Submitted by D. Molloy, May 8, 2008 12:31

In agreement with a number of comments already posted, I think it is fair to say Dennett does indeed go to great lengths to avoid directly offending anyone (In contrast with Dawkins or Hitchins). He spends a considerable amount of time discussing the "taboo" surrounding the study of religion and deals with it admirably.

However, it is his apparent belief that there is a large absence of scientific study of religion that is concerning. In a lecture dedicated to the book given by Armin W. Geertz of Denmark it is highlighted just how extensive the cognitive research on religion, even from the Darwinian perspective is. Dennett, seems to be ignoring this and to his detriment. Whilst I realize he does confine his studies to America as he points out early in the book, some reference to, or even knowledge of the research being done would have been a nice touch. (Even though it would possibly undermine his motivation for writing the book in the first place!)

Otherwise, Dennett comes off as a gentle and fair man in his discourse. He avoids any of the pitfalls provided by the 'big' questions and deftly reassures the reader of his rationale with a very readable and explanatory rhetoric. Even though it may not have been an altogether neccessary work, it is a very admirable book.

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