Praise for Religion Is Not about God
"Loyal Rue has written a bold, scholarly, and gracefully composed discussion of the complex relations between the concepts of God and religion. I learned a great deal from the rich tapestry of facts that filled the gaps in my understanding of the history of these ideas and believe that readers will enjoy a similar intellectual experience."-Jerome Kagan, research professor of psychology, Harvard University
"This book is an important step toward the naturalistic, hence truly general theory of religion. It harmonizes contemporary scientific understanding of the origin of human nature with a positive view of the centrality of religion in culture."-Edward O. Wilson, university research professor, emeritus, Harvard University
In the course of human history, thousands of religious traditions have appeared, each with distinctive patterns of meaning. Some speak of a myriad of gods, others speak of only one, while some recognize no gods at all. Volumes have been written attempting to prove the existence or non-existence of supernatural being(s). But, if religion is not about God, then what on earth is it about?
In this provocative book, Loyal Rue contends that religion, very basically, is about us. More specifically, it is a series of strategies that aims to influence human nature so that we might think, feel, and act in ways that are good for us, both individually and collectively. Employing images, symbols, and rituals, religion's main goals are to promote reproductive fitness and survival through the facilitation of harmonious social relations.
Rue builds his argument by first assembling a theory of human nature, drawn from recent developments in cognitive science and evolutionary theory. He shows how cognitive and emotional systems work together and how they are conditioned by cultural influences, including religion.
He then surveys the major religious traditions-Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism-to show how each, in its own way, has guided human behavior to advance the twin goals of personal fulfillment and social coherence.
Rue also considers the prospects for religious traditions in the light of contemporary challenges. As all religions are increasingly faced with a dual crisis of intellectual plausibility and moral relevance, they are being rendered less capable of shaping behavior in ways that are usefully adaptive. Rue warns that when religions outlive their adaptive utility, they become positive threats to human survival.
Despite its bold and ambitious goals, this book is hostile to neither the idea of God nor religious life in general. Rue acknowledges that both can coexist with the idea of religion as a natural phenomenon. Written respectfully throughout, Religion Is Not about God will appeal to a broad audience interested in issues of faith and science.
Loyal Rue is a professor of philosophy and religion at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Along with numerous articles and reviews, he is the author of several books, including Amythia, Everybody's Story, and By the Grace of Guile (A New York Times Notable Book). [
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