Publisher's Synopsis
Whether it's a politician wallowing in piety to cast a spell upon the voters, or self-righteous clergy demanding that law conform with tribal edicts from long ago, there is an unrelenting effort to infuse our public institutions with spiritual thinking and goals. Proponents apparently forget that the leap of religious faith springs from doubt, not certainty, while condemning those who cannot overcome their skepticism about spirituality. Too few of the faithful seem to question how religious ideation originated and evolved from the primordial state of humanity-or how acceptance of hundreds (and perhaps thousands) of gods, diminished to belief in a few. History and social sciences suggest that these gods were created by humankind out of fear, anxiety, and superstition Still, sanctimonious individuals continue to point fingers at non-believers and secularists as though logical doubts about spiritual forces, somehow suggests questionable judgment or character.In this third edition of No Santa, No Tooth Fairy, No God-The Need To Challenge Faith In America, Michael Spry not only explores pitfalls in religious thinking, but also the place of non-believers in U.S. culture and law. Ultimately, the author puts forth the proposition that as long as the religious community continues to demand a blurring of the line between church and state, and until sufficient respect is directed toward those who do not believe in gods, non-theistic individuals must step up to challenge the reasoning behind religious faith. Using innovative techniques which can help faithful or faithless readers to see issues with fresh eyes, Spry writes about his subject in a way which is thought-provoking and engaging. The importance of activism and bold countercultural approaches, can be seen with far greater clarity within this carefully-crafted book.
