The End of Faith

1. Faith-based religion is a source of violence and intolerance

We are killing ourselves over ancient literature.

Historical precedent. Religion has been used to justify violence, oppression, and intolerance throughout history. The Inquisition, Crusades, and modern religious terrorism demonstrate how faith-based ideologies can lead to atrocities. When people believe they have divine sanction for their actions, it removes normal ethical constraints.

Cognitive dissonance. Religious faith often requires believers to compartmentalize contradictory ideas, leading to moral inconsistencies. This "divine command theory" of ethics allows followers to justify actions they would otherwise consider immoral if done in the name of their god or holy text.

Us vs. them mentality. Many religions promote an in-group vs. out-group worldview that dehumanizes non-believers and makes violence against them more palatable. This tribalism is a major source of conflict between religious groups.

2. Reason and ethics can exist without religious faith

The fact that we want the people we love to be happy, and are made happy by love in turn, is an empirical observation.

Secular ethics. Moral behavior and ethical reasoning do not require belief in God or adherence to religious doctrine. Empathy, reason, and an understanding of human wellbeing can form the basis of a robust ethical framework.

Scientific approach. By studying the factors that contribute to human flourishing and suffering, we can develop evidence-based ethical principles. This allows for moral progress as we gain new knowledge, unlike static religious morality.

Universal values. Many core ethical principles (like prohibitions on murder and theft) are shared across cultures, suggesting they arise from common human experiences rather than divine revelation.

3. Islam poses unique challenges to global peace and security

We are at war with Islam.

Doctrinal issues. While all religions have problematic teachings, Islam has specific doctrines that are particularly challenging to reconcile with modern pluralistic societies. These include concepts of jihad, martyrdom, and harsh punishments for apostasy and blasphemy.

Global scope. Unlike more localized faiths, Islam is a worldwide religion with over 1.8 billion adherents. This gives its most extreme interpretations a large potential base of support and makes reform more challenging.

Political ideology. Many interpretations of Islam do not separate religion from governance, leading to theocratic impulses that conflict with secular democracy and human rights.

4. The problem of Islamic extremism goes beyond geopolitics

The truth is that we must find some way of inspiring the developing world, and the Muslim world in particular, to pursue ends that are compatible with a global civilization.

Ideological roots. While factors like poverty and political oppression contribute to extremism, the core beliefs of radical Islam play a crucial role. Addressing only socioeconomic issues is insufficient.

Belief matters. The specific content of religious beliefs shapes behavior. Beliefs about martyrdom and jihad directly motivate terrorist actions in a way that purely secular ideologies do not.

Reform challenges. Islam's decentralized nature and emphasis on scriptural literalism make internal reform difficult. Moderate voices often lack theological justification for more liberal interpretations.

5. Torture and collateral damage present complex ethical dilemmas

If you think it is ever justifiable to drop bombs in an attempt to kill a man like Osama bin Laden (and thereby risk killing and maiming innocent men, women, and children), you should think it may sometimes be justifiable to water-board a man like Osama bin Laden.

Moral consistency. Many who oppose torture in all circumstances still support military actions that inevitably cause civilian casualties. This raises questions about the consistency of our ethical principles.

Lesser evil dilemmas. In extreme "ticking time bomb" scenarios, the use of torture might prevent greater harm. While such situations are rare, they force us to examine the limits of absolute moral prohibitions.

Intention vs. outcome. The ethical distinction between torture and collateral damage often rests on the intention behind the act, not just its consequences. This highlights the complexity of moral reasoning in conflict situations.

6. Religious moderation provides inadequate solutions

The very idea of religious tolerance—born of the notion that every human being should be free to believe whatever he wants about God—is one of the principal forces driving us toward the abyss.

Scriptural cherry-picking. Moderate believers often ignore or reinterpret problematic passages in their holy texts rather than honestly confronting them. This prevents genuine reform and gives cover to more extreme interpretations.

False equivalence. The idea that all religions are equally valid paths to truth undermines critical examination of specific doctrines and their real-world impacts.

Enablers of extremism. By insisting that religion itself is beyond criticism, moderates make it difficult to address the root causes of religious violence and intolerance.

7. A science of human wellbeing is possible and necessary

There is no question that human beings can make real progress in understanding the causes of their own happiness.

Empirical approach. By studying the factors that contribute to human flourishing, we can develop evidence-based strategies for improving wellbeing. This allows for moral progress based on expanding knowledge.

Neuroscience insights. Advances in brain science are providing new understanding of the biological basis of human experience, including happiness, suffering, and moral decision-making.

Ethical objectivity. While challenging, it is possible to develop objective standards for assessing human wellbeing. This provides a foundation for moral reasoning that doesn't rely on religious authority.

8. Spirituality can be approached rationally without religion

The fact that the universe is illuminated where you stand, the fact that your thoughts and moods and sensations have a qualitative character, is an absolute mystery.

Contemplative traditions. Many spiritual practices, particularly from Eastern traditions, offer empirical methods for exploring consciousness without requiring supernatural beliefs.

Mystical experiences. Altered states of consciousness, including those traditionally labeled "mystical," can be studied scientifically and integrated into a rational worldview.

Ethical development. Spiritual practices like meditation can cultivate positive mental states and ethical behavior without relying on religious dogma.

9. Self-transcendence is achievable through meditation

The recognition of the nonduality of consciousness is not susceptible to a linguistically oriented analysis.

Non-dual awareness. Through meditative practice, it's possible to experience a state of consciousness in which the usual sense of self as separate from the world dissolves.

Empirical approach. These experiences can be cultivated and studied systematically, without requiring belief in supernatural entities or religious doctrines.

Ethical implications. The experience of self-transcendence can lead to increased compassion and a reduction in selfish behavior, providing a practical path to moral improvement.

<words>2000</words>

Last updated: August 8, 2024