Internationally enjoyed illustrator and humanist thinker Jeff Stilwell takes us on a journey that begins in ancient history, in the land of Ur, where God making was all the rage. Pursuing that thread through the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to the present day, we discover that we don't need to make up gods to explain things anymore. Since we all come accessorized with an expiration date, Stilwell encourages us all to make the most of this life we have to live, here and now. Starring Stilwell's freethinking alter-ego Thrashin' Jack and his friend Lotus, Here and Now features over one hundred delightful and charming comics illuminating the story. #1 Hot New Releases Amazon Kindle in first week of publication! ADVANCE PRAISE FOR HERE AND NOW... "Stilwell covers the most complex topics-the problem of evil, what makes all the different priests and leaders so sure of themselves, quantum physics-by way of his endearing comics. You almost need the illustrations to break up the minimal narrative, so you can take at least a moment to ponder whether you want to dispute any of his statements...That's a lot of heft for a mere cartoon book to carry, and yet Here and Now manages it." ---Susan Perry, Creative Atheist, Patheos.com "Here and Now is funny, concise, and timely. A must read for the atheists and, more importantly, the theists among us." ---Tom Smith, Secular Radio, KWPRadio.org "Stilwell's comical illustrations will help you visualize how religion was made. The process the book walks you through is amazing. A great and interesting read!" ---Amanda Brown, President, We Are Atheism, WeAreAtheism.com "While the elementary level language and comic-strip style artwork makes it easy to miss the complex ideas just under the surface, there are deep currents hiding beneath what at first glance seems like a very shallow experience...Stilwell has deftly put together a great primer for understanding an atheist worldview. Where Hitchens and Dawkins put believers on the defensive with brutal attacks on religious thinking, this book takes a different approach. It manages to build a foundation to explain atheist ideas without being threatening. I could see a lot of people using this book as a tool to help friends and family members understand why they think how they do. Also, because it's so accessible, it would be valuable for introducing atheist ideas to kids....However it might be used, Here and Now is a valuable addition to the body of atheist literature." ---Dave Brouillette, The Atheist Soundingboard "A really good story!" ---Sam Mulvey, Ask An Atheist Radio PRAISE FROM GENERAL READERS... "...as a mother, I can use this book not only for myself, but also for my children. The author outlines the history of religion simply without losing depth of great wisdom or insight. It is humorous, concise and a thought provoking adventure as you travel through time with the playful character, Thrashin' Jack." ---Victoria Milliken "A wonderfully brief but thought provoking read. Something that can be read in minutes, and thought about for a lifetime." ---Jeff Lin "When you take away all the supernatural magic that surrounds religion, and explain religion in a clear-eyed, matter-of-fact manner, you get Here and Now." ---Rita Boyland White "Stilwell's little book brings clarity and sums up all of the thoughts, questions and beliefs I've had over the years regarding this important question: Is there a god?" ---Michael Arnold "Jeff Stilwell's new book, Here and Now, truly has the awesome potential to change your life. Or at least your thinking, which, in turn, will change your life." ---Suzanne Schaefer
Meaning 21 founder and American Sage Jeff Stilwell is an expert in the major faith traditions, particularly Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Islam, all researched from the humanist perspective. In the summer of 2015, his passion for humanity led him on a 750 mile Lightning March for Humanity from Stevens Pass in Washington, across four states and forty days to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. Along the way he talked with hundreds of people about his dream of a world with meaning, where all could find a sense of belonging through embracing their humanity. Returning to Seattle, inspired by those conversations, he founded Meaning 21, which offers a philosophical framework for the growing number of Nones (religiously unaffiliated). Stilwell is also the author and illustrator of A None's Inner Peace: Living The Good Life Without A God Pointing The Way.
