Refuting Science’s View Regarding the Irrationality of Faith
It is not what a book says that matters, but rather what it does. Questioning Spirituality is not about proving or disproving the presence of a Divine power, but only about the rationality of believing that such a thing could exist. The beauty of this book is that it delivers—opening doors that many believe should be kept tightly closed.
** Kirkus Review ** “A philosophically astute challenge to the rational supremacy of science over its spiritual rivals.”
The Problem with Secularism
Today’s reliance on science has forced most to discard ideas of faith, spirituality, and religion. In its attempt to keep Church and State separate, our education system has also ended up fully endorsing the secular path. Unfortunately, this has left many adrift, especially amongst our newly educated young adults who are looking for meaning in a life that so many experts claim has no real meaning—you live, you die, and that’s it, so just accept it. If believing in a higher power is irrational, as stated so eloquently and emphatically by the likes of Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Richard Dawkins, then believers are automatically cast into the category of the uneducated, and uninformed, who are controlled by superstitious non-sense. Questioning Spirituality tips these ideas upside down and allows the truth to emerge, bringing with it a whole new sense of freedom.
Rational and Intelligent
Atheists can no longer hold onto the claim that their arguments against God are water-tight or infallible, and that theirs is the only sensible way to live. Using the fundamentals of science and philosophy, Eldon Taylor shows that not only is it rational to believe in a God or Higher Power, but that it is the smarter option. Questioning Spirituality creates a clear-cut path whereby the reader can once again claim all the benefits of living a spiritual life without also being considered intellectually deficient and weak-willed. And for those who have held on to their beliefs regardless of the mockery by science, it is now possible to reintegrate their two halves—the outwardly educated 21st century human being and the closet theist.
Early Comments
In this book, Eldon Taylor provides a compelling read for anyone struggling to reconcile matters of faith and spirituality with logic and scientific rationality. His discussion blends elements of neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and religion in addressing the question as to whether or not it’s irrational to be spiritual or to believe in a Higher Power. Offering a non-dogmatic approach, he objectively examines both the inconsistencies and benefits of religious practice and belief. When it comes specifically to considering the role that spirituality should or should not play in life, anyone craving food for thought will find nourishment here. Though Taylor argues that it is pragmatically rational and advantageous to believe in a Higher Power, any final decisions are left up to the reader. ~ Anthony Falikowski, Ph.D., author of Higher Reality
In Questioning Spirituality: Is It Irrational to Believe in God?, Eldon Taylor offers a remarkably thoughtful and wise reflection on the tensions between matters of faith and of science. While our society has become increasingly secular and less religiously engaged or affiliated, questions of faith, spirituality, meaning, and the beyond have not gone away and are frequently on the minds of many. During increasingly turbulent and rather apocalyptic times due to climate change, economic inequality, a global pandemic, divisive politics, war, and other deeply disturbing challenges, questions about spirituality and faith become even more salient, even among those who are identified as “nones” or “dones” when it comes to organized religion. Dr. Taylor’s many years of experience, scholarship, reflection, and wisdom is evident throughout this book and anyone who is engaged by questions of meaning, purpose, and the beyond would likely find plenty to chew on within these pages. ~ Thomas G. Plante, Ph.D., Adjunct Clinical Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine.
Eldon Taylor explores interesting and thorny issues, such as free will, and the sometimes-conflicting accounts of religious events. He threads his needle and pushes it into one buttonhole after another, striving for simplicity, rationality, and even comfort in whatever one might personally define as a “spiritual” belief. I enjoyed his white crows analogy because while many of us have never seen evidence of a god or a spirit world, we’ve never seen radio waves either. ~ Ingrid Newkirk, President of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Availability
Questioning Spirituality releases on April 1, 2023. Get your copy at booksellers everywhere, including: Amazon Barnes and Noble