Atheism is often considered to be a negative and rather dark belief, characterized by a rejection of values and purpose, as well as a fierce opposition to religion in all its forms.

Julian Baggini sets out to dispel the myths that surround atheism and to show how a life without religious belief can be positive, meaningful, and moral. He also confronts the failure of officially atheist states in the twentieth century, such as the Soviet Union, and presents an intellectual case for atheism that rests as much on positive arguments for its truth as on negative arguments against religion.