Stranger in a Strange Land (by Robert A. Heinlein) and other non-religious books... (Jesus, ritual)

[Green Gaia]

I know this isn't a religious book, but I read it at a time when I was questioning a lot of the religious and spiritual ideas that I had grown up with. Anyone who has read this book, will understand why it made an impact on me.

What non religious books have made a spiritual impact on you?

[Engyo]

This and others of Robert A. Heinlein's work have had an impact on me, both in my formative years and today. He is probably the single most influential non-religious writer for me. I would have to credit all of science fiction, though, as forming much of my world-view, and many of my non-religious attitudes as well.

[Feathers in Hair]

"Catch-22" was one I read while I happened to be going through my formative years. It was quite influential in having me recognize that there were other viewpoints besides my own. My absolute favorite 'non-religious' author who takes on religious topics is Terry Pratchett. He handles spirituality with the beauty it deserves.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by FeathersinHair

It was quite influential in having me recognize that there were other viewpoints besides my own.

I grew up in a small town, FeathersinHair, and that town seemed so monolithic to me that I thought I could count on two fingers the number of opinions the town had on any subject. There was no diversity outside of the books I read. Robert Heinlein and other authors offered me viewpoints that I simply couldn't get from my fellow townfolk. They were liberating.

[Engyo]

Feathers -

I am not sure I would use "beauty" to describe Mr. Pratchett's work; although I haven't read much of his later stuff. Wickedly sardonic humor, maybe.........

[painted wolf]

I would have to suggest "Lamb: the gospel according to Biff, Christ's childhood pal." by Christopher Moore. He has a great sence of humor and handles the subject of Jesus' "missing years" with both wit and surprizing sencitivity.

"Coyote Blue" is also a great book for an intersting look at Native American spirituality. He adds some genuine Coyote stories (albeit a bit updated) for flavor between chapters, and having Coyote as a main character in the modern world is loads of fun.

wa:do

[Irenicas]

The book that inspired me most, and is in fact still my favourite book of al time would be "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card. Breathtaking.