Bookraft

Later in the twenty first century, historians will be asking what exactly was the God straw that broke the camel's back ? For the past five years of the 21st century has seen a firestorm of criticism from a broad range of scientists, historians and philosophers about religion and heretofore the unquestioned right to an unfettered belief in God. Now religion and belief in God are in question - and with comprehensive and impassioned, even "religious" zeal.

Was it 9-11 and the coming out of a small but rabidly lethal group of Islamic terrorists whose random and vicious strikes against innocents and civilians without provocation ignited religious tensions between Muslim and just about every other faith throughout the world ? Was it the Christian evangelical clergy in the US counseling their faithful to vote en-masse against any party or politician who supported male and female gay rights or questioned the display/use of Christian-only prayers and rites in schools, or supported any from of abortion rights ? Was it the revelations of systematic cover up in the Catholic Church over dozens of years of the crimes committed by priests and other clergy who preyed on children as pedophiles or child-abusers ? Or was it the systematic decline in former works of charity and support by Christian organizations who channeled energy, time and funds into partisan political campaigns ?

Whatever the reason, some distinguished scholars have started to question the nature of belief and religion and its social efficacy. For every cathedral and or religious college, there can be found some religious war and often brutal holocaust or diaspora. But even more fundamental are the questions being asked. For example, neuroscientist Sam Harris examines the checkered practices and beliefs of Christianity, Islam and Judaism over time and concludes "even when those beliefs are used to justify harmful behavior and sometimes heinous crimes.... in the shadow of weapons of mass destruction, we can no longer tolerate views that pit one true god against another." In sum, the religions of the world are being matched up against their doctrines and moral tenets - and the historical record, examined in detail, is not kind. Every religion without exception is found wanting not just for brief episodes but consistently over the duration of their existence.

Finally philosopher and cognitive scientist, Daniel Dennett asks fundamental question of religions and belief in God. Is religion truly the best way toward a moral life? Is belief in God as an active agent in ones life rational ? Or is religion really a product of blind evolutionary trends/forces and therefore subject to evolutions whims and extremes ? In effect, Dennet is asking whether religions in some of their curtain manifestations, can be thought of as peacocks - built for one purpose, but in modern times and circumstances, unfettered religious belief is as counter productive as a peacock without the protection of a zoo enclosure.

To many faithful, these will seem to be harsh and strident, if not downright blasphemous pronouncements. Others will credit it to the rampant, out-of-control "liberal" viewpoint. However, this party, an ardent Teilhard deChardin-iste believer, finds these works at least intellectually compelling. They cannot be ignored. So I will have upcoming reviews of hopefully all three books in the months ahead. Yes, these books may prove to be as provincial as some Christian Evangelicals appear to be - losing sense of their ministry to the downtrodden and insecure as they seek ever more magnificent trappings. As issues come upon us ever faster, having a good belief system and moral base is ever more valuable, will modern religions be part of the problem or sources of influence and solutions. That will be the upcoming guiding assessment.