A Better Life

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Explore the meaning and joy of life with 100 fellow & famous atheists in this book of photos and commentary.

The myth persists. Even in our modern world, countless people believe that without God, one’s life has no purpose or meaning — that our lives are devoid of joy and happiness because we are not religious.

“…rigorous atheism casts a wasting shadow over every human hope and endeavor.”
Ross Douthat, The New York Times, on Christopher Hitchens' death, December 2011.

Those of us who are atheists know this is not the case. That’s where this project comes in…

I’m a New York-based photographer, and I’m going to be traveling through the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom putting together a book of photographic portraits of atheists. From the college professor, to the farmer in Kansas, I want to document my fellow atheists and ask them what brings meaning and joy to their lives. The goal of the book is to visually capture the diversity of non-believers and the ways they maintain a better life, not in spite of their atheism, but because of it.

To me, the atheist life is a better life and it deserves to be celebrated. To see reality as it is, to explore mystery with an open mind, and to make the most of this life knowing there is no promise of any other. This is a richer, fuller and more meaningful existence than one clouded and limited by superstition and promises of an afterlife.

The finished product will be a hardcover, professionally printed, large coffee table book featuring all 100+ photos in full color. In addition to their photo, each subject will share personal insights and stories that bear witness to joy and meaning in their lives.

Sincerely,

Chris Johnson

chris@theatheistbook.com

A few of the people currently slated to appear in the book:

  • Massimo Pigliucci, Chair of the Department of Philosophy at CUNY-Lehman College
  • David Silverman, President, American Atheists
  • David Niose, President of the American Humanist Association
  • Steven Pinker, Experimental psychologist/Author
  • Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, novelist and professor of philosophy
  • Hemant Mehta, Author/Blogger/Chair of the Foundation Beyond Belief
  • Julia Sweeney, American actress, comedian and author
  • Anthony Pinn, Professor of Religious Studies at Rice University
  • Lawrence Krauss, Theoretical physicist/author
  • Matt Dillahunty, President Atheist Community of Austin/Host of The Atheist Experience
  • Teresa Macbain, Former Methodist Minister/graduate of The Clergy Project
  • Greta Christina, Blogger/Author
  • Jamila Bey, Author/journalist
  • Michael Shermer, Founder of the Skepics Society/author
  • Brian Dunning, Host of Skeptoid Podcast
  • Sean Carroll, Theoretical physicist
  • Chris Mooney, Point of Inquiry podcast host/author
  • Alex Honnold, Rock Climber
  • Daniel Dennett, Philosopher, writer and cognitive scientist
  • PZ Myers, Biology professor at the University of Minnesota Morris
  • Dan Barker, Freedom From Religion Foundation
  • Annie Laurie Gaylor, Freedom From Religion Foundation
  • Jessica Ahlquist, Student
  • James Randi, Stage magician and scientific skeptic
  • Rebecca Watson, Blogger/Speaker
  • Matthew Chapman, Filmmaker/Author
  • Richard Dawkins, Biologist/author
  • Derren Brown, Illusionist/mentalist
  • DJ Grothe, President, JREF
  • Pat Churchland, Neurophilosopher
  • A.C. Grayling, British Philosopher
  • Robert Llewellyn, British comedian/actor
  • Jim Al-Khalili, Physics professor
  • Cara Santa Maria, Science journalist
  • Indre Viskontas, Neuroscientist/opera singer

… more coming soon!