Promotional Information

An expanded and updated edition of this acclaimed book

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction: What is religion? 6
Part One: Religion and violence 23
1. The causes of violence 25
2. The corruptibility of all things human 43
3. Religion and war 58
Part Two: Are religious beliefs irrational? 89
4. Faith and reason 91
5. Religion explained away 106
6. Life after death 122
Part Three: Are religious beliefs immoral? 131
7. Morality and the Bible 133
8. Morality and faith 153
9. The Enlightenment, liberal thought and religion 166
Part Four: Does religion do more harm than good? 181
10. Does religion do more harm than good in personal life? 183
11. What good has religion done? 210
Notes 234
Index 236
Introduction:

About the Author

Keith Ward is a fellow of the British Academy and Professional Research Fellow at Heythrop College, London. He was formerly Professor of Religion at King's College, London, Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, and a member of the Council of the Royal Institute of Philosophy. He is also a well-known broadcaster and author of over twenty books, including More than Matter? and Is Religion Irrational?

Reviews

This book, unlike many religious books, is very clearly written. I wish I could explain myself as clearly as he does. I think a good way to approach the book could be to regard it as a series of essays on topics such as Life after Death, Morality and the Bible, and Faith and Reason, which can be read independently of each other.
*The Lance *