Library
Is Religion Dangerous?
Author: Keith Ward
ISBN: 0745952623
Published: 2006
Product Description
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. Is Religion Dangerous? makes powerful reading for all those interested in issues of truth, freedom and justice. Without religion, the author argues, the human race would be considerably worse off and there would be little hope for the future.
Synopsis
Many commentators today claim that religion is dangerous and harmful. In addressing this question, Keith Ward begins by defining what religion actually is and how most human harm has been caused. He then looks at why people say that religion is dangerous, focusing particularly on religious wars and conflicts and on specific attacks on religion, such as the claims that God is wrathful, that religion is intolerant, that religious morality is primitive and cruel. Keith Ward argues that religion produces great good - for example, in terms of hospitals, the abolition of slavery, great art and music, moral heroism, and philosophy and science. Religion, he concludes, is the best rational basis for morality.