What You Don't Know About Religion

by Ryan T. Cragun

What is a religion? Why are people religious? Are religious people more educated than nonreligious people? Are religious people more moral, more humble, or happier? Are religious people more or less prejudiced than nonreligious people? Is religion good for your health? Are people becoming more or less religious? Studying religion as a social phenomenon, Ryan T. Cragun follows the scientific data to provide answers to these and other questions. At times irreverent, but always engaging and illuminating, What You Don't Know About Religion (but Should) is for all those who have ever wondered whether religion helps or hurts society—or questioned what the future holds for religion.

Genres: Religion, Psychology, Nonfiction, Science, Philosophy

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Ryan T. Cragun (1976-) is a husband, father, and sociologist of religion (in order of importance). Originally from Utah, he now lives in Florida and works at the University of Tampa. His research and writing focuses on religion, with an emphasis on Mormonism and the nonreligious. When he's not working, he's spending time with his wife and son, watching science fiction, hiking, playing soccer, or tinkering with FOSS, Gnu/Linux, or computer hardware.

Reviews

[Stefani Robinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Our new world needs tolerance.”

“To my mind the scientific research suggested to me a logical path – to reject religion. You need not do that. You could choose the best religious alternative to that: liberal religion. I can respect that choice.”

“After people read this book, they should view religious fundamentalists with sympathy and a bit of scorn.”

“Religious fundamentalists are detriments to society and they should be treated as such. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that we round them up and lock them away – that would be awful and is unethical. I’m suggesting that you should think about religious fundamentalists as though they are misogynistic, racist, homophobic Luddites, because they are.”

“…but you can pity then, and frankly, I think it is perfectly fine to tell then that you do. Tell them that you feel sorry for their choice to oppose the qualities of a progressive, modernized, advanced, democratic society. It’s time that religious fundamentalists were considered socially deviant.”

So, am I the only disturbed by these quotes?

For the rest of this review, please visit my blog: Written Among The Stars

[Gofita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cragun gives a great review of how religion works sociologically. He encourages fundamentalalists and moderates to be more liberal. He has further information in the back for studies and methodology.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to polarise a group of people and put the metaphorical cat amongst the pigeons, you need a book like this, which concerns itself with religion!

The core, seemingly basic questions, such as what is religion, are religious people more moral, more humble or happier or even is religion good for your health, are posed by the author. The latter question, or more specifically the lack of religion, can be very injurious to one's health in some countries. The questions can be very contentious wherever you ask them!

This reviewer is not religious and is probably an atheist, yet the subject of religion is interesting and he enjoys talking to various religious groups. One can respect something that one doesn't (yet?) believe in. So reading this book and the author's viewpoints was a treat. Even the chapter headings manage to draw you in and make you want to read on if nothing else to discover what it is all about. Where else might you read titles such as "All Babies Are Atheists: Why Belief in a Specific God Is Not Innate", "The Religious Clone Wars: How Most People Become Religious", "There Are No Atheists in… Prison Cells?" and "Who’s Better at Dying?: Religion and Coping".

Make no mistake, despite this being written by a professor, this is neither a dry or overtly-academic work. Opinion, humour and the odd bit of provocation is present and quite rightly so. The author looks at religion from a slightly sceptical, one time "indoctrinated" perspective with a sociological slant. Expecting criticism the author notes that many religious people might object to this book and its approach, suggesting that to learn about a (specific) religion one should ask an adherent. Yet in the author's experience adherents often don't fully know about their (chosen) religion. Sure, they might understand the teachings and principles that they are taught, but apparently this could be a false flag as scientific research notes that atheists may know more about religion in the United States than do religious people.

Strap yourself in as you may be in for a lively, bumpy read, irrespective of your religious thoughts and beliefs. There is something for everyone and it might either reinforce your views OR change them… Yet this is not one of those "does God exist?" books, or something that seeks to promote one religion over another. It is more a look at the social science of religion (the actual version of religion is less important in this context).

This review will not seek to justify, validate or dismiss the claims within this book. That is for the reader's own mind to process, perhaps building on existing views and preconceptions, influenced by any openness of thought and thinking. If you hold religious convictions and have a mind closed to any other opinion or consideration then it is unfortunate that this book is not for you. That is a shame, as one could imagine how in certain circumstances this book could reinforce or refine your religious convictions. And on the other hand it could blow it out of the water. It is not a book to encourage a non-religious lifestyle but it does encourage thought. Thought shouldn't be dangerous. If there is a God, many religious texts say that God will guide the adherent through life and show the way forward. So why should you have something to fear from this book and its message…?

As this is a book that will have you thinking, the chapters are thankfully quite short (but plentiful). Ideal "bite-size" portions that allow you to digest your meal of thoughts and reflect. So all in all, a very good read that can be different things to different readers.

What You Don't Know about Religion (But Should), written by Ryan T. Cragun and published by Pitchstone Publishing. ISBN 9780985281533, 278 pages. Typical price: USD24.95. YYYY.

[Charles Mccue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! A Sociological book about Religion that is actually enjoyable to read. Mr. Cragun's writing style is direct, smart, personal, and very funny. He begins most chapters with an anecdote that encapsulates each chapters thesis. We get to know the author, his family, and his former religious beliefs quite well. Being a Sociological study of Religion, Mr. Cragun uses data from the General Social Survey when dealing with Religious/Social matters in the U.S., and the World Values Survey for such matters internationally.

Mr. Cragun was a devout Morman, as was his wife. They both left their church at the same time, and Mr. Cragun goes into some detail of the strain their decision has made with family members and friends who are still practicing Mormons. He is often critical of The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints, as he is critical of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He is critical, but not hostile; there is a difference. He makes clear that he is not Anti-Religious. In his own words, Mr. Cragun says: "I'm still very much interested in religion, but not really for personal reasons. I'm not religious. Am I out to destroy religion? No."

I highly recommend this book to anyone who in interested in the study of religion and its effects on society. Our culture, laws, parenting styles, worldview are often influenced by religious beliefs, even if we ourselves are not religious. The influence is still there, in our history, in our mores, in our public education, etc. Mr. Cragun does a terrific job in explaining the symbiotic relationship between mainstream religious institutions and our politics, justice systems, gender roles, and more. It is not a very flattering portrait, but again, he is being critical. He is simply being honest.

"What You Don't Know About Religion {but should}" is chock-full of data and statistics, but it is not weighed down by the facts. The charts and tables are clearly explained and easy to read, and they don't distract or take away from the text. Far from a boring dissertation, it is a lively, thought provoking, and entertaining book.

[Justin Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book consists of 28 small chapters. Each chapter is concise and on point. Ryan unpacks the surveys that have been done on various topics in regards to religiosity, and the nonreligious. This isn't, nor was it intended to be a scholarly piece of literature. However, that doesn't mean it's useless to the more informed. Without a doubt, this book might be one of the better publications on the topic. Why? Because the information can be digested in small bits, without overwhelming the reader who might be unfamiliar, say the rare fundamentalist who might read it, or the liberal religious person. Those who study religion won't find much new in here, I certainly didn't. But, I was glad I read it. I will certainly be recommending it to those who I know aren't familiar with it, and who I think could gain from reading it.

[Jo Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but then, Mr. Cragun is preaching to the choir--I've been anti organized religion since I was 7.

Using charts and an easy conversational style, Cragun discusses what he calls "religion's dark side;" how fundamental Christians are hurting the world.

It would be wonderful if just a few holier than thou "Christians" picked up this book and had their eyes opened.

[Dr. Richard Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

From religious certainty to non belief in 25 chapters.




The journey to deconversion and non belief is obviously different for everyone.
In my case it was simply the application of reason, critical thinking and a commitment to honesty. Helped by a basic grounding in science
This excellent read confirms everything that I have acknowledged to be the case.
There is no reason to believe in anything without sufficient evidence.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone making a faith transition, this book will help a bunch. For anyone wanting to defend a fundamentalists view of religion... Probably best avoid

[Maryalice]

I study other religions and do comparative religion studies as do my parents and husband. We read, visit churches and visit with people. Quite a bit of this we had figured out on our own, but had never seen it from sociologist stand point, not with facts to back us up, not with explanations as to the why.

[Ercenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read with numbers

Decisions should be based on facts and this one presents facts. It is up to you to decide.

Although a lot of the points can be considered as obvious, having empirical data backing the points you have sensed all along is a good thing.

[Cathy Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

The statistics were interesting. My favorite parts were the anecdotal stories at the beginning of each chapter.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a few new things from this book. I enjoyed hearing the data for the answers.

I disliked the audio production and the author was very monotone and droning.