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The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason by Sam Harris (2005, Paperback, Reprint)
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In a post-9/11 polemic, Sam Harris takes an absolutist stand against religion and the link between blind faith, fundamentalism, and theocracy. Harris cites what he sees as the...Read more
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End of Faith by Sam Harris
by:fibro_doc
The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason is one of those books that readers will either absolutely love or absolutely detest. This book takes a serious loo...Read more
My Latest Favorite Book
by:hypnogurucat
I bought this book to give to another person who,like me, wants a broader perspective of faith-driven assumptions and decisions. I discovered the author, Sam Harris, discussi...Read more
The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason by Sam Harris (2005, Paperback, Reprint)
Author: Sam HarrisPublisher: W W Norton & Co IncLanguage: English
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Synopsis
In a post-9/11 polemic, Sam Harris takes an absolutist stand against religion and the link between blind faith, fundamentalism, and theocracy. Harris cites what he sees as the violence-drenched holy texts of major religions to underscore the connections between religion and terror. Criticizing both Islam and Christianity throughout, Harris would relegate religion to the same status as we now view, for example, the Roman gods. He would replace religion with reason, and he would turn to Eastern thought for a more fully developed spirituality. Addressing objections from those who favor a "moderate religion" or religion when separated from state, he says this is mere accommodation. Acknowledging that acts of charity currently done in the name of religion have a positive end, he says that in a world of reason and ethics these would still take place. Outrageous at first, Harris gradually builds a strong case for, as he says, the end of faith and the future of reason.
Publisher's Note
An analysis of the disparity between faith and logic in modern society examines the willingness to challenge religious-based belief systems throughout history.
This important and timely book delivers a startling analysis of the clash of faith and reason in today's world. Harris offers a vivid historical tour of mankind's willingness to suspend reason in favor of religious beliefs, even when those beliefs are used to justify harmful behavior and sometimes-heinous crimes. He asserts that in the shadow of weapons of mass destruction, we can no longer tolerate views that pit one true god against another. Most controversially, he argues that we cannot afford moderate lip service to religion; an accommodation that only blinds us to the real perils of fundamentalism. While warning against the encroachment of organized religion into world politics, Harris also draws on new evidence from neuroscience and insights from philosophy to explore spirituality as a biological, brain-based need. He calls on us to invoke that need in taking a secular humanistic approach to solving the problems of this world. Natalie Angier wrote in The New York Times: "The End of Faith articulates the dangers and absurdities of organized religion so fiercely and so fearlessly that I felt relieved as I read it, vindicated. Harris writes what a sizable number of us think, but few are willing to say."
Industry Reviews
"THE END OF FAITH articulates the dangers and absurdities of organized religion so fiercely and so fearlessly that I felt relieved as I read it, vindicated, almost personally understood....This is an important book, on a topic that, for all its inherent difficulty and divisiveness, should not be shielded from the crucible of human reason."
New York Times Book Review - Natalie Angier (09/05/2004)
In a post-9/11 polemic, Sam Harris takes an absolutist stand against religion and the link between blind faith, fundamentalism, and theocracy. Harris cites what he sees as the violence-drenched holy texts of major religions to underscore the connections between religion and terror. Criticizing both Islam and Christianity throughout, Harris would relegate religion to the same status as we now view, for example, the Roman gods. He would replace religion with reason, and he would turn to Eastern thought for a more fully developed spirituality. Addressing objections from those who favor a "moderate religion" or religion when separated from state, he says this is mere accommodation. Acknowledging that acts of charity currently done in the name of religion have a positive end, he says that in a world of reason and ethics these would still take place. Outrageous at first, Harris gradually builds a strong case for, as he says, the end of faith and the future of reason.
| Key Details | |
| Author: | Sam Harris |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | W W Norton & Co Inc |
| Format: | Paperback |
| ISBN-10: | 0393327655 |
| ISBN-13: | 9780393327656 |
| Additional Details | |
| Edition Description: | Reprint |
| Size | |
| Length: | 348 pages |
| Thickness: | 1 in |
| Weight: | 10.4 oz |
Publisher's Note
An analysis of the disparity between faith and logic in modern society examines the willingness to challenge religious-based belief systems throughout history.
This important and timely book delivers a startling analysis of the clash of faith and reason in today's world. Harris offers a vivid historical tour of mankind's willingness to suspend reason in favor of religious beliefs, even when those beliefs are used to justify harmful behavior and sometimes-heinous crimes. He asserts that in the shadow of weapons of mass destruction, we can no longer tolerate views that pit one true god against another. Most controversially, he argues that we cannot afford moderate lip service to religion; an accommodation that only blinds us to the real perils of fundamentalism. While warning against the encroachment of organized religion into world politics, Harris also draws on new evidence from neuroscience and insights from philosophy to explore spirituality as a biological, brain-based need. He calls on us to invoke that need in taking a secular humanistic approach to solving the problems of this world. Natalie Angier wrote in The New York Times: "The End of Faith articulates the dangers and absurdities of organized religion so fiercely and so fearlessly that I felt relieved as I read it, vindicated. Harris writes what a sizable number of us think, but few are willing to say."
Industry Reviews
New York Times Book Review - Natalie Angier (09/05/2004)
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End of Faith by Sam Harris
Created: 28/09/07
) 
The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason is one of those books that readers will either absolutely love or absolutely detest. This book takes a serious look at the side effects of religious beliefs both in the past and in the present (with a focus on terrorist activities including 9/11). In these examinations, the author notes that belief, intolerance, and violence seem to be perpetually intertwined.
I think most individuals would agree that much pain and suffering has been done in the name of religious belief, both in the past and in modern times. Of course, while many people find it easy to point to other religions as perpetrators of violent acts, they find it almost impossible to see that their own beliefs are just as potentially dangerous. I don't know if I agree with the author's opinion that the only way to solve this deadly dilemma is to get rid of religion entirely. I can see the potential for any system filling this void as having the same explosive potential as people seek questions that aren't explained by this new set of beliefs. It's definitely not a simple question and definitely something that each one of us needs to explore in detail.
I think most individuals would agree that much pain and suffering has been done in the name of religious belief, both in the past and in modern times. Of course, while many people find it easy to point to other religions as perpetrators of violent acts, they find it almost impossible to see that their own beliefs are just as potentially dangerous. I don't know if I agree with the author's opinion that the only way to solve this deadly dilemma is to get rid of religion entirely. I can see the potential for any system filling this void as having the same explosive potential as people seek questions that aren't explained by this new set of beliefs. It's definitely not a simple question and definitely something that each one of us needs to explore in detail.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Created: 08/10/06
I bought this book to give to another person who,like me, wants a broader perspective of faith-driven assumptions and decisions. I discovered the author, Sam Harris, discussing The End of Faith on the Book Channel and felt happy to hear his rational explanations of the ultimate results of unchallenged faith.
He refers to actual words from "holy books" to show how we end up with people willing to kill those who don't agree with them. He also, by the way, does not equate religion with spirituality. His book illustrates why it is so important to bring our reasoning ability back to matters of belief. Frankly, this is just the best book I've read in a long time that is willing to risk offending the very religious, in order to show that it is possible for all to live in peace.
Hypnogurucat 10/08/06
He refers to actual words from "holy books" to show how we end up with people willing to kill those who don't agree with them. He also, by the way, does not equate religion with spirituality. His book illustrates why it is so important to bring our reasoning ability back to matters of belief. Frankly, this is just the best book I've read in a long time that is willing to risk offending the very religious, in order to show that it is possible for all to live in peace.
Hypnogurucat 10/08/06
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
The end of Faith by sam Harris
Created: 02/12/08
I bought it because I personally feel that organized religions have and are creating misery and suffering on our planet. A friend mentioned the book to me, and I decided to get it. The book sends a very powerful message and provides thought provoking ideas. The philosophical parts were difficult for me at times, but the overall content of the book confirmed my own personal beliefs. The author's data on how America is becoming a theocracy (based on our nation's leaders' religious views and how those views effect policy) is frightening. His thoughts about Islam are terrifying (as we read about India, etc.) It was a very insightful book, and I am glad that I read it, and I just finished "Letter to a Christian Nation", his reply to Christian critics of his book. Any person who reads his writing must stop and consider the dangerous role of religion in the world today.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
This book was the end of my faith. I'm adrift.
Created: 03/04/10
) Christians, Beware! If you dare even glance at the title of this book, your immortal soul will be in grave danger! Hide the children and lash your spouse to the mast, this tome is full of pure, unadulterated reason!
True story: I was once a Christian until my church started worshipping at the alter of George W. Bush and Co., and looking askance at us few liberal democrat, social justice leaning lefties, what with all our "feed the poor and provide affordable care to the sick" nonsense. I started to question how I could be a Christian and fit in with my GOP Fox-zombie brothers and sisters-in-Christ, until the day I came across this book.
That was the day that metaphorical lightning cracked through my poor soul, as God was obviously pretty jacked that I dared to think I was strong enough to handle this nastily well thought out material.
I wasn't. God was right.
The smooth logic of Sam Harris slithered with an oily limbriguity through my fleshy mind, causing me to question the very pillars of my belief - namely, forcing me to open a dictionary and realize that "faith" means to "accept without proof", and that "accepting without proof" is the same mechanism that allows Icelanders to believe in elves (really they do, google it) and my best friends' wife to believe that angels ride in the car with her and help her pick good produce.
So as you can see, this book has ruined my life.
I feel empty without all the warm, cozy guilt I used to carry around for being born a sinner. I now have nothing to dress up for on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. I've lost all the people I used to have over for our Small Group, with our uplifting discussions of which color magnetic ribbons to put on our minivans and if Jesus would have have used enhanced interrogation himself or just approve it for other evangelicals. I have an extra 10% of my filthy lucre that I don't know what to with. Fat lot of good that'll do me, as I'll probably get killed by Satan now, and once I'm dead, I'm not invited to the big party in the sky anymore. I'll just be dead. Which sucks. I guess I'll have to try harder to enjoy my futile existence, and maybe go on a cruise or something. I could use that extra 10% of my paycheck I suppose.
Whatever.
True story: I was once a Christian until my church started worshipping at the alter of George W. Bush and Co., and looking askance at us few liberal democrat, social justice leaning lefties, what with all our "feed the poor and provide affordable care to the sick" nonsense. I started to question how I could be a Christian and fit in with my GOP Fox-zombie brothers and sisters-in-Christ, until the day I came across this book.
That was the day that metaphorical lightning cracked through my poor soul, as God was obviously pretty jacked that I dared to think I was strong enough to handle this nastily well thought out material.
I wasn't. God was right.
The smooth logic of Sam Harris slithered with an oily limbriguity through my fleshy mind, causing me to question the very pillars of my belief - namely, forcing me to open a dictionary and realize that "faith" means to "accept without proof", and that "accepting without proof" is the same mechanism that allows Icelanders to believe in elves (really they do, google it) and my best friends' wife to believe that angels ride in the car with her and help her pick good produce.
So as you can see, this book has ruined my life.
I feel empty without all the warm, cozy guilt I used to carry around for being born a sinner. I now have nothing to dress up for on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. I've lost all the people I used to have over for our Small Group, with our uplifting discussions of which color magnetic ribbons to put on our minivans and if Jesus would have have used enhanced interrogation himself or just approve it for other evangelicals. I have an extra 10% of my filthy lucre that I don't know what to with. Fat lot of good that'll do me, as I'll probably get killed by Satan now, and once I'm dead, I'm not invited to the big party in the sky anymore. I'll just be dead. Which sucks. I guess I'll have to try harder to enjoy my futile existence, and maybe go on a cruise or something. I could use that extra 10% of my paycheck I suppose.
Whatever.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
End of Faith
Created: 24/03/08
Sam Harris is in love or drunken with the idea that the world we presently live in is being "hijacked" by religious moderates/extremists alike. He believes strongly that the eradication of these (religions) will automatically pave the way to a land "flowing with milk and honey", freeing mankind from the superstitions of faith. He states them to be out of date and irrelevant to our present world. Boldly, he snubs the nose to over 3000 years of literary wisdom. The book has some fine points, though insults the purity and very logic of the gospel. He has written in a purely subjective and onesided manner throughout the book, as a lawyer would, defending his client: Atheism. I read it for research purposes, though I strongly suggest the virgin mind seek the arguments of "both sides of the coin", because basing one's opinion or life moto solely on what Mr. Harris says in this book, will inevitably lead the world to utter chaos.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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