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.
Table of Content
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?
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