From what I have read so far, this can be an interesting and challenging book for both the rational atheist and the believer.
For the proponent of new atheism, Wright opens his first chapter with a quote from Durkheim, asserting that all the great social institutions have been born of religion. Wright's thesis is that modern day religion has evolved and matured from superstition, moved closer to the truth, but even the early superstitions, though factually wrong, point to a fundamental truth.
He also portrays early religion, though borne of feeble mind, to be "reasonable" to the primitive. If we view the reasoning of the ancients as primitive, then how will people tens of thousands of years in the future view our reasoning? This means the jury is still out on what reasoning is capable of, or at least what it can do with the little we know.
The Christian believer will be challenged to reconcile Wright's scenario with fallen, sinful man and the plausibility of revelation, among other tenets. Wright does assume a materialist position - but if what he says is plausible, what does this say of spirituality?
I'm looking forward to reading what Wright says about the formation of Judaism and Christianity. I've also posted a review on the introduction and the first chapter on my website.
5 comments:
That certainly sounds more interesting than any books I am reading for my classes.
As long as I can get my hands on it, it shouldn't be more than a week before I can finish.
Great review. I've added EoG to my wish list to order soon, looks like an enlightening treat. Thanks for the review and for pointing out this book.
From what I have read so far, this can be an interesting and challenging book for both the rational atheist and the believer.
For the proponent of new atheism, Wright opens his first chapter with a quote from Durkheim, asserting that all the great social institutions have been born of religion. Wright's thesis is that modern day religion has evolved and matured from superstition, moved closer to the truth, but even the early superstitions, though factually wrong, point to a fundamental truth.
He also portrays early religion, though borne of feeble mind, to be "reasonable" to the primitive. If we view the reasoning of the ancients as primitive, then how will people tens of thousands of years in the future view our reasoning? This means the jury is still out on what reasoning is capable of, or at least what it can do with the little we know.
The Christian believer will be challenged to reconcile Wright's scenario with fallen, sinful man and the plausibility of revelation, among other tenets. Wright does assume a materialist position - but if what he says is plausible, what does this say of spirituality?
I'm looking forward to reading what Wright says about the formation of Judaism and Christianity. I've also posted a review on the introduction and the first chapter on my website.
All sounds similar to Rodney Stark's Discovering God. Very interesting.
I bought this book today and I am reading it as we speak.
Great review, John.
I will probably write about this book as I am reading it.
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