Description
Book SynopsisLong before the release of The God Delusion, Keith Ward was defending religious belief on all sides from its detractors. In the new paperback edition of this influential bestseller, Keith Ward examines the arguments put forward by a host of scientists, sociologists, and psychologists, who claim that religion is nothing more than a host of naïve superstitions and delusions.
Exploring the work of thinkers from Sigmund Freud to Emile Durkheim, Ward offers an alternative view, demonstrating religion’s key contribution to the human condition and its crucial relevance to the world today.
Trade Review"a lively and interesting survey" * Reviews in Religion and Theology *
"This book contains all the familiar War characteristics of clarity, verve and humour." * Church Times *
"A lively and interesting survey" * Reviews in Religion and Theology *
"The book offers a simple introduction to its main features and provides a useful basic background as well as an invaluable resource for visual material, with clear photo-copiable line drawings of important features of a world faith, together with explanatory text." * Christian Marketplace *
"He writes so well that this rather difficult subject becomes completely gripping." * The Good Book Guide *
"Professor Ward will convince most reasonable readers that human nature would be poorer if the religious impulse were denied. He puts into more intelligent words than most of us could muster what it is which would be lost if we all became material atheists." * The Spectator *
"Ideal for serious students of religion." * Publishers Weekly *
" This insightful book is a valuable contribution to current questions regarding the role of religion in this new millenium." * Dialogue and Alliance *
" Ward lays out the case for religion with scrupulous argument and without designs." * Interreligious Insight *
"Professor Ward will convince most reasonable readers that human nature would be poorer if the religious impulse were denied. He puts into more intelligent words than most of us could muster what it is which would be lost if we all became material atheists." * The Spectator *
"Ideal for serious students of religion." * Publishers Weekly *
Table of ContentsContents include:
1. Religion and the Transcendent
2. Sick Men's Dreams?
3. The Sigh of the Oppressed
4. Voices from the Unconscious
5. Rhythms of the Spirit
6. Children of Abraham
7. The Way to Enlightenment
8. The Second Revolution
9. The Dreams of Reason
10. Matters of Morality
11. Many Paths, One Goal?
12. Indras's Net
