Should atheists be more religious? Alain de Botton & James Orr - Unbelievable? 11 Feb 2012

Atheism 2.0 is the logical next step for non-believers according to cultural philosopher Alain de Botton. He outlines why atheists should borrow from the art, architecture, community, and contemplative traditions of religion without the supernatural beliefs.

The book "Religion for atheists" drew criticism from Richard Dawkins and others after De Botton apparently suggested that there should be "temples for atheism". De Botton responds and also gives his opinion on AC Grayling's "The Good Book" and Terry Eagleton's unfavourable review in The Guardian.

Recorded in De Botton's home, he chats with James Orr, a Christian convert studying for a PhD in the History of Ideas at Cambridge University. They discuss whether the trappings of religion make sense without the kernel of faith.

For Alain de Botton http://www.alaindebotton.com/

Buy "Religion for Atheists" http://amzn.to/rsrtAe

The TED Talk http://blog.ted.com/2012/01/17/atheism-2-0-alain-de-botton-on-ted-com/

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this progamme you may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 17 Dec 2011 Believing Bulls**t - Is Christianity an intellectual blackhole? Stephen Law & James Orr Unbelievable? 26 Oct 2011 - William Lane Craig vs Peter Millican - Does God exist? Unbelievable? 2 Apr 2011 - Is it best to be agnostic? Mark Vernon & David Robertson Join the conversation at

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