Letter to a Christian Nation builds on Sam Harris’ previous book, The End of Faith, which puts forth a startling contention: that from religious fundamentalists to non-believing scientists, most people agree that science has nothing to say on the subject of human values.
This book follows with an uncompromising case for a morality based on rational, utilitarian criteria. Though he often seems to be addressing his letter to the Christian Right, his fundamental aim is to “demolish the intellectual and moral pretensions of Christianity in its most committed forms.” Harris goes on to assert that moral relativism is a cop-out, behind which many secularists and religion moderates feel obligated to extend grudging respect to the devout. Humankind, he argues, has evolved to the point where rational answers to most spirituality oriented and moral questions are well within reach. A worthy exploration of living true, when it comes to where you stand on morality and religion.
