The Soul of Atlas: New Book Finds Common Ground Between Ayn Rand, Christianity

PHILADELPHIA, April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Do the two most influential books in modern culture, the Bible and Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, share common ground? In his new book, The Soul of Atlas (Reason Publishing), author Mark David Henderson examines the underlying principles of Christianity and Objectivism, challenging readers to approach the seemingly contradictory world views with a fresh perspective and an open mind.

"Something about these two domains of thought...is deeply compelling to many Americans," Henderson writes in the introduction to The Soul of Atlas. "Given that fact, one would imagine that there are shelves of books comparing and contrasting these ideologies. In fact, there are not. To date, the Conversation between Objectivism and Christianity has not played out. There is common ground to stand on though, and people who adhere to either one of these two world views need to engage with each other and cooperate. It's vital today more than ever."

In a recent Library of Congress / Book of the Month Club survey, readers ranked the Bible (#1) and Atlas Shrugged (#2) as the two books that have most influenced their lives. Both world views have exerted a profound influence on Western culture, politics, economics, social structure and individual relationships. Yet until now, the followers of each, Christians and Objectivists, have been worlds apart.

In The Soul of Atlas, Henderson lays out the poignant details of his own quest for common ground, sifting through the starkly different world views of his father, Dr. David J. Henderson, a doctor, farmer and devout Christian; and his stepfather, John Aglialoro, a staunch adherent of Ayn Rand's philosophical system of Objectivism and the producer of the recent feature-film adaptation of Atlas Shrugged. Weaving together these two philosophies, Henderson explores whether faith and reason are compatible.

The Soul of Atlas leads the reader through a powerful dialogue between two worlds. Both Christianity and Rand's system of thought have played key roles in shaping Western culture, particularly in America, and Henderson challenges readers to uncover the commonalities between them. What they will discover, as Henderson himself discovered, is that reason cannot rule out the need for faith. In fact, the human person needs both.

What people are saying about The Soul of Atlas:

"I believe this book can help us regain our civil society. ... Secularists and those of faith may disagree on the existence of God, but their alliance is based upon the common values of peace, family, individual responsibility, and a limited government. Their allegiance to the virtues of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' within a civil society is their common ground."

- John Aglialoro, the author's stepfather and the producer of the recent film adaptation of Atlas Shrugged

"The ideologies are miles apart on the surface. Mark's discussion brings out the point that political conclusions can be similar yet come from two differing theological perspectives. That similarity offers great opportunity to engage with a community of atheists that shares many of our political views. ... The Soul of Atlas makes a special call to action so that the Objectivist and the Christian may make an inclusive rather than exclusive choice."

- Dr. David J. Henderson, the author's father, a devout Christian

About Mark David Henderson:
Mark David Henderson studied Victorian poetry and neuroscience at Brown University and earned an MBA from Columbia Graduate School of Business. He is a life-long student of Ayn Rand, a Christian and a former elder and trustee of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. Mark lives in Chester County, Pennsylvania, with his wife and three sons.

About The Soul of Atlas:
Publisher: Reason Publishing
Format: Paperback
Publication Date: February 27, 2013
Page Count: 264
ISBN 13/EAN: 978-0988329508
ISBN 10: 0988329506
Price: $18.99 Available on Amazon.com 
Web: www.soulofatlas.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SoulofAtlas 
Twitter: @SoulofAtlas
YouTube: www.youtube.com/soulofatlas 
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/soulofatlas/

SOURCE Mark David Henderson