Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural PhenomenonAn innovative thinker tackles the controversial question of why we believe in God and how religion shapes our lives and our future For a growing number of people, there is nothing more important than religion. It is an integral part of their marriage, child rearing, and community. In this daring new book, distinguished philosopher Daniel C. Dennett takes a hard look at this phenomenon and asks why. Where does our devotion to God come from and what purpose does it serve? Is religion a blind evolutionary compulsion or a rational choice? In Breaking the Spell, Dennett argues that the time has come to shed the light of science on the fundamental questions of faith. In a spirited narrative that ranges widely through history, philosophy, and psychology, Dennett explores how organized religion evolved from folk beliefs and why it is such a potent force today. Deftly and lucidly, he contends that the "belief in belief" has fogged any attempt to rationally consider the existence of God and the relationship between divinity and human need. Breaking the Spell is not an antireligious screed but rather an eyeopening exploration of the role that belief plays in our lives, our interactions, and our country. With the gulf between rationalists and adherents of "intelligent design" widening daily, Dennett has written a timely and provocative book that will be read and passionately debated by believers and nonbelievers alike. |
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LibraryThing Review
Avis d'utilisateur - GlennBell - LibraryThingThe author attempts to kindly encourage religious people as well as non-religious people to read his book. He spends a great deal of time trying to be pleasant and thoughtful of those who are ... Consulter l'avis complet
LibraryThing Review
Avis d'utilisateur - Michael_Rose - LibraryThingDaniel C. Dennett tries to remains as respectful and polite as he can, all while trying to take the idea of religion in purely logical terms. This attempt earned him nothing from his critics, but it's still a good read despite their lack of comfort with its writings. Consulter l'avis complet
Autres éditions - Tout afficher
Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon Daniel Clement Dennett Aucun aperçu disponible - 2006 |
