We polled several dozen notable freethinkers, atheists and skeptics and asked them to recommend essential books for the well-read freethinker. Find out what they think you should be reading here. (Note that this is a new addition to our permanent Pages section, which can be found in the right-hand column.)
On the entry for the Bible you have Asimov’s quote. Along with the author’s you mention you should include Asimov’s own “Asimov’s Guide to the Bible”. A secular reading and interpretation written by the good doctor himself.
Excellent post. I have been looking for a compilation like this. Thank you for your hard work. Now I don’t have to do it.
This is a particularly miserable example of books. Shouldn’t free-thinkers include at least one good example of someone arguing for an theist position? Most of the overtly anti-religious or anti-theist tracts are not particularly intellectually engaging or subtle or rigorous.
I would suggest J.L. Mackie’s The Miracle of Theism. That is an appropriately robust and subtle overview of several popular arguments for theism, with devastating but charitable critiques.
But ultimately I think an essential booklist is anathema to free thinking.
Bill
What, including both the Bible and the Qur’an ain’t pro-theist enough for ya?