In this book, Rik Peels explores atheism from a new perspective that aims to go beyond the highly polarized debate about arguments for and against God's existence. Since our beliefs about the most important things in life are not usually based on arguments, we should look beyond atheistic arguments and explore what truly motivates the atheist. Are there certain ideals or experiences that explain the turn to atheism? Could atheism be the default position for us, not requiring any arguments whatsoever? And what about the often-discussed arguments against belief in God—is there something that religious and nonreligious people alike can learn from them? This book explores how a novel understanding of atheism is possible – and how it effectively moves the God debate further. Believers and nonbelievers can learn much from Peels's assessment of arguments for and against atheism.

‘All in all this is an excellent book, wow.’

G. van den Brink Source: Theologia Reformata

‘… Peels's book is something like an anatomy of atheism: he does not try to dismiss the atheist, but instead expresses his gratitude for what the atheist has done for the development of theism. Both accessible and insightful, Peels's book would be a great resource both for the classroom, especially one comprising both atheists and theists, and for researchers interested in the methodological question concerning the philosophy of religion. … Highly recommended.’

A. Jaeger Source: Choice

‘… an excellent book. It is stimulating, engaging, and tightly argued. Since atheistic belief isn’t typically a consequence of formal argumentation, Peels breaks new ground by examining the underlying motivation for the atheistic worldview … a much welcome contribution to the philosophy of religion.’

Colin Rulof Source: International Journal for Philosophy of Religion

‘Rik Peels adds a refreshing contribution to the perennial debate about the basis of atheism, offering a perspective beyond arguments concerning God’s existence, positing that the major beliefs we hold about reality are rarely based on argumentation. By approaching the debate from this position, Peels addresses the common question of whether atheism should be considered as a religion in the sense of its potential to be systematized. What follows is a compassionate investigation into this question from the perspective of a religious believer, and an implicit evaluation of the meta-question of what constitutes belief itself. From the outset, Peels skillfully balances asking the reader to suspend many of the presumptions she may have about atheism yet simultaneously invites a space for personal reflection about how one’s own beliefs are shaped.’

Michaela Podolny Source: The Journal of Religion