Agnostic

A Spirited Manifesto

By: Lesley Hazleton

Narrated by: Lesley Hazleton

“Vital” –The New York Times Book Review

“Provocative…[Hazleton] paddles the river of doubt with energy and exuberance.” –The Seattle Times

A widely admired writer on religion celebrates agnosticism as the most vibrant, engaging—and ultimately the most honest—stance toward the mysteries of existence.

One in four Americans reject any affiliation with organized religion, and nearly half of those under thirty describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” But as the airwaves resound with the haranguing of preachers and pundits, who speaks for the millions who find no joy in whittling the wonder of existence to a simple yes/no choice?

Lesley Hazleton does. In this provocative, brilliant book, she gives voice to the case for agnosticism, breaks it free of its stereotypes as watered-down atheism or amorphous “seeking,” and celebrates it as a reasoned, revealing, and sustaining stance toward life. Stepping over the lines imposed by rigid conviction, she draws on philosophy, theology, psychology, science, and more to explore, with curiosity and passion, the vital role of mystery in a deceptively information-rich world; to ask what we mean by the search for meaning; to invoke the humbling yet elating perspective of infinity; to challenge received ideas about death; and to reconsider what “the soul” might be. Inspired and inspiring, Agnostic recasts the question of belief not as a problem to be solved but as an invitation to an ongoing, open-ended adventure of the mind.

What I've been searching for all along.

I love this book. I'll say it again. I absolutely love this book. As someone who has been studying, researching and diving into Religions and sects of the world; I can only feel this universe and reality only gets more confusing and more paradoxical. Lesley took the words right out of my mouth as she defended the idea in embracing the mystery and the unknown. To allow one to openly accept Religion but to also question and continuously try to keep searching. If you are one who keeps looking, give this book a chance. It's OK to always wonder, It's OK to never settle and to never stop searching and seeking.

As for the people saying the narration isn't good. Really? It's just an old lady (Lesley) reading her own book, speaking from her soul. Have you fellas ever heard an AI read from a book written by an AI? At least there is heart in this. At least she tried. There is nothing wrong here with the narration, other than the fact that it's not your typical profound male voice with "gusto".

essential and accessible for anyone involved...

Faith is sacred, beliefs suspect, convictions dangerous - an essential contribution to religious peace !

The best Agnostic book I’ve found

I felt seen as I read this book. Hazleton has a wonderful way of describing what it means to be Agnostic. As the only proper agnostic in my family this was a refreshing read. I am so grateful this book was written and that I found it. Much love to the author <3
And no love to the butt of a human who wrote the one-start review saying this was boring. So rude 😂 this book is not boring if you are interested in the topic.

Leave some room for doubt 😊

Lesley reads her book aloud with good phrasing, paces and kept my interest.

Explores an aspect of humanity on the intersection of beliefs and non- belief.

Generous in spirit, and worth a second read or listen

Speaks to my soul.

What an Incredible collection of essays by someone who clearly has a soulful and compassionate love for the world, and distain for self-righteous dogma. Her soothing voice seems to narrate across time and space, putting words to deep mysteries that can inspire Awe and Wonder to those who are not afraid. Lesley Hazelton, thank you for leaving this audio document of your brilliant life.