Methodissed

Despite countless valid arguments against religion, theists are not easily swayed. Many hear an argument here or there, but are never presented with a big picture view. As a result, they easily brush off religious criticism without a second thought.

Can someone recommend a comprehensive book that presents a sound case against religion in layman's terms? I'm not looking for philosophical argument or a compendium of five syllable words. Rather, I would like to find a matter-of-fact case against religion that the average person could follow and understand. Topics might include the following:

• Evolutionary reasons for the human tendency toward religious belief
• History of religion and religious beliefs
• Similarities between different religions
• How the bible came to be
• Biblical atrocities, contradictions, nonsense, etc.
• Historical Christian behavior and their impact on humanity and civilization
• Correlation between bible verses, papal dictates and church teachings on Christian behavior
• Negative impact of Christianity on humanity and society today
• Future consequences of living in a superstitious world

Granted, these are some big topics. Recognizing that the average person doesn't have time to read an encyclopedia set, I would like to find a single book that offers concise arguments with reference to additional sources.

Any suggestions? Even better, is there a quality video series to comprehensively address the consequences of religion? If not, there should be.

Peter Kirby

I don't quite understand the concept of "a sound case against religion." It sounds to me like "a sound case against Pepsi" or "a sound case against pokemon." Obviously, religion is not for everybody. Possibly, religion as a whole has a net negative effect on society, however it is that we might calculate such (and it is not obvious how). But that does not mean that every individual should be without any religion. That's a decision for an individual to decide, not for an agenda-driven book or video about the bad effects of religion to decide for her or him. I think that the individual would be better served in reading relatively nonpartisan books on biological evolution, comparative religion, history of faith, and so on. Yes, I don't think that the one book silver bullet is the correct approach. The road to atheism is not necessarily an easy one, and it is not for everybody.

Peter Kirby, atheist, who isn't sold on the religion-is-pure-evil thing.

Vorkosigan

Gosh Peter, you've taken all the fun out of the thread.....


Vorkosigan

cloudyphiz

please point them to this site:

<a href="http://mac-2001.com/philo/crit/index.html" target="_blank">i think it's what you're looking for...</a>

-gary

Haran

It's funny to me how Christians and atheists can sound so much the same some times...

"I have something that is a much better solution, but it is not an easy road..."

Regardless, Peter, thanks for the relatively unbiased and reasonable approach you take to issues.

As to the first post, there are many very intelligent Christians who have looked at the evidence for and against their religion and others and still remain Christians. I don't think that a book such as you mention will sway anyone except those who wrote it and those who already believe that way.

Finally, for CloudyPhiz, do you really find the stuff on that website convincing?

People never cease to amaze me.

Haran

[ April 27, 2002: Message edited by: Haran ]</p>

MortalWombat

What percentage of them were not born, raised, and taught that belief from an early age?

Replace the word "Christians" with "Muslims", "Jews", "Hindus", "Buddhists", etc. Does that mean they're correct as well? Or can they be mistaken, given that most of them were also born, raised, and taught their belief from an early age?

Methodissed

Interesting perspective from an atheist. I disagree that religion has possibly had a negative effect on society. Its record of human rights abuses, setbacks in science, culture, education, etc. etc. is absolutely horrid. The tradition continues today with the widespread sexual mutulation of innocent babies, denying birth control to overpopulated starving nations, forced agonizing suffering for terminally ill patients, murder, genocide, and denial of medical innovation and treatments to millions of suffering people due to cloning paranoia. (I'm sure I could think of more.)

I agree that people have a right to religious belief. I draw the line with religious fanatics and political leaders who create suffering and hardship by imposing their beliefs on others.

Unlike some religious fanatics, I cannot envision the educated freethinking atheist community using persecution, terror, pain and blood to influence others. Our weapons are scientific knowledge, education, rational thought and example. Therefore, I believe a comprehensive book for the layperson is important (thanks for the link cloudyphiz.) It won't convert the masses, but it would enlighten some and at least temper their beliefs with a dose of reality.

[ May 01, 2002: Message edited by: Methodissed ]</p>

lpetrich

Furthemore, Christianity is not an absolutely unified front -- it is divided into lots of sects which have sometimes been very hostile to each other. Now who's right?

lpetrich

I sometimes like to think of the religion business as an addiction, something on the lines of Karl Marx's "opium of the people" comment.

Pantera

<a href="http://atheism.about.com/library/world/AJ/bl_AlbaniaReligionAnti.htm" target="_blank">What, none of them?</a>

Or was Enver Hoxha just not a True Atheist?