Representations of Atheism

[RedNZ]

Hi everyone.

I'm beginning a research project on representations of atheism (and religion to some extent) in literature.

I'd really appreciate any help with regards to pointing me towards works of literature concerning the subject.
I'm mainly interested in works of fiction, where atheism is influential towards the plot or actions of a character etc. Fiction can be movies/documentaries also as well as short stories and novels.

I'd be keen to see decent non-fiction works also, at this part of my project I'm open to a wide range of genres and themes.

Any help is appreciated. =)

[KichigaiNeko]

Read Terry Pratchet

"The Discworld"

ALL of them!!

[Zen Badger]

What she said

[RedNZ]

Haha. Yes I'm familiar with the Discworld. I probably will use some of Pratchett's books in the project.

Not that there's anything wrong with comedy per se, but I'm also really keen to find more 'serious' (I use the term loosely) works. So I can get a broader sense of how atheism is used in literature, more so than poking fun religion.

Are there any of Pratchett's works which might be specifically more focused in this area? I've only read a couple and don't really have the time to read the whole series at the moment unfortunately haha.

I've just had a friend recommend 'The Science of Discworld' so I'll probably look into that one.

[Rev. Rye]

Well, there's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I haven't read Discworld, but, then again, I'm not into fantasy, and I've already got 5 books in queue. However,
I've heard some good things, but I look at all the books in the series and all the cycles and ask "Where the fuck would I start?"

[RedNZ]

I haven't read Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, how would you say it deals with the subject of atheism/religion?

[KichigaiNeko]

Haha. Yes I'm familiar with the Discworld. I probably will use some of Pratchett's books in the project.

I've just had a friend recommend 'The Science of Discworld' so I'll probably look into that one.

Volume one deals - creation
Volume two - Human need for belief
Volume three - Darwinian theory

These are the best condensation to Pratchett's humour. Sorry pumpkin, but religion IS hilarious and so is half the crap humans have come up with to explain the unknown.

I would recommend Mr Pratchett's views because he has homed in the that other aspect of human nature.....we will tolerate the truth only if it is made funny!!

You're a kiwi!! You know this!!!

[Tiberius]

All representations of atheism are strictly forbidden as part of our faith. Making any kind of representation of atheism in forms such as drawing, writing, music, dance, etc is punishable by death. We are a religion of peace, and we will lead as many holy wars as possible in order to make sure people know this.

Publish your "research" and you will probably wind up like Theo Van Gogh. This isn't a threat, it's just a warning.

[Rev. Rye]

I haven't read Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, how would you say it deals with the subject of atheism/religion?

Well, just read it. What with it being available in one volume, it's certainly much easier to get into in Discworld.
At any rate, one particularly overt scene includes a digression by the Guide about how the existence of the Babelfish is a proof of the nonexistence of God, precisely because it is so useful and overt that it couldn't be the handiwork of somebody who works in mysterious ways or is supposed to be all-knowing.

[Zen Badger]

Try "Reaperman" for starters.

"The amazing Maurice and his educated rodents" is probably the best book on self awareness and its consequences I have ever read.

And it's one of his childrens books!