Secularism and atheism: reference and popular sources and debate

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of the current cultural and theological debate on secularism and atheism, and evaluate the debate with reference to recent sources on secularism and atheism. Design/methodology/approach – Reference and popular works in academic/research and public libraries were examined with reference to the wider historiography of discussion about faith and belief and unbelief. Findings – Academic and popular commentary on faith and belief and unbelief, which appears to operate in two distinct strands (faith/belief and faith/unbelief), is, after confrontations with “New Atheism”, converging and teasing out ways towards inclusive spirituality. Originality/value – Theological and divinity studies are opening up their inquiry to new cultural and epistemological models, fusions of traditional scriptural and interpretative approaches that more closely reflect post-Christian thinking. These transitions are reflected in reference and popular publications about faith and belief and unbelief, and are of interest to collection developers in libraries.