Religion is one of the most powerful forces running through human
history, and although often presented as a force for good, its
impact is frequently violent and divisive. This provocative work
brings together cutting-edge research from both evolutionary and
cognitive psychology to help readers understand the psychological
structure of religious morality and the origins of religious
violence.
* Introduces a fundamentally new approach to the analysis of
religion in a style ...
Religion is one of the most powerful forces running through human
history, and although often presented as a force for good, its
impact is frequently violent and divisive. This provocative work
brings together cutting-edge research from both evolutionary and
cognitive psychology to help readers understand the psychological
structure of religious morality and the origins of religious
violence.
* Introduces a fundamentally new approach to the analysis of
religion in a style accessible to the general reader
* Applies insights from evolutionary and cognitive psychology to
both Judaism and Christianity, and their texts, to help understand
the origins of religious violence
* Argues that religious violence is grounded in the moral
psychology of religion
* Illustrates its controversial argument with reference to the
9/11 terrorist attacks, and the response to the attacks from both
the terrorists and the President. Suggests strategies for beginning
to counter the divisive aspects of religion
* Discusses the role of religion and religious criticism in the
contemporary world. Argues for a position sceptical of the moral
authority of religion, while also critiquing the excesses of the
‘new atheists’ for failing to appreciate the moral
contributions of religion
* Awarded Honourable Mention, 2010 Prose Awards