Synopses & Reviews
"Is Religion Dangerous? Does it do more harm than good? Is it a force for evil - or even 'the root of all evil', as Richard Dawkins has claimed?" "Many contemporary commentators would answer in the affirmative to all these questions. They would argue that religion is something to fear and something we should oppose because it corrupts minds and leads to terrorism and violence. Religious beliefs, they say, are irrational and immoral, and have no place in modern secular society." "In this intelligent and insightful book, Professor Keith Ward responds to the critics. Looking at the evidence from history, philosophy, sociology and psychology, he focuses on the main question at issue: does religion do more harm than good? He begins by examining the key area of religion and violence and goes on to assess the allegations of irrationality and immorality, before exploring the good religion has done over the centuries."--BOOK JACKET.
Synopsis
Holy wars, crusades, discrimination, hate these by-products of religion are all many contemporary commentators can see. But is religion dangerous? Is it a force for evil, something to oppose as a corrupt system that leads to terrorism and violence? Is it something to disdain as irrational and out of step with modern society?
Keith Ward here addresses these concerns intelligently and insightfully. Looking at the evidence from history, philosophy, sociology, and psychology, he focuses on the main question at issue: does religion do more harm than good? He begins with a clear definition of what religion actually is, examining the key area of religion and violence. Ward goes on to assess the allegations of irrationality and immorality before finally exploring the good religion has engendered over the centuries. Without religion, the human race would be considerably worse off with little hope for the future. In fact, he argues, religion is the best rational basis for morality.
Thought-provoking and powerful, "Is Religion Dangerous?" is essential reading for anyone interested in the confluence of truth, freedom, and justice.
Table of Contents
The causes of violence -- The corruptibility of all things human -- Religion and war -- Faith and reason -- Life after death -- Morality and the Bible -- Morality and faith -- The enlightenment, liberal thought and religion -- Does religion do more harm than good in personal life? -- What good has religion done?