Herb Silverman is founder and president of the Secular Coalition for America, author of Candidate Without a Prayer. He is also Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the College of Charleston.
"Herb Silverman's writing is like listening to a favorite uncle
give entertaining yet practical advice on how the world really is.
Herb's mathematician side comes through in the flawless logic he
uses to filet arguments in support of religion and against atheism.
His puckish side comes through in the jokes and storytelling that
make his enjoyable commentaries part cultural observation, part
Borscht Belt routine . . . . This volume takes us inside Herb's
mind -- a place to linger only if you want to be challenged to
think while chuckling." Robyn E. Blumner, President & CEO, Richard
Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science
"In the Rationalist Utopia of my dreams, Herb Silverman would be a
Living National Treasure, if not Honorary President for Life."
Richard Dawkins, author, The God Delusion
"These lively and thoughtful essays contain essential insights on
how to advance a secular, humanistic worldview in a country and a
world that is still dominated by religion. The discussions are
invariably judicious, wise, and thought-provoking." Steven Pinker,
Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University; author, The
Better Angels of Our Nature
"What I like most about Herb Silverman's eclectic collection of
essays, on subjects ranging from holidays to the political clout
(and weaknesses) of atheists and secular humanists in politics, is
his emphasis on building coalitions with liberal religious allies
when we agree on public issues and drawing the line when secular
and religious values clash. There is uncommon good sensesorely
needed in this era of political incivilityin his insistence that it
is both possible and desirable for atheists and humanists to
proudly proclaim their values while seeking areas of common concern
with the large number of liberal religious Americans who agree with
secular Americans, not with the religious Right, on the separation
of church and state." Susan Jacoby, author, Freethinkers: A History
of American Secularism
" An Atheist Stranger in a Strange Religious Land doesn't only give
us the best of Herb Silverman. Its delightful mix of incorruptible
reason, tolerance, and compassionserved with a deliciously saucy
sense of humorgives us the best of humanity." Rebecca Goldstein,
author, 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of
Fiction
"With wit, warmth, and insight, Herb Silverman deftly addresses a
range of topics relating to religion, atheism, politics, and
culture, and the sometimes uneasy relationships among them. His
delightfully concise essays will bring enlightenment to your brain
and a smile to your lips." Ron Lindsay, author, The Necessity of
Secularism: Why God Can't Tell Us What to Do
"Whether you believe in God or not, you can have faith in Herb's
Silverman's ability to inform and entertain. He is an insightful
and delightful conversationalist, as this collection of his columns
confirms." Wendy Kaminer, author, Sleeping With Extra-Terrestrials:
The Rise of Irrationalism and Perils of Piety
"Whenever I see that Herb Silverman has written about something I
care about, I drop everything and read it. This collection reminds
me why. More than once, his clarity, intelligence, and easygoing
wit have been the perfect antidote to the lunacy of our culture
war, making me feel that things just might turn out fine after
all." Dale McGowan, author, Parenting Beyond Belief
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