In recent years, there have been several best selling books arguing that religion is often harmful to individuals and to society and is overly influential in the modern world. The writers of these books have become influential public figures and continue to advocate alternatives to religion. The following is a partial list of influential secular minded writers and books:

Richard Dawkins – The God Delusion

Sam Harris – Letter to a Christian Nation, The End of Faith

Daniel Dennett – Breaking the Spell

Christopher Hitchens – God is Not Great