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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.

Parents

  • As a Christian, I find it hard to recommend any non-faith books as to me the only true help and guidance I have ever had in life is from my faith. It's the reason I'm still here. I'm currently reading Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis, a man who started out as a passionate atheist and humanist and it's so simple and beautiful, it is, I believe geared towards those who don't currently have a faith. 

    I realise, though, that your post asked for non religious books and I hope I havn't offended you by sharing. I wish you every blessing in your search 

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  • As a Christian, I find it hard to recommend any non-faith books as to me the only true help and guidance I have ever had in life is from my faith. It's the reason I'm still here. I'm currently reading Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis, a man who started out as a passionate atheist and humanist and it's so simple and beautiful, it is, I believe geared towards those who don't currently have a faith. 

    I realise, though, that your post asked for non religious books and I hope I havn't offended you by sharing. I wish you every blessing in your search 

Children
  • in reply to Billy87
    Billy87 said:
    your post asked for non religious books and I hope I havn't offended you by sharing.

    Not at all! Any book recommendations are very welcome. I discover books on all kinds of subjects (I prefer non fiction) through many sources, including other books, news articles, chat, reviews - even overhearing others discussing books they've enjoyed.

    I've sampled many pathways to spirituality, usually presenting myself as a volunteer tea-maker or gardener, which is a very good way of meeting people - a focus that helps prevent nervousness with 'chatting'. I went to a CE school but the headmaster was strict [ex army] and narrowminded and put a lot of pupils off faith. That said, we had a wonderful RE teacher who taught world religions, so I garnered a wide interest in different faiths (including mythology), that lasted lifelong. It also led to an interest in archaeology and paleontology, which I now pursue as an armchair amateur.

    The only Lewis book I've read is 'A Grief Observed', hard going but inspiring. That helped me come to terms with the wider meaning of grief [as in lost opportunity]. As a result of reading this, I watched the film, 'Shadowlands,'several times over the years; a moving testiment to love, brilliantly acted [Anthony Hopkins and a young David Mazzello) and beautifully filmed. I'd really  recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it.