OK, so I’ve actually read A Letter to a Christian Nation now and I have to say, it is a very well done book. He’s obviously preaching to the choir in my case. It is very harsh on religion, of course. He goes so far as to say that science and religion are completely incompatible. No punches pulled. It almost makes me a bit uncomfortable at times even though I agree with him on 100% of it. The discomfort comes from knowing a lot of very smart people who believe in God. I think, in their minds, they know that their beliefs are not rational in a scientific sense. They are accepting that they are setting aside their skepticism in a way they don’t for the easter bunny.
Sam Harris, in this book is talking mainly to hardcore Christians who are anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-separation of church and state, etc. but there is a message for religious moderates too. You are not being honest with yourself if you don’t face head on some of the major and detrimental inconsistencies of virtually all religious views. For example, it is deeply evil that Catholics would rather doom people to die from HIV/AIDS than cooperate with the distribution of condoms. Most Catholics I know oppose this view of the church and yet call themselves Catholics. They are complicit in that travesty.
It’s worth a read even if you disagree with him because it really gets the wheels turning.
lolife 
[quote]He goes so far as to say that science and religion are completely incompatible. . . . The discomfort comes from knowing a lot of very smart people who believe in God. I think, in their minds, they know that their beliefs are not rational in a scientific sense. [/quote]
I agree. Religion and science are not perfect bed partners. And most people of faith that I encounter don’t put their families at risk in the name of religion, although, as you’ve stated it does happen.
[quote]You are not being honest with yourself if you don’t face head on some of the major and detrimental inconsistencies of virtually all religious views[/quote]
On the contrary, I do believe most moderates are aware of the inconsistencies but we have to believe in something of a higher power when science fails us.
Example: Someone’s mother is gravely ill, but all the doctors and all the king’s men can’t get Mommy together again. Despite all the drugs and machines they try nothing seems to help and there not even sure what they’re treating.
Here is where belief and faith can keep your mind at ease, where hope is a key ingredient to your own sanity and welfare.
BUT, if that’s all you’re counting on is hope, faith and belief then you are not being honest with yourself.
I do look forward to reading the book. Thanks for your insight!
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As George Michael told us a while back. You gotta have faith.
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