Breaking the Spell (edit title)

Timothy Gray approved mensch’s request to change the title of Breaking the Spell 2 weeks ago.

mensch changed the title of Breaking the Spell 2 weeks ago.

Shelfari edited the contributors of Breaking the Spell Wednesday, September 30 2009.

• Removed a contributor: : (Primary None)

Shelfari edited the contributors of Breaking the Spell Thursday, September 17 2009.

• Added a contributor: Daniel C. Dennett: (Primary Author)
• Added a contributor: : (Primary None)

Timothy Gray approved Cerisier’s request to combine 5 books, including Breaking the Spell, Saturday, September 12 2009.

Cerisier submitted a request to combine 5 books, including Breaking the Spell, Saturday, September 12 2009.

Shelfari edited the description of Breaking the Spell Friday, July 31 2009.

• An innovative thinker tackles the controversial question of why we believe in God and how religion shapes our lives and our future For a growing number of people, there is nothing more important than religion. It is an integral part of their marriage, child rearing, and community. In this daring new book, distinguished philosopher Daniel C. Dennett takes a hard look at this phenomenon and asks why. Where does our devotion to God come from and what purpose does it serve? Is religion a blind evolutionary compulsion or a rational choice? In Breaking the Spell , Dennett argues that the time has come to shed the light of science on the fundamental questions of faith. In a spirited narrative that ranges widely through history, philosophy, and psychology, Dennett explores how organized religion evolved from folk beliefs and why it is such a potent force today. Deftly and lucidly, he contends that the "belief in belief" has fogged any attempt to rationally consider the existence of God and the relationship between divinity and human need. Breaking the Spell is not an antireligious screed but rather an eyeopening exploration of the role that belief plays in our lives, our interactions, and our country. With the gulf between rationalists and adherents of "intelligent design" widening daily, Dennett has written a timely and provocative book that will be read and passionately debated by believers and nonbelievers alike.

Shelfari edited the first sentence of Breaking the Spell Friday, July 17 2009.

• You watch an ant in a meadow, laboriously climbing up a blade of grass, higher and higher until it falls, then climbs again, and again, like Sisyphus rolling his rock, always striving to reach the top.