E-Book Overview
Religion is one of the most powerful forces running through human history, and although often presented as a force for good, its impact is frequently violent and divisive. This provocative work brings together cutting-edge research from both evolutionary and cognitive psychology to help readers understand the psychological structure of religious morality and the origins of religious violence. Introduces a fundamentally new approach to the analysis of religion in a style accessible to the general reader Applies insights from evolutionary and cognitive psychology to both Judaism and Christianity, and their texts, to help understand the origins of religious violence Argues that religious violence is grounded in the moral psychology of religion Illustrates its controversial argument with reference to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the response to the attacks from both the terrorists and the President. Suggests strategies for beginning to counter the divisive aspects of religionDiscusses the role of religion and religious criticism in the contemporary world. Argues for a position sceptical of the moral authority of religion, while also critiquing the excesses of the “new atheists” for failing to appreciate the moral contributions of religionAwarded Honourable Mention, 2010 Prose Awards
E-Book Content
In the Name of God
Blackwell Public Philosophy Edited by Michael Boylan, Marymount University In a world of 24-hour news cycles and increasingly specialized knowledge, the Blackwell Public Philosophy series takes seriously the idea that there is a need and demand for engaging and thoughtful discussion of topics of broad public importance. Philosophy itself is historically grounded in the public square, bringing people together to try to understand the various issues that shape their lives and give them meaning. This “love of wisdom” – the essence of philosophy – lies at the heart of the series. Written in an accessible, jargon-free manner by internationally renowned authors, each book is an invitation to the world beyond newsflashes and soundbites and into public wisdom. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Permission to Steal: Revealing the Roots of Corporate Scandal by Lisa H. Newton Doubting Darwin? Creationist Designs on Evolution by Sahotra Sarkar The Extinction of Desire: A Tale of Enlightenment by Michael Boylan Torture and the Ticking Bomb by Bob Brecher In Defense of Dolphins: The New Moral Frontier by Thomas I. White Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Ethics and Liberal Democracy by Seumas Miller Who Owns You? The Corporate Gold Rush to Patent Your Genes by David Koepsell 8. Animalkind: What We Owe to Animals by Jean Kazez 9. In the Name of God: The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Ethics and Violence by John Teehan
For further information about individual titles in the series, supplementary material, and regular updates, visit www.wiley.com/go/bpp
In the Name of God The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Ethics and Violence John Teehan
A John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Publication
This edition first published 2010 © 2010 John Teehan Blackwell Publishing was acquired by John Wiley & Sons in February 2007. Blackwell’s publishing program has been merged with Wiley’s global Scientific, Technical, and Medical business to form Wiley-Blackwell. Registered Office John Wiley & Sons Ltd, The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, United Kingdom Editorial Offices 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148-5020, USA 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford, OX4 2DQ, UK The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK For details of our global editorial offices, for customer services, and for information about how to apply for permission to reuse the copyright material in this book please see our website at www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell. The right of John Teehan to be identified as the author of th