Against All Gods: Six Polemics on Religion and an Essay on Kindness (Oberon Masters Series)

Against all gods was a short, entertaining read, consisting of a set of seven short essays originally written as journalist-level contributions on religion to magazines and newspapers. The bundle's central concern is to argue against supernatural beliefs as a guide for human behaviour, and the point is to be deliberately direct and succinct, as required by the original medium, in order to invite further discussion (the author explicitly refers to other works published by him that do treat the subject with nuance and detail).

Sometimes the same point or the same simile is recycled in several essays, but since they are only a few pages long, that's only a quibble. More importantly, after a series of essays arguing against supernaturalism, show more the bundle concludes with a piece arguing for humanism, careful consideration and kindness, ending on a positive note what might otherwise have been perceived as an all-negative rant. show less

Short and sharp polemic against religion and in favour of reason. Not the first time a philosopher has argued against the unobservable being unbelievable, but quite a good attack nonetheless. Grayling's point on 'atheism' being used by religious believers to keep the debate on their turf is an excellent one. Also, his promotion of kindness, rather than giving religions respect simply because they are religions, appeals to me.

Masterly in its clarity and concision. Can be read at one sitting and, ideally, should be all that needs to be said on the matter.