So many books . . .

Hitchens, like the recent works of Dawkins and Harris, implores 21st-century thinking individuals to reconsider the traditional views and roles of religion. Hitchens’ angle, however, is to demonstrate the ways in which religious beliefs do more harm on the large scale than good – and he is convincing. Religious influence clearly poisons humanity politically, physically, emotionally and in undoubtedly more subtle ways as well. I recommend Hitchens, as well as the authors listed above.

Rating: 5/5 Further reading: Christopher Hitchens (wiki)

 

In his latest work, Dawkins explores the delusion humans in nearly all societies have shared throughout history - that of religious beliefs.

In one interesting chapter, Dawkins postulates several possible and quite interesting evolutionary origins of religion that may help to explain why it has developed alongside civilization. He also addresses the absurd notion that religion is the root of morality, and demonstrates how traditional arguments in favor of God's existence are actually hollow products of wishful thinking. The underlying, despairing theme throughout the book is how, even today in the 21st century, religious beliefs persist in complete absence of reason.

This is a very readable text; the reader need not be an expert in philosophy, biology or theology to appreciate it. It is an excellent resource for those having doubts about faith and who would like support in "escaping from religion" (to use Dawkins' own phrase) and thinking for oneself. I made my own break for it some time ago. :)

Rating: 4/5 Further reading: Dawkins' homepage Richard Dawkins (wiki)