![Religion on Trial - Donald Dutton](https://www.booktopia.com.au/covers/big/9781773740485/3288/religion-on-trial.jpg)
At a Glance
Paperback
$31.29
Aims to ship in 7 to 10 business days
When will this arrive by?
Enter delivery postcode to estimate
In the 1950s, a group of social psychologists infiltrated a doomsday cult—a religious group that believed the world was coming to an end—and studied how its members sustained their beliefs when the prophecy failed.
How are major religions different from cults? My argument is that they persist through political fiat rather than the evidence provided for their central dogma. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all quote private conversations that were never recorded until decades, sometimes centuries, after the fact. Can these be accurate? I think not.
Religion on Trial reviews the origins of religion, the early days of the chief “desert religions,” and the arguments of notable dissenters. It examines the likelihood that a “god-concept” is inborn, showing up in 5-year-old children regardless of their parents’ beliefs. Finally, it delves into the realm of neuropsychology, which shows that humans are wired to consider new beliefs not on a basis of evidence, but on how that belief resonates with our other preconceptions.
It is possible to forge a society on a moral basis rather than a central god-concept; given the divisiveness of religion, I believe it is time we did so.
Industry Reviews
Religion on Trial is the best introduction to the psychology of religion available: grounded in a wide-ranging scholarly literature, but clear and insightful; open-minded in discussing various religious traditions and addressing contemporary public concerns about multi-religious societies; unique and essential. I can only wish that I had read it 50 years ago!
- Professor Michael Harris Bond, Cross-Cultural Psychologist, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
A tour de force. Dutton has revealed not only how and why religions arise, but explains their resilience in the face of disconfirming scientific knowledge.
- Ehor Boyanowsky, Professor Emeritus, Simon Fraser University
ISBN: 9781773740485
ISBN-10: 1773740482
Published: 1st September 2019
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 346
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: Donald Dutton
Dimensions (cm): 21.6 x 14.0 x 2.0
Weight (kg): 0.45
Shipping
Standard Shipping | Express Shipping | |
---|---|---|
Metro postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Regional postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Rural postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
How to return your order
At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.
Additional postage charges may be applicable.
Defective items
If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.
For more info please visit our Help Centre.
You Can Find This Book In
This product is categorised by
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsChristianityBiblical Studies & Exegesis
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsReligionComparative Religion
- Non-FictionSociety & CultureSocial GroupsSocial & Cultural Aspects of Religious Groups
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsReligionReligious Issues & Debates
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsAspects of Religion for Non-ChristiansSacred TextsCriticism & Exegesis of Sacred Texts