Wendy Kaminer, the self-described "social critic," has a brand new book
out called, _Sleeping with extra-terrestrials: The rise of irrationalism
and perils of piety_ (Pantheon Books). A quote from the introduction
should give you an idea of the book's theme:
"The...willingness to accept untested personal testimony as public truth
is at the heart of the irrationalism that confronts us today. Ours is an
evangelical culture. So many people convinced that they've been saved by
Jesus, abused by Satanists, cured by homeopathy, or the laying on of
hands, abducted by aliens, or protected by angels seek public
acknowledgment that their convictions are true. Imbued with messianic
fervor, or simply seeking "validation," they are not content to hoard
the truth; they are compelled to share it and convert the unenlightened,
relying on the force of their own intense emotions. Generally, the only
proof offered for a fantastic belief is the passion it inspires in
believers." (p. 4).
There's also some very amusing parts. For instance: "Once, when I told
my mother that I was writing a defense of atheism for a national
magazine, she warned me not to say that I was Jewish. 'Pretend that
you're a Lutheran', she suggested." (p. 19).
Oh yes, and she goes to a homeopath.
Jeff
--
Jeffry P. Ricker, Ph.D. Office Phone: (480) 423-6213
9000 E. Chaparral Rd. FAX Number: (480) 423-6298
Psychology Department [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2626
"The truth is rare and never simple."
Oscar Wilde
"I beseech you, ...think it possible you may be mistaken."
Oliver Cromwell
