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A Beginner's Guide to Skepticism
And where does the scientific-religious discussion stand in the 21st century? This book deals with faith in the psychological sense, examined through scientific goggles. Readers are given tools for critical observation—to use on concepts such as God and religion , but also on non-religious beliefs. As a result, this book offers scientific alternatives to many spiritual issues.
- GenresNonfiction
214 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 18, 2019
‘Heaven is here, on earth, and if we do not take care of it, we will be banished from it.’
Authors Maor Kohn and Mati Cohen have penned what could be one of the more controversial books of the year. Though neither author reveals a background biography, it is clear that they are well schooled in both science and spirituality and that is the playing field on which this book s is written. Science and faith – complementary or contradictory?
In the Introductory comments they state, ‘We estimate that the difference between an atheist and a believer is, among other things, the ability to listen and to cope. [We consider an atheist as a type of skeptic, to a certain extent—an agnostic, who claims that he does not know whether there is a God or not until proven otherwise. And, therefore, he is an a-theist. Without a god]. From most of the debates we have held to this day, it is clear that most believers are not open to a concrete confrontation with scientific arguments, even the simplest ones. This is not a lack of scientific knowledge. This is a process of psychological confrontation with reality. It is very possible that each of the parties in this dispute is blind. It is very possible that the atheist does not have the
mental ability to view the world as a spiritual whole. It is possible that faith, even if it is not rational, makes the believer happier, it settles his mind and calms his spirit. It gives him a worthy purpose to live. This is indeed a sacred goal. But, perhaps, it is worthwhile for someone who believes in the supernatural to examine the alternative. To take the pill of sobriety and to allow himself the choice, between religion and science, with knowledge and understanding, and not to go blindly toward the absolute? This is not a preconceived assumption that the believer is less sober than the atheist. But by virtue of worshiping a supernatural being, it is appropriate to examine the extent of his sobriety. Either way and to be more confident, we took the same advice for ourselves before embarking on a journey. These are the impressions we collected on the way.’
What follows is a lucid examination of the spiritual and scientific view of the universe – with tools for critical observation and comparison rather than ‘taking sides’. The authors offer scientific alternatives to a cascade of spiritual issues.
The writing is accessible and fascinating, for example the following is a portion found in the later porter of the book – ‘There is another God worthy of mentioning on the pages of this book; a God that appeared in our many conversations and was expressed even among secular people. This God also converges on one of the most common arguments of agnostics: “I do not know if there is a God but I also do not know if there is not. I feel that there is something there, an energy.” The God of nature, the God of the π, the God of Infinity. The secular, metaphorical, virtual, psychological God, the same God who is an expression of a psychological inner feeling, regardless of religious belief. The reference to this God is a psychological one (this book’s main issue). This God is a reference point that is not religious and is not based on belief for many people. It is a poetic God, a wailing wall, a source of hope or accusation. It was used by many artists, writers, poets, playwrights, bohemians. He is not part of any religion and one does not have to have faith in Him. It does not hold a mystical story, a collection of laws to obey, or rituals. It is part of the daily jargon, the discourse, the terminology we use to describe feeling, pain, joy, impotence. His name will be extended to concepts such as: “God knows,” “So help me God,” “With God’s help,” etc. There is no mistaking the existence of this God, it is not a true God, it has no powers, consciousness or interests. This God, in our estimation, is the most common God. The very use of this terminology expresses its existence, nothing more.’
Challenging and a rich palette of food for thought, this book should find a large curious reading audience.
Authors Maor Kohn and Mati Cohen have penned what could be one of the more controversial books of the year. Though neither author reveals a background biography, it is clear that they are well schooled in both science and spirituality and that is the playing field on which this book s is written. Science and faith – complementary or contradictory?
In the Introductory comments they state, ‘We estimate that the difference between an atheist and a believer is, among other things, the ability to listen and to cope. [We consider an atheist as a type of skeptic, to a certain extent—an agnostic, who claims that he does not know whether there is a God or not until proven otherwise. And, therefore, he is an a-theist. Without a god]. From most of the debates we have held to this day, it is clear that most believers are not open to a concrete confrontation with scientific arguments, even the simplest ones. This is not a lack of scientific knowledge. This is a process of psychological confrontation with reality. It is very possible that each of the parties in this dispute is blind. It is very possible that the atheist does not have the
mental ability to view the world as a spiritual whole. It is possible that faith, even if it is not rational, makes the believer happier, it settles his mind and calms his spirit. It gives him a worthy purpose to live. This is indeed a sacred goal. But, perhaps, it is worthwhile for someone who believes in the supernatural to examine the alternative. To take the pill of sobriety and to allow himself the choice, between religion and science, with knowledge and understanding, and not to go blindly toward the absolute? This is not a preconceived assumption that the believer is less sober than the atheist. But by virtue of worshiping a supernatural being, it is appropriate to examine the extent of his sobriety. Either way and to be more confident, we took the same advice for ourselves before embarking on a journey. These are the impressions we collected on the way.’
What follows is a lucid examination of the spiritual and scientific view of the universe – with tools for critical observation and comparison rather than ‘taking sides’. The authors offer scientific alternatives to a cascade of spiritual issues.
The writing is accessible and fascinating, for example the following is a portion found in the later porter of the book – ‘There is another God worthy of mentioning on the pages of this book; a God that appeared in our many conversations and was expressed even among secular people. This God also converges on one of the most common arguments of agnostics: “I do not know if there is a God but I also do not know if there is not. I feel that there is something there, an energy.” The God of nature, the God of the π, the God of Infinity. The secular, metaphorical, virtual, psychological God, the same God who is an expression of a psychological inner feeling, regardless of religious belief. The reference to this God is a psychological one (this book’s main issue). This God is a reference point that is not religious and is not based on belief for many people. It is a poetic God, a wailing wall, a source of hope or accusation. It was used by many artists, writers, poets, playwrights, bohemians. He is not part of any religion and one does not have to have faith in Him. It does not hold a mystical story, a collection of laws to obey, or rituals. It is part of the daily jargon, the discourse, the terminology we use to describe feeling, pain, joy, impotence. His name will be extended to concepts such as: “God knows,” “So help me God,” “With God’s help,” etc. There is no mistaking the existence of this God, it is not a true God, it has no powers, consciousness or interests. This God, in our estimation, is the most common God. The very use of this terminology expresses its existence, nothing more.’
Challenging and a rich palette of food for thought, this book should find a large curious reading audience.
January 21, 2019
I wouldn't say I'm really a beginner to skepticism, since I deconverted from fundamentalist Christianity to agnosticism over a period of many years where I did much thinking and research into religion, spirituality, history, science, and philosophy in order to deal with my own cognitive dissonance that I saw in the beliefs that had been passed down to me, but with that said, this book was still a very good read that even a seasoned skeptic like myself was able to enjoy and relate to.
I felt that the truths contained in the book only backed up the personal choices I made when it comes to religion vs reality, but it did so in a respectful way that even an open-minded religious person could learn from and perhaps even use to deepen their faith. After all, if you faith cannot withstand a little doubt and questioning, how strong is it really?
Maranda Russell, Author & Blogger
I felt that the truths contained in the book only backed up the personal choices I made when it comes to religion vs reality, but it did so in a respectful way that even an open-minded religious person could learn from and perhaps even use to deepen their faith. After all, if you faith cannot withstand a little doubt and questioning, how strong is it really?
Maranda Russell, Author & Blogger
June 6, 2019
The authors’ question—“Science and faith—complementary or contradictory?” drew me in to read this book, but I have to confess, I am probably not a member of their target audience. They introduce a world where “new ideas are being created that turn God into a scientific entity,” a world where a healthy dose of skepticism might indeed be of great value. But I grew up in a rather different world, taught from a young age to "skeptically" question everything and delight in discovery. While I see no disagreement between faith and science, I also see no way to claim God can be scientifically proven, or that science should be accepted with devoted faithfulness.
The authors argue cogently against religion’s false beliefs, the god of the gaps, the 5780 year age of the earth, or even (one I’d not heard of) that “autistic people are the sinners of the previous incarnation.” The Bible (not really a source of belief in reincarnation) is used and quoted frequently (and freely). Scientific theory is quoted too, though not with great rigor—perhaps the authors aren’t sure non-scientist readers will want to understand quantum theory. Then an alternative—to faith? to science? to both?—is offered in skepticism.
For me, skepticism it a signpost promoting deeper study. But in this beginner’s guide it’s offered more as a path. It’s not a path I choose to follow because, quite simply, I would bee too skeptical and would argue too much with my guides. Instead, remembering the author’s own claim that rocks can be moved, I shall not fear “waves of attacks by believers” against science, nor waves of the opposite. And I’ll continue to believe faithfully, study seriously, and seek to know more.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I read it with interest.
The authors argue cogently against religion’s false beliefs, the god of the gaps, the 5780 year age of the earth, or even (one I’d not heard of) that “autistic people are the sinners of the previous incarnation.” The Bible (not really a source of belief in reincarnation) is used and quoted frequently (and freely). Scientific theory is quoted too, though not with great rigor—perhaps the authors aren’t sure non-scientist readers will want to understand quantum theory. Then an alternative—to faith? to science? to both?—is offered in skepticism.
For me, skepticism it a signpost promoting deeper study. But in this beginner’s guide it’s offered more as a path. It’s not a path I choose to follow because, quite simply, I would bee too skeptical and would argue too much with my guides. Instead, remembering the author’s own claim that rocks can be moved, I shall not fear “waves of attacks by believers” against science, nor waves of the opposite. And I’ll continue to believe faithfully, study seriously, and seek to know more.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I read it with interest.
February 16, 2020
In an era with knowledge that is so easily and readily available to us, it is not strange to wonder whether the world is really governed by an all-powerful and all-good being. Many philosophers, writers, scholars, priests and even scientists have conflicting takes on this subject. While some believe that evils in the world can be explained as the need for a “deeper good”, others argue that the presence of evil in the world eliminates the notion of an omnipotent and righteous being. Authors Maor Kohn and Mati Cohen explore this subject in depth, from multiple perspectives.
‘A Beginner’s Guide to Skepticism’ offers the reader insight into various (and sometimes even controversial) topics such as faith, religion and the science behind it. The book also explains the validity of scientific experiments and the uncertainty of scientific theory. It addresses persistent objections that controversial topics invite. An aspect that I found the most interesting in this book was the topic of ‘Afterlife’. Kohn and Cohen shed light on this subject by quoting verses from the Bible and the Quran. It explores, in-depth, the concept of faith. It also delves into topics like the effectiveness of prayer, whether or not miracles are real.
This book is very well written and structured. It navigates around sensitive topics without hurting any sentiments. It takes into consideration the central and vital role that religion plays in modern society. The book also tries to back up its points by using excerpts from holy scriptures. What I loved most about this book is that it challenges the reader. It makes the readers question their preexisting beliefs.
‘A Beginner’s Guide to Skepticism’ is a great tool for getting a general idea on skepticism. It is imperative that the reader goes through this book with an open mind.
‘A Beginner’s Guide to Skepticism’ offers the reader insight into various (and sometimes even controversial) topics such as faith, religion and the science behind it. The book also explains the validity of scientific experiments and the uncertainty of scientific theory. It addresses persistent objections that controversial topics invite. An aspect that I found the most interesting in this book was the topic of ‘Afterlife’. Kohn and Cohen shed light on this subject by quoting verses from the Bible and the Quran. It explores, in-depth, the concept of faith. It also delves into topics like the effectiveness of prayer, whether or not miracles are real.
This book is very well written and structured. It navigates around sensitive topics without hurting any sentiments. It takes into consideration the central and vital role that religion plays in modern society. The book also tries to back up its points by using excerpts from holy scriptures. What I loved most about this book is that it challenges the reader. It makes the readers question their preexisting beliefs.
‘A Beginner’s Guide to Skepticism’ is a great tool for getting a general idea on skepticism. It is imperative that the reader goes through this book with an open mind.
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September 7, 2019A Beginner's Guide to Skepticism is not a book that I normally read and found it a hard book to finish. I do not fear “waves of attacks by believers”. I shall continue to believe faithfully, A book will lots of information and points that make you stop and think. There is science theory quoted throughout and non-scientist readers will want to understand quantum theory. A Beginner's Guide to Skepticism is not for everyone and is the type of book that readers who want to know more on the subject will search for. *I received a complimentary copy from RABT Book Tours and the authos in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*
November 5, 2019
I think you have to on some level be a skeptic and be open about faith in order to connect with this book and what it shares. Not everyone will, and if nothing else it is something that everyone can take something from. Learn what others believe and why. This book is above all else, enlightening. I like the way that someone who isn't a science buff can understand the things Kohn and Cohen are trying to explain.
April 23, 2019
A thought provoking and interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews