Product Description

Ludovic Kennedy explores the question of whether we are any longer justified in interpreting what we call God as an autonomous, independent, sentient being, or whether the time has come to recognize him as we do all history's gods - as images created by the human mind to meet human needs. The author examines the origins of gods from the earliest times, questions the reliability of both Old and New Testaments, and records the growth of European atheism from before the Reformation to the present. Interspersed with this, Ludovic Kennedy offers his often witty insights into how his own upbringing affected his thinking; and, in the final chapter, tells how he has found his own way to spiritual fulfilment.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #298149 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01-21
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 302 pages

Customer Reviews

A demolition of religion deserving the widest exposure
Ludovic Kenenedy manages to combine his usual standards of clinical analysis with grace, patience and good humour in effectively deconstructing the bedrock of many people's existence. His treatment of the intolerance and savagery of Christ's followers over the centuries is counterbalanced by gentle respect for the sincerity of faith held by some believers.

If anything, Kennedy is perhaps too soft on the theists in understating the true cost of religion now borne by all of humanity. How much more we could have grown as a species had theists not used their position to justify calamitous and divisive social policies and to slaughter innocent millions on the pretext of instruction from false yet tellingly anthropomorphic gods.

By the end of the book I was reminded of a hymn dinned into me in countless childhood church services, which for me sums up the true basis of religious belief: It was called God be in my Head.

My only regret is that this admirable book is unlikely to be read by many true believers: I would make it compulsory reading for anyone pursuing or contemplating a career in religious ministry.

Very good and well argued
Although Ludovic Kennedy doesn't say anything new, this is still a very well written and interesting book. It is mainly composed of what others have to say about atheism and God but is still very well put together. The author does describe how he became more and more disenfranchised with the church and God and this was very interesting to read about. Being an atheist myself, there was some resonance there and it was intriguing to find my own thoughts written out on the page. The only reason I gave the book 4 rather than 5 stars is because I feel it could have been more in-depth and analytical. I would still recommend this very highly to those wishing to make a start on reading about atheism.

Interesting view of religion for non-believers
This book is a fairly detailed investigation of the evidence for Christianity, but also serves to illustrate the same points for any religion. Kennedy was always told to believe in god and to accept the bible as truth, but nobody could satisfy his need for proper evidence that what is written in the bible is fact. The message is that there seems to be less and less need for religion, and that as more and more becomes known about the world this trend will continue. Also, while one can say that there is no proof that any god exists it is similarly impossible to prove that any god doesn't exist.

So there is a need for tolerance. If like me you have no need for any religion then you shouldn't be forced to accept any. By the same token athiests or agnostics should be completely happy to let believers continue to believe if that serves a purpose for them.

It is an interesting work, and if you ever need to get into arguments about the merits of religion it will give you plenty of information.