A Better Life
Lisa Ryan - 1 August 2017
Movie review
An exploration of joy and meaning in a world without God
Last year on September 27th Daniel Ryan, Mark Honeychurch and I along with a number of other Wellington skeptics went along to the NZ Association of Rationalists and Humanists evening where the documentary “A Better Life: An Exploration of Joy & Meaning in a World Without God” was screened at Penthouse Cinema in Brooklyn, Wellington. The documentary created by filmmaker Chris Johnson was an excellent speaker and really informative about the work he is creating. The documentary interviewed a variety of people from all over the world about their beliefs and how those without religion face the world we live in. As a student Theologist at the time of watching this documentary my own thoughts and perceptions of the world were changed by watching this documentary through the vivid imagery as well as poignant quotes from those interviewed.
Chris also completed a book which is carefully intertwined with the documentary which is also available on his website ‘The Atheist Book’ and although I am yet to read it myself, the excerpts from it look stunning. His photographs along with eloquence with language really shows through in the documentary.
From the advertisement advertising the screening sent out by the NZARH: “There is no God. Now what? If this is the only life we have, how does that affect how we live our lives, how we treat each other, and cope with death. In this fascinating documentary, join filmmaker Chris Johnson as he introduces us to people from all walks of life and backgrounds who challenge the false stereotypes of atheists as immoral and evil. From Daniel Dennett and A.C. Grayling, to Julia Sweeney and Robert Llewellyn —learn the various ways many atheists have left religion to a better life filled with love, compassion, hope, and wonder.”
People interviewed and found in The Atheist book include:
- A.C. Grayling, Philosopher
- Cara Santa Maria, Television personality
- Carol Blue & (the late) Christopher Hitchens
- Daniel Dennett, Philosopher and cognitive scientist
- Derren Brown, British illusionist
- James Randi, Magician
- James Watson, Molecular biologist/co-discoverer of the structure of DNA
- Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of physics, author and broadcaster
- Lawrence M. Krauss, Physicist
- Michael Shermer, Founder/Publisher of Skeptic magazine
- Penn & Teller, magicians
- Richard Dawkins, Evolutionary biologist, and author
- Sean Carroll, Theoretical Physicist
- Steven Pinker, Cognitive scientist
…and many, many more!