The danger of faith: A review of ‘The End of Faith’ by Sam Harris

As a person who was reared in a religious environment, I’m well accustomed to the notion of faith and its place within a theological framework. I left my faith when doubts piled on top of each other until my faith could no longer bear the weight.

The concept of faith is often seen as a noble quality and is often given a free pass by even the most vigorous of reasoners.

In Sam Harris’ ‘The End of Faith’ Harris explores in greater detail the danger of faith. He tackles the concept in several ways and from the perspective of several different religions.

Harris describes how people often think of religious fundamentalism being somehow a perversion of religious faith. Harris makes the point however, that fundamentalism are in fact just following their religious books exactly. Religious ‘moderates’ are influenced by societal norms which have nothing to do with progress enacted by theology. There is a heavy emphasis on the writings of the Quran which illustrates the intolerance and violence which is inherent to the text. Harris is quick to point out though that the Bible itself is not free from ghastly ways of dealing with unbelievers.

Harris is not afraid to enter discussions of philosophy and this is evidenced by his dealing with the subject of faith and belief. Harris points out that once one makes claims about the world, they essentially leave themselves open to questioning. Faith itself should not be given a free pass especially given the actions that many are driven to in the name of faith. To Harris’ credit, he also deals with the facile argument that faith has moved people to acts of nobility and charity.

Rather swiftly, Harris deals with this claim, to say that this is not justifiable cause to believe without evidence.

Harris argue, quite reasonably, that faith cannot be given a free pass. And that liberal notion are dangerous when people under the influence of ancient and fallacious texts can now so easily acquire weapons capable of vast destruction. This is made evident by the notion of death and considerations of what happens after death. A person’s actions can be dictated by what they believe happens after death, and thus in that regard Harris notes that a suicide bomber’s actions make perfect sense within the theological paradigm that they subscribe to.

This is a thought-provoking read that will leave one a little less tolerant of the notion of faith.

Unfortunately Harris makes the mistake of adding some notes on meditation at the end, which while fascinating had no place within the book. He has written since on further development of the self and meditation and as such the subject really didn’t need to be added to this publication.

9/10