Dawkin's militant atheism is well known his profound faith less well known In this book
atheist philosopher Eric Steinhart explores the spiritual dimensions of Richard Dawkins' books
which are shown to encompass: · the meaning and purpose of life · an appreciation of Platonic
beauty and truth · a deep belief in the rationality of the universe · an aversion to both
scientism and nihilism As an atheist Dawkins strives to develop a scientific alternative to
theism and while he declares that science is not a religion he also proclaims it to be a
spiritual enterprise. His books are filled with fragmentary sketches of this 'spiritual
atheism' resembling a great unfinished cathedral. This book systematises and completes
Dawkins' arguments and reveals their deep roots in Stoicism and Platonism. Expanding on
Dawkins' ideas Steinhart shows how atheists can develop powerful ethical principles
compelling systems of symbols and images and meaningful personal and social practices.
Believing in Dawkins is a rigorous and potent entreaty for the use of science and reason to
support spiritually rich and optimistic ways of thinking and living.
