We live, allegedly, in a postmodern age in which we have cast aside the narrative fantasies of the pre-modern era. If postmodernism represents the final abandonment of all grand theories, where does religion stand? If religion is a particularly unbelievable form of explanation, why does it power still affect social and political change? Here, like the skeptics of our age, the author asks, What has theology ever had to say that was of the slightest use to anyone? He argues that religion without God is like a car without an engine, and draws on many aspects of human culture to offer a defense of religion that is not only credible but necessary in an age when postmodernism itself has been exposed as a cruel illusion.

Filled with wit, humor, and clear metaphor, this exploration into atheism is written specifically for young adults, though any adult interested in learning more about atheism will find value within. Not just focused on atheism, this crash course in logical thinking addresses the issues of indoctrination, whether it be religious, political, or commercial, and makes the case that morality is created through reasoning and logic, not through divine communication. Many hot topics are touched upon, such as traditional arguments for God's existence, the relationship of evolution and religious belief, the incompatible nature of science and religion, and the harmfulness of both Christianity and Islam.

While highly controversial the book is intended to stimulate discussion about the divine origin of religious texts and attempts to raise the collective consciousness regarding religion's subjugation of women with the hope that women break free from this repression. Is scripture truly the Word of God? Why does scripture treat women as second class citizens? What is the meaning of 666? Did Jesus live to be over fifty years of age? The author suggests a qualitative analysis be performed on scripture for accuracy, consistency and reasonableness to determine divine origin and exposes religion's subjugation and oppression of women. Read the Open Letter to God which contains references to scriptural passages and ask yourself, "Are these the words of God?" The author suggests we are entering into a new phase of the Age of Enlightenment where individuals replace acceptance of repressive religious ideology with An Inquiring Mind? The last chapter contains Thoughts on life on some 50 subjects.

Does it mean nothing at all that we are spiritual beings? What does one of the world's oldest religions have to say? Convinced that Judaism possesses a core of wisdom that appeals to everyone, Shmuley Boteach ferociously argues against Jews seeking piety in abstractions, in rationalizing injustice, in explaining the Holocaust away as a punishment for assimilation. He pleads for recognition that Judaism is not about death or suffering, but is about seeking optimism and spirituality. In a modern world riddled with angst, this enlightening and provocative book poses a new outlook on Judaism and spiritual life today. --

"Philosophy's the 'love of wisdom', can be approached in two ways: by doing it, or by studying how it has been done," so writes the eminent philosopher Roger Scruton. In this user-friendly book, he chooses to introduce philosophy by doing it. Taking the discipline beyond theory and "intellectualism," he presents it in an empirical, accessible, and practical light. The result is not a history of the field but a vivid, energetic, and personal account to guide the reader making his or her own venture into philosophy. Addressing a range of subjects from freedom, God, reality, and morality, to sex, music, and history, Scruton argues philosophy's relevance not just to intellectual questions, but to contemporary life.

A New Morality from Science