An Atheist Defends Religion

The debate between theists and atheists has been an intense one for centuries, with neither side softening their positions. With the blossoming of Internet communications and popular atheist books, atheism's voice has gained strength and some have characterized this as "militant atheism."

Given the heated nature of this debate and the inevitable conclusion that neither side will ever satisfactorily resolve the existence or non-existence of God to the other side, Author Bruce Sheiman, who calls himself "an aspiring theist," looks at the cultural impact of religion and concludes that we can achieve our fullest humanity only in religion.

His book, An Atheist Defends Religion, covers a variety of religious beliefs. He argues that America is experiencing a secular crisis, not a religious one.

Bruce Sheiman earned a bachelor's degree from Fordham College where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He continued his education and received a master's degree from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Sheiman says he was always an "aspiring theist," wanting to believe in God, but never finding that religion spoke to him.

Sheiman spent 25 years in magazine publishing, where his roles included circulation management, editorial development and strategic planning. He held leadership positions with Boardroom Inc., the largest publisher of consumer newsletters, and the McCall Publishing Company. Most recently, as managing director of the Jordan Edmiston Group, an investment bank specializing in media, Sheiman advised more than 100 publishing companies, including American Express Publishing, Consumers Union, Hearst Magazines, Reader's Digest Association, and The New York Times. He has also helped launch several magazines, including 7 Days, Civilization, and Time Out New York.