The Belief Series examines Atheist spirituality.

"What?" you say. "Atheist spirituality? Sounds like an oxymoron."

Maybe, maybe not. Let's see what Andre Comte-Sponville has to say about it in

THE LITTLE BOOK OF ATHEIST SPRITUALITY

Publishers Weekly said: “At first blush "atheist spirituality" may sound like a contradiction in terms, but French philosopher Comte-Sponville makes a compelling argument for a profound dimension of experience that is god-free. His idea of spirituality also bears no small resemblance to Eastern spirituality, and the philosopher-author does not hesitate to cite great Eastern thinkers in this catalogue of references to great minds grappling with important questions. We can do without religion and without God, the author argues, but we can't do without fidelity and community. Comte-Sponville's humanism is deeply traditional, but the red flag "atheist" will undoubtedly affront religious traditionalists. That's unfortunate, because the author's style of arguing is civil and witty, unlike a lot of public discourse on this subject. He draws deeply on the history of philosophers who have pronounced on the subject of God's existence, disposing of the everything-is-permitted nihilism often associated with atheism. Nor does he argue that religion is dangerous, a stance in vogue among today's bestselling atheists. God just isn't logically necessary, but we can still have love, ethical behavior and even the experience of eternity. Formerly a Sorbonne professor, Comte-Sponville presents big ideas with masterful and witty clarity. For those who prefer Kant to cant, this refreshing little book is perfect.”

Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein, authors of Plato and a Platypus Walk int a Bar write: "At last, a book that takes the current atheist/believer debate to a much higher, more humane level than any other we know."

And The Washington Post said, "A wonderful book... offers a generosity of spirit, communion and wisdom."

Published in 2007, this book is written by one of France's preeminent contemporary philosophers, who was a professor at the Sorbonne.

Personally, I find this book quite challenging both as literature and as philosophy. It will make you think. And, as a point of reference on the topic of belief, I just bet it will call many of your assumptions about the existence of a spirit into question. Comte-Sponville does not need spirit to be non-corporeal for instance, he would be fine with the idea that it only exists in our brains.

So let's take a look at the possibility that Atheists and Humanists might use their beliefs in a spiritual way, even without a God.

Last month's book club was a full house of 15. Sign up today and join the great conversations we're having each month. And don't forget that we can eat lunch together beforehand, as the room is reserved from noon to three.

Mark Thoson