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Books for those of no fixed religion but want 'life guidance'

Marianne72

I tried and failed to find the thread asking people's favourite philosopher, hence this new post. I'm near the end of my journey [on earth] and seeking decent books on spirituality not allied to a particular faith. I wanted to share books I've found useful for day-to-day living, with all its difficulties and stressors.

I've joined a lot of different 'styles' over the years - Christianity, Quakerism, Vedanta, Black Baptist.. They each have merits, not least social opportunities, inclusion and support. But I lost belief in a God, and sliding toward being humanist and a Stoic. I want to live a moral life but not chained to a formal faith.

For the last 7 years I've followed the books by modern philosopher, Ryan Holiday, who follows Stoicism - The Daily Stoic. I've found daily Journal writing really helpful, particularly when recovering trauma or my tendency to ruminate on past hurts and abuses.

I am also fond of modern philosopher Alain de Botton. The one I'm reading now is, 'Religion for Atheists' - by turn amusing, amazing and thought-provoking. He puts forward an interesting idea that ditching formal religion as a whole is like throwing out the baby with the bathwater; that  precepts of major religions have a lot to teach about how to live. So, why not use these to form a religion for atheists [those who do not formally believe in a God but want 'morals' to live by]. With the loss of church power and nothing to take its place, Botton makes interesting reading.

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  • I don't have any books or philosophers to recommend, but interested in the book you mention by Botton so might check it out some point. I am not religious, I don't want to offend anyone, but I find so often they are used by some people to persecute those who don't share the same faith (or even within it, tp create inequality and privilege, such as by gender). I know many use religion as a source for doing good, which is beneficial to the wider world too, so I don't think they are bad in general.

    I've always preferred to live by my own moral code (basically be kind to everyone), or as you suggest, find the good bits and leave out the parts I find troublesome. The world itself is troublesome, so I can see why still having some guidance is beneficial.

    EDIT: I think there is some philosophy that Bill Gates and his wife follow, which involves philanthropy, and they are busy trying to make sure all their money is given away and want to live modestly. (Their foundation has issues, but the idea bilionaires don't need to sit on billions is good). I think things like this help us see the value in life over materials, which is counter to the way the world is run.

  • in reply to Cinnabar_wing
    Cinnabar_wing said:
    I've always preferred to live by my own moral cod

    Yes, that's what I aim for, not a faith of a particular religion. I attended churches in mid life mainly out of loneliness but also felt a warmth and that something in me was improving as a result of being with like minded others.

    Cinnabar_wing said:
    Bill Gates and his wife follow, which involves philanthrop

    Philanthropy is a practical spirituality. I like to be philanthropic in a micro way e.g. giving things to food banks and charity shops rather than selling them. Sharing ideas and experiences are also a form of giving. Modern life is too geared toward everyone having success and love - which does not always work out, causing many people grief; feeling that they are not enough and something is missing in their lives. The things spirituality teaches is to recognise joy in everyday life - small achievments underrated by society like smiling at someone, also being kind and feeding birds or admiring nature by watching clouds pass by. 

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  • in reply to Cinnabar_wing
    Cinnabar_wing said:
    I've always preferred to live by my own moral cod

    Yes, that's what I aim for, not a faith of a particular religion. I attended churches in mid life mainly out of loneliness but also felt a warmth and that something in me was improving as a result of being with like minded others.

    Cinnabar_wing said:
    Bill Gates and his wife follow, which involves philanthrop

    Philanthropy is a practical spirituality. I like to be philanthropic in a micro way e.g. giving things to food banks and charity shops rather than selling them. Sharing ideas and experiences are also a form of giving. Modern life is too geared toward everyone having success and love - which does not always work out, causing many people grief; feeling that they are not enough and something is missing in their lives. The things spirituality teaches is to recognise joy in everyday life - small achievments underrated by society like smiling at someone, also being kind and feeding birds or admiring nature by watching clouds pass by. 

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