End of Faith by Sam Harris book review

Review:

The 'End of Faith' isn't a book that promotes atheism. Sam Harris' book is really a relentless and critical attack on religious dogma. The crux Harris' assertions is that religion and its dogmas are more or less inseparable. That it's wrong to "throw the baby out with the bath water" as it pertains to the major religions but it's almost impossible in our world not to do so. In the end of the book, he does make a case of still allowing for spirituality in human dialog but doesn't go into much detail on the subject.

Harris' spends the majority of the book on his main thesis which is an argument about the damaging ideas of religious dogma (really all dogma in general). That is what *the* problem is, in his eyes. It's not the fact that people want to believe. It's that they cannot rationally accept criticism or accept changes to any of their questionable religious dogma. Even in the face of strong counter evidence. Many religionists continue to accept that certain books as divine even though experience and fact has shown much of it to be false or even hurtful to individuals and/or civilization. Yet many still maintain that all of it is still true and wholly good.

Harris maintains that religion is a conversation stopper. Most people cannot critically discuss ideas because of their absolute faith in their religious dogma prevents it. Every argument begins with the idea that the dogma is true. This cannot be found acceptable anymore in modern times. This creates two options: conversation or warfare (violence). If the first fails the second will more than likely result.

Secularism of course isn't free of rigid thinking but in the end there far fewer "sacred cows." No ideas *have to be believed* at all costs in the face of convincing contrary evidence. That is a *key* difference maker here that Harris points to.

He also singles out religion as the primary road block of rational dialog. No one can have respected beliefs about biology, geography, chemistry, etc. without factual basis except when it come to religious beliefs. He asserts that this is fundamentally flawed thinking. Religion should not be held to a different set of standards. He blames religious moderates and many "social liberals" as the real culprits for facilitating this flawed double standard. His insists that this must change and more frank and honest dialog and criticism must begin in this area.

The whole book's theme and sense of urgency is driven by the rising stakes of collections of religious individuals using weapons of mass destruction justified by their dogma. It asserts that it is only a matter of time before this happens. The longer certain religious dogma goes on the more likely it will bring down civilization (ultimately in 50 to hundreds of years.) He really points his finger at Muslims of the middle east. But he doesn't hold back on the flaws of Christianity and Judaism either.

All in all, it was very vindicating read for me. He makes top rate rational arguments to back up his controversial claims. He blows the doors off of what is traditionally taught by secularists and religionist alike that advocate the acceptance and tolerance of bad to false religious ideas. Harris points out that not all religious tenants are equal and we must stop calling them as such.

I recommend to people that want to strengthen their arguments against people that are unwilling to tackle dogmatic thinking.