New observations on the persistence of God in modern times and why “authentic†atheism is so very hard to come by How to live in a supposedly faithless world threatened by religious fundamentalism? Terry Eagleton; formidable thinker and renowned cultural critic; investigates in this thought-provoking book the contradictions; difficulties; and significance of the modern search for a replacement for God. Engaging with a phenomenally wide range of ideas; issues; and thinkers from the Enlightenment to today; Eagleton discusses the state of religion before and after 9/11; the ironies surrounding Western capitalism’s part in spawning not only secularism but also fundamentalism; and the unsatisfactory surrogates for the Almighty invented in the post-Enlightenment era. The author reflects on the unique capacities of religion; the possibilities of culture and art as modern paths to salvation; the so-called war on terror’s impact on atheism; and a host of other topics of concern to those who envision a future in which just and compassionate communities thrive. Lucid; stylish; and entertaining in his usual manner; Eagleton presents a brilliant survey of modern thought that also serves as a timely; urgently needed intervention into our perilous political present.
#301871 in Books 2016-02-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.94 x 6.12l; .0 #File Name: 030018137X784 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Well written accurateBy ccThe content and accuracy of this book is astounding.While reading the preface I thought the book was going to be written entirely in an academic style. However; the author draws you in with her narrative writing style making this portion of our nations history very interesting. Even riveting at times. I haven't finished it yet but I am enjoying the journey.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Like Alex de TocquevilleBy LARRY LThis is my top read of 2016; and I consider Sinha's book the most important one to come out in years. Like Alex de Tocqueville; she comes to this most important subject wit little baggage; and with incredible detail and narrative style is able to place the long history of abolition into correction--an African American slave cause; with important; but lesser know black abolitionists like Rev. Hosea Easton; with "a little help from my friends;" such as; William Lloyd Garrison; John Brown; etc...In an important article in HNN; Manisha Sinha makes an important comment: "In America; race always trumps [pun intended] class and gender." She shows how the Abolition movement established the 'game plan' for other contemporary causes (like suffrage); to future democratic and social movements; such as; the labor movement up to gay rights.So read this book; not just for the history; but for a deeper understanding that the need and cause of abolition has never gone away; and that if this deepest American psyche wound is ever to heal; we must continue to promote the cause of true African American equality.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great Background Information on the History of Slavery and People InvolvedBy G. A. SmithLong; detailed; complex book but full of excellent information.You have to admire her extreme effort in presenting the details.I don't think there is anything our there in the UGRR History World quite like it.
