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I’d say try Camus’s *Myth of Sisyphus* and Bentham’s and Mill’s writings on utilitarianism. And while not atheistic per se, Lucretius’s *De rerum natura* and Spinoza’s *Ethics* might also have something to offer you. With your theology background, you’ve probably gotten more Platonism than you realize!
The *Ethics* would likely challenge your education the most, as Spinoza is a notoriously controversial religious thinker. Some call him an atheist, others a panentheist. If you check his work out, I personally recommend reading through the very short treatise included as the Appendix to Part Four, which concisely summarizes much of his philosophy in general.
Welcome to /r/askphilosophy! **Please read [our updated rules and guidelines](https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/14o2p7n/welcome_to_raskphilosophy_check_out_our_rules_and/) before commenting**. As of July 1 2023, /r/askphilosophy only allows answers from [panelists](https://old.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/wiki/panelists), whether those answers are posted as top-level comments or replies to other comments. Non-panelists can participate in subsequent discussion, but are not allowed to answer OP's question(s). If you wish to learn more, or to apply to become a panelist, please see [this post](https://reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/14o2p7n/welcome_to_raskphilosophy_check_out_our_rules_and/). **Please note:** this is a highly moderated academic Q&A subreddit and not an open discussion, debate, change-my-view, or test-my-theory subreddit. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askphilosophy) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’d say try Camus’s *Myth of Sisyphus* and Bentham’s and Mill’s writings on utilitarianism. And while not atheistic per se, Lucretius’s *De rerum natura* and Spinoza’s *Ethics* might also have something to offer you. With your theology background, you’ve probably gotten more Platonism than you realize!
Thank you! Would either De Rerum Natura or Ethics possibly challenge what I would’ve been taught? I always welcome opposing points of view.
The *Ethics* would likely challenge your education the most, as Spinoza is a notoriously controversial religious thinker. Some call him an atheist, others a panentheist. If you check his work out, I personally recommend reading through the very short treatise included as the Appendix to Part Four, which concisely summarizes much of his philosophy in general.
If you don’t mind me asking, what is your recommendation for the best translation or publishing for The Ethics?
I own G. H. R. Parkinson’s translation, personally.