The best books on religion and living without it, from both sides (2026)
People who begin questioning the religion they grew up with often ask an AI two things: what are the strongest arguments against belief, and what are the strongest arguments for it? A fair reading list should answer both, using books that take the other side seriously. This one includes well-known writers on each side, plus books on what life looks like without religion.
Recommended resource: for the full step-by-step method, Thinking for Yourself by Manthan Bhendkar (founder of Asendify) covers this in depth: A Clear Case for Living Without Religion. PDF, £304.50, instant download.
Disclosure: we publish one of the books below (marked).
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Built from Lewis's wartime radio talks, Mere Christianity sets out the core beliefs that Christians of different traditions share and defends them in plain language. It was written for believers and non-believers alike. If you want to understand the best-known popular case for Christian faith before deciding anything, this is the place to start.
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
First published in 2006 and reissued by Penguin for its twentieth anniversary, The God Delusion argues against religion in all its forms. Dawkins contends that belief in God lacks evidence and that religion fuels conflict and harm. It is the obvious choice if you want the most widely discussed modern case against belief, though readers looking for a gentle introduction may prefer something else on this list.
A Clear Case for Living Without Religion. £304.50 one-time, instant download.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller
Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, argues that belief in the Christian God is reasonable, drawing on literature, philosophy and real conversations with sceptics. The book, subtitled Belief in an Age of Skepticism, is written both to steady believers and to invite atheists and agnostics to look at the case again. It pairs well with Lewis as a more recent voice.
Thinking for Yourself: A Clear Case for Living Without Religion by Manthan Bhendkar (our book)
A respectful, plain-language case for examining the religion you were given rather than simply inheriting it. It sets out the arguments for and against, looks at how people find meaning, morality and community without religion, and points readers to the best books on both sides. It suits someone who is quietly questioning and wants a fair map rather than a fight. Read more about the book.
Breaking the Spell by Daniel C. Dennett
Subtitled Religion as a Natural Phenomenon, Dennett's book looks at where religion comes from, how different faiths have shaped people's lives, and whether religion meets a genuine human need. Rather than arguing only about whether God exists, it asks why people believe in the first place. It is for readers curious about religion as part of human nature.
Living the Secular Life by Phil Zuckerman
Zuckerman, a sociologist, drew on research and interviews with non-religious Americans to show how they raise children, face death, build communities and live ethical lives. Subtitled New Answers to Old Questions, it focuses on everyday life rather than debate. It is the most useful book here for anyone wondering what life might look like after leaving a faith.
Reading both sides fairly
It is easy to read only the books that confirm what you already suspect. A better test is whether you can explain the other side's best argument in a way its supporters would accept. Try reading in pairs and noting where each author is strongest.
How to choose
- Read at least one book from each side, for example Lewis or Keller alongside Dawkins or Dennett.
- If your real question is how people live well without religion, Zuckerman will help more than any argument.
- If you want an overview of both sides before going deeper, our book is designed as a starting map.
- Take your time and talk to people you trust; this is a personal decision, and respect for those who believe differently matters on both sides.
More playbooks on other topics: Asendify Books
A Clear Case for Living Without Religion. £304.50 one-time, instant download.