May 5th, 2008

Left to my own devices, I read fiction. I've run the gamut from classical fiction to historical, and even fantastical (is that a word?)... but fiction, nonetheless. So picking up this little book was a bit out of character for me. It is, after all, non-fiction, a rare change of pace. And I'm glad I did.

Not that I agreed with every word. Letter to a Christian Nation author Sam Harris is occasionally as intolerant as the religious right he so vociferously opposes, as an atheist and an American. I found that he painted all people of faith (regardless of which faith) with a pretty broad brush, and was sometimes startled by the vehemence of his anger against people who are devoted to religion. I'm not sure I believe that all those who feel the presence of a god in their lives are complete morons. But overall, this book is well-written, compelling, and cogent, making good points about the many drawbacks of religious fervor. In fact, the drawbacks of religious belief, period. Many of our world's problems (war, terrorism, the devastating spread of AIDS - in the present and throughout history) can indeed be linked to religion and, sadly, to those who consider themselves godly and devout. Talk about an unpopular concept in our religiously polarized world!

No need to look any further for examples than the last 60 years in Israel, though that is hardly the only place where you'll find evidence that differences in faith can lead to conflict. The book points out that it's not only differences between religions that can cause problems, however. There's the exponential spread of AIDS on the African subcontinent, due (in part) to church-based teaching that condemns the use of condoms. And the "sectarian violence" that tears apart bodies and buildings in cities across Iraq. Closer to home, we see resistance to stem-cell research from religions that believe embryos have souls. Creationism is taught alongside (or worse - instead of) evolution in some of our schools.

This book points to the many mistakes made by religious people, whether it be through ignorance or arrogance. It is a viewpoint largely drowned out by the loud babble of voices shouting anti-gay slurs, clamoring for the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, thundering against a multitude of other people's "sins." It is the small child in the crowd who cries out, "The Emperor has no clothes!"