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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason is one of those books that readers will either absolutely love or absolutely detest. This book takes a serious look at the side effects of religious beliefs both in the past and in the present (with a focus on terrorist activities...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It1 of 2 members found this review helpful “While I share Harris' view of history as often defined by the battles, either violently or verbally expressed between those claiming to speak for God, I find his inability to separate spirituality or a belief in some higher force from his negative projection of the word God, and so he presents...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“A fantastic read for anyone who wants to know more about the East/West relationship and why it is the way it is. Mr. Harris is an excellent writer and his work incredibly well researched.”
Amy W wrote this review 18 hours ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Finally, the a-theist (hyphen deliberate) crowd is responding to all the religious claptrap with a vengeance. I've read Dawkins, Dennett and now Harris (I think this book should also be read with [book:Letter to a Christian Nation|51299] which was his response to all the hate mail he received.) Harris makes a very good case, perhaps less shrilly than Dawkins, for why religious belief perpetuates evil and hatred. I've seen him interviewed in debates on several occasions and find his responses to be quite well thought out and delivered calmly.
Eric w wrote this review Saturday, November 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
That being said, my only criticism of this book would be his over-emphasis, I think, on Islam. I think that lessens the impact of his general critique of faith in general. Clearly the faith-based foreign policy engaged in by the Bush administration is evidence enough of the moral bankruptcy of religious policy wonks.
I have to admit that I was one of those Harris castigates, i.e., those who fail to criticize religious moderates. He makes a strong case for not tolerating religious faiths, regardless of how moderate or fundamental they might be. I have come to adopt his rationale.
I think his book could have been stronger had he discussed in more depth that idea that atheists can commit evil acts just as can religious fanatics; that political ideologies can lead to atrocities just as much as can religious true believers. The point that must not be lost is that a rational, reasoned discussion of what constitutes good and evil based on factual evidence will result in a much sharper definition than one that simply relies on faith and a supernatural entity.”“similar to hitchens, harris unleashes his vitriol aimed at religion and supernaturalism. his points are on point, well-developed, intelligent, and they stick in your head like a catchy tune. however, i didn't like how the book ends - with an appeal to the reader to engage in eastern-style mysticism. harris doesn't seem to appreciate the fact that eastern mysticism is just as supernatural as western religion or islam (although more peaceful). ”
Josh P wrote this review Saturday, November 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“it reads like a textbook”
Scott K wrote this review Wednesday, November 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book went really deep into philosophical territory and I'm not a really big fan of philosophy.”
am91962 wrote this review Monday, November 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Awesome writing.”
Ellen P wrote this review Monday, October 26 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Puzzling that it's controversial. It's LOGICAL. and RATIONAL. Interesting - well, well worth a read.”
Lindenalia wrote this review Wednesday, October 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Same as Dawkins': "the end of Faith is a genuinely frightening book...read Sam Harris and wake up."”
Del Ray K wrote this review Monday, September 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Top 3 best books I've ever read. ”
Guy Benzeno wrote this review Monday, September 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
