher and author of “Why We Run: The Story of an Obsession,” and Stephanie Meyers who lives in New York City and works as a book editor.
The six sections cover: Stories, Science, How-to, Philosophy, Arts and Events and the tome ends with a helpful and informative bio of all 42 authors.
Probably the two most recognizable names are Richard Dawkins (The Great Bus Mystery) and Paul Krassner (There Are No Atheists in the White House). Of the remaining 40 commentators, the majority are Brits (with one from India) whose work will likely be unfamiliar to most Americans.
Standout chapters include: Scientist Adam Rutherford who argues most persuasively that there do exist “egghead godheads” among his peers but that they merely indicate not a weakness of science nor the strength of religion, but rather the fallibility of people. Researcher Brian Cox lucidly explicates how the Large Hadron Collider dramatically recreates the conditions present in the universe immediately after the Big Bang.
Design artist Graham Nunn vividly details the successful launch of the Atheist Bus Campaign in London on only 30 vehicles that rapidly expanded to 800 throughout the rest of the UK. The slogan read: “There’s Probably No God. Now Stop Worrying and Enjoy Your Life.”
Numerous contributors reveal how and when they entered the rarefied realm of the nonbeliever. One even confessed to being a “cradle atheist” brought up in a home completely free of any superstition or religious beliefs.
All in all, this timely compendium provides a really stimulating and provocative read appropriate for any season of the year. Its many amusing anecdotes prove conclusively that atheists do not lack a really keen sense of humor.
Mr. Akerley, a Culver City resident, may be contacted at Benakerley@aol.com
