God, Do You Exist?: The Questions of a Curious Agnostic

Why do we cling so tenaciously tothe symbols and stories and doctrines contained in religion? Even more importantly, why do we letourselves be driven to extremes of anger and hate and even murder in theirdefense? No doubt fear is the strongestreason. But, surely that fear is justthe legacy from the reaction of our ancient ancestors to the mysteries theycould see but not understand. Many ofthose mysteries have long ago been clarified by our advancements in knowledgeor have just disappeared, all without the help of religion. Should not our religious beliefs changeaccordingly? Cannot our fears beovercome by knowledge? This book dares to question ourso-called sacred beliefs. It holds upour doctrines to questions, not about their scientific or physical validity,but about their intrinsic failure to solve or justify or even explain theproblems of suffering and pain and evil in this world. Many of our doctrines and the stories uponwhich they are based appear ineffective or even counterproductive when examinedobjectively. Maybe it's time they weresubjected to closer scrutiny. This bookdoes that in ways which go beyond conventional religious criticism.