The End of Faith by Sam Harris

[naomi24]

I read Letter to a Christian Nation, which I thought was excellent, but I found The End of Faith became rather political after a while, and went off track somewhat. I know one or two people here have this book and I wonder what you thought of it?

[mibn2cweus]

I read that book two or three years ago and do not recall it in great detail, although giving credit where credit is do, that is no less a characterisation of my own state as it is of the importance of the book.

What I do recall was my conclusion that Samuel presented many important ideas in "The End of Faith" that if given the consideration they deserve might well have a favorable impact on the future of humanity. I'd call that a ringing endorsement.

What struck me as perhaps of greatest importance was Sam's allusions to the fact that merely ridding the world of faith does not provide in it self a solution to the problems inherent in viewing faith as a legitimate alternative to reason. It is in the alternatives he presented I found this book most lacking.

As viciously as the stranglehold of faith grips both hemispheres, among those who acknowledge the importance of reason, very few understand reason to the degree and extent necessary to provide the only lasting alternative to faith that can cure the disease. Religion is only one symptom of a failure to grasp a system of rational thought that provides an integrated view of existence and of how to live within it. Religion is not the only affront to reason. Much of what is touted as philosophy is as much and often a much worse enemy to reason.

Until an understanding of the meaning and importance of reason takes centre stage as the only means to achieve the unique potential we share as conceptual, rational beings and its methods and advantages to the process of living are presented as the legitimate fourth �R�, religion will most likely continue to be the method of choice for a large segment of the population for attempting to escape what so many fear, that the one and only place they ever had any right to expect to find it, reality, may now be without hope and beyond reach.

[mibn2cweus]

In spite of this criticism, as an expose� on the consequences of faith and religion I found it refreshingly illuminating, and am encouraged by the deliberations it continues to provoke.

[mibn2cweus]

. . . and having looked at the book once again, I have no idea who "Samuel" is??? Sorry Sam.

[naomi24]

Thanks guys. I found it interesting and, in some ways, enlightening, although I did feel that once Sam launched into politics his enthusiasm for that seemed rather to get the better of him.

I'm currently reading something that Keyplus wanted me to read - Islam and the Destiny of Man by Gai Eaton. Up to yet it seems a very strange mix of ancient and modern thinking, so rather confused, rather biased and, hence, not terribly objective, but we shall see what transpires. I don't suppose anyone else has given this one a try, have they?