Religion, Power, & Illusion:
A Genealogy of Religious Belief
A philosophical examination of the phenomenon of religion against a broad swath of history.
Religion began with “priests” creating gods and then convincing their followers that they can bargain with those gods to secure favors for them. In exchange, the followers granted power to the priests in the form of wealth, control, and social status. This pattern was repeated over and over again for thousands of years until religion reached the level of development it enjoys today.
The conclusion of this study is that all religious beliefs are illusions created by priests.
Publisher: Prometheus Books (Rowman & Littlefield), 359 pp. Hardcover & ebook.
Praise from readers for Religion, Power, & Illusion
“The author takes deep, illuminating dives into history, archaeology, biblical criticism, and social psychology to debunk major faiths’ claims, and he does so in lucid, highly skeptical prose.
He spotlights profound aspects of the religious mindset and vividly conveys its reality. A sharply provocative, often engrossing challenge to faith-based pieties.
Our verdict: Get it.”
“Highly recommended. I think the best feature of this book is how it takes such a serious, divisive, and almost overwhelming topic and breaks it down comprehensively in an easy-to-read fashion. If you are like me who tries to be as critical as I can about my decision-making I think you should consider picking this up, especially if you're not 100% sold on going along with the religion of your parents and grandparents. You have options. Be informed, and when it comes to your faith be in the driver's seat.”
— Amazon Reviewer
“This is a book for anyone who has ever pondered their religious beliefs — questioned them —abandoned them — found them again or changed them. I think most people have experienced one or many of these options at some stage of their lives. It's written in a very easily understood style and has a plethora of historical information that facilitates the reader's understanding of the subject matter. I found it very engaging. It made me reflect on my religious upbringing and what my present beliefs are plus I learned about other organized religions and their origins. Dr. Hurley presents what could be considered complex or difficult subject matter in laymen's terms and keeps the reader interested and engaged.”
— Barnes & Noble Reviewer
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🢒 A note from the author
“This book is the product of 10 years of research into the origins of priestly power and the way such power has been used to delude and subjugate people over 12,000 years of human history.
My treatment of this subject is logical and evidence-based, applying the academic rigor developed during my 35-year career as professor of philosophy at the University of San Diego.
The goal of this work is not to preach, pronounce, or indoctrinate, but to present neutral information in order to initiate a conversation.
I hope you'll consider reading the book, recommending it to others, and engaging with our dialog.”
