God and the Folly of Faith: The Incompatibility of Science and Religion

Victor J. Stenger's *God and the Folly of Faith: The Incompatibility of Science and Religion* offers a powerful and unflinching examination of the historical and philosophical relationship between science and religious belief. Stenger meticulously challenges the widely held notion that science and religion have coexisted peacefully, presenting a compelling argument that Christianity, in particular, actively impeded scientific progress for centuries. From ancient Greek thought through the Enlightenment and into modern physics, he demonstrates how religious dogma often served as a barrier to inquiry, with the scientific revolution only truly flourishing after challenges to ecclesiastical authority. This book is a definitive entry in Stenger's oeuvre, solidifying his reputation as a sharp critic of religious claims and a vigorous advocate for scientific rationalism. *God and the Folly of Faith* is particularly significant because it systematically deconstructs the perceived compatibility of science and religion across key domains, including cosmology, biology, consciousness, and ethics. Stenger's concluding focus on the detrimental societal impact of anti-scientific religious attitudes, especially concerning critical issues like environmentalism, highlights his enduring concern for the practical consequences of faith's influence on public policy and future generations. It is an essential read for understanding Stenger's intellectual legacy and his commitment to defending a science-informed worldview.