Religion Within Reason

In this highly accessible work, Steven Cahn, a leading philosopher of our generation, exposes-in brilliant and vivid ways-the irrationality of the classical defenses of theism. Notwithstanding the book's devastating takedown of religious faith, Cahn argues for the potential benefits of living a religious life and engaging in religious ritual. This work is a must-read for anyone struggling with whether religion can withstand the scrutiny of contemporary analytical philosophy. The ideas in this clever, colorful and enjoyable book might very well change your life. I know it did mine. -- Dov Weiss, Assistant Professor, Department of Religion, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign A lively and lucid book. Even theists will acknowledge that Cahn has built a clever, accessible and formidable case. -- David Shatz, Ronald P. Stanton University Professor of Philosophy, Ethics, and Religious Thought, Yeshiva University Cahn's discussion engagingly examines each point from a commitment to the methods of scientific inquiry. We also receive something else: a thoughtful conception of how to live. Cahn engages us rationally, and in the process, inspires. -- Peter Markie, Curators' Distinguished Teaching Professor, University of Missouri The book's primary contribution lies in its distinctive clarity and accessibility. Given all of the attention lately given to religious conviction and its (alleged) importance for morality, citizenship, patriotism, and civilization as such, there is need for this short, concise, but impactful book making the case against God's existence but allowing for the goodness of a religious life. -- Robert Talisse, W. Alton Jones Professor and Chair of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University