"The level of intensity fluctuates according to time and place, but it can be
stated as long as a truth that religion does not, and in the long run cannot be
content with its own marvelous claims and sublime assurances.
It must seek to interfere with the lives of nonbelievers, or heretics,
or adherents of other faiths. It may speak about the bliss of the next world,
but it wants power in this one."
I think that rather succinctly introduces one of the core concepts
so adeptly pinpointed in this book.
Christopher does seem more than capable
of tearing down the efficacy of religion and belief
by addressing historical inaccuracies,
the doublespeak of supposed believers,
the notion that atheists and agnostics are somehow
less moral, and other misinformation so often
assumed to be true by virtue of repetition.
Of particular interest to me were the bits on the abuses of children
through the cocoon of religious living, denying kids
the world over even a chance at free thought.
I know firsthand,as Hitch did, the evils done in the name
of good at the catholic schools. And it is merely
representative of the greater evil--or poison--that the
church and 'believers' engage in regularly.
It's good to have a voice and a new, tireless, incisive
view of just how much religion does taint. An
equal opportunity offender, he lambastes judaism and islam as
easily as he does the American-based christianity.
A wonderful exploration of all the things you may have
wanted to have an explanation for, all the things you
were afraid to address, and all the skeletons you
didn't even know were hidden.
