In 2007 A.C. Grayling published Against All Gods: Six Polemics Against Religion and an Essay on Kindness, which has sold nearly 10,000 copies in hardback. Professor Grayling deliberately kept the essays in that book short and to the point as they were polemical contributions to the debate. Grayling stands by what he wrote in that book and still encourages blunt speaking and writing when it comes to the debate about the need for more secularism in society, because quieter methods have failed to abate the negative influence of religion. However, whilst the brevity of the essays served its purpose many correspondents have asked for a fuller statement of the case against religion, which Professor Grayling provides in To Set Prometheus Free with the essays collected here. Contents: Preface-Where are we in history? -Why I do not subscribe to religious beliefs-Why Bertrand Russell was not religious-Scientists Confront Intelligent Design and Creationism-The War of the Books-The Good Life
To Set Prometheus Free
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About the Author
A.C. Grayling is Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London. He is also a writer and broadcaster and the author of many books on philosophy.
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43 of 45 people found the following review helpful
By P. Barker
Format:Hardcover
I picked up this book - as I imagine many will - knowing the previous works and essays of Grayling (including his contributions to Prospect magazine). It is certainly a quick read but covers a lot of ground. Even though the price did catch my eye for what is a fairly short book (although it is in hardback which adds a few pennies), I feel such a book - that you are likely to return and refer to - is certainly worth it.
Grayling is one our greatest contemporary philosophers - and this book adds detail to his views on religion and the current debates about it. The chapters are individually very interesting (particularly the one regarding Bertrand Russell) and flow well together. For those who are not familiar with Grayling, he does fall into the Harris, Dennett, Dawkins and Hitchens side of the debates regarding religion; I actually think this book supplements the God Delusion (Richard Dawkins) and God Is Not Great (Christopher Hitchens) very well - it is almost a summary of their main points, but, importantly, it adds Grayling's own ideas, knowledge and commentary. The discussions, arguments and indeed the writing style read clearly, intelligently and have huge relevance in the world.
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in philosophy or even politics and current affairs - particularly where religion is concerned (such as the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, Creationism and Intelligent Design). Grayling's excellence as a writer and thinker shine throughout, as it does in many of his other works (which I also highly recommend!)
Grayling is one our greatest contemporary philosophers - and this book adds detail to his views on religion and the current debates about it. The chapters are individually very interesting (particularly the one regarding Bertrand Russell) and flow well together. For those who are not familiar with Grayling, he does fall into the Harris, Dennett, Dawkins and Hitchens side of the debates regarding religion; I actually think this book supplements the God Delusion (Richard Dawkins) and God Is Not Great (Christopher Hitchens) very well - it is almost a summary of their main points, but, importantly, it adds Grayling's own ideas, knowledge and commentary. The discussions, arguments and indeed the writing style read clearly, intelligently and have huge relevance in the world.
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in philosophy or even politics and current affairs - particularly where religion is concerned (such as the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, Creationism and Intelligent Design). Grayling's excellence as a writer and thinker shine throughout, as it does in many of his other works (which I also highly recommend!)
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A delightful little gem of a book at around 100 very short pages, beautifully bound, a casket packed tight with essential ideas and information on the perennial theism/atheism debate. It is elegantly and clearly written and though its author is a professional philosopher you need no technical knowledge to understand it. If you have children you should buy it for them when they are 16+ as an essential part of their education. It contains a brief historical overview of the arguments against theism (and necessarily the arguments for) as well as a review of the more recent literature (the new atheism as it is called). It never ceases to amaze me how ignorant religious people often are of the arguments against their (or any) faith - arguments that have been around hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of years. Most of them have never heared of Hume or Kant. Every time you enter a debate its like starting again from scratch. Earlier proponents of religion would laugh at them - they made it their job to know the enemy - if you are are going to believe at least get informed - don't do so in ignorance. For the uncommitted it's a great introduction to the debate - you will not find a clearer explanation of the issues anywhere. Yes the author is an atheist and the book is all the better for being a passionate advocacy of atheism. A neutral exposition of the arguments would be anaemic. ( If you want balance follow it up by reading Anthony Flew "There is a God" - you won't find any new arguments here but at least you can view them from the other side). If I have any quibbles at all with Grayling its with his occasional expression of an over simplified view of the history of science - if you want to know why you will have to write and ask!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By J. Collins
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a good book for anyone who likes to examine ideas and life in general. The author is very clear about the damage done to all societies by organised religion and he puts it in a historical context as well as looking at the state of the world today.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
An unbeliever
I needed no convincing and found it a good and lucid read. A bit hard going in one or two places.
Published 1 month ago by John Fuller
3.0 out of 5 stars
INTERESTING
Very well written essays. not always easy to read but worth the effort. A subject that can be mentally stimulating
Published 2 months ago by Phyllis Joseph
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting read
I found all the essays to be interesting but some were more interesting than others. I particularly enjoyed "Why Bertrand Russell was not religious" which made me question... Read more
Published 3 months ago by R. A. Merrick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the read
Short essays on exactly why religion is unnecessary, dangerous and just plain stupid.
In a very readable style that makes you want to read more on the subject.
In a very readable style that makes you want to read more on the subject.
Published 3 months ago by Zeddy
5.0 out of 5 stars
An easy read.
Some brilliantly written essays, with some great arguments against religion. For anyone questioning religion and it's beliefs. Read more
Published 3 months ago by sarah47
2.0 out of 5 stars
A non-intellectual's view
As a Christian with complete faith in existence of God I was never going to like these essays, far less persuaded by Professor Grayling's arguments. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ian Noble
5.0 out of 5 stars
A clear eyed view of reality
The clarity of his view is well conveyed by skilful writing and perspicacity. As Grayling says, there are three separate debates in motion but they are skilfully managed and are... Read more
Published 3 months ago by J. S. Burnett
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting read
Not as developed an argument as I expected, in places repetitious, but in tune with my own experience. Well worth reading.
Published 3 months ago by J. S. Hutchinson
1.0 out of 5 stars
I thought that he was a philosopher
This is a betrayal of the craft of philosophy. It is little more than a rant, in the manner of Dawkins, although it is better written. Read more
Published 3 months ago by GH
4.0 out of 5 stars
Long words I don't know
But the context is usually enough to know what they mean. Apart from that, and failing to translate French, a cardinal sin, this is an absolute corker. Read more
Published 3 months ago by SAP
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