About the Book

In his book Why Religion Matters, Huston Smith writes about how religion is being stifled by scientism, the mass media culture, education without soul, and a legal system without morality. According to Smith, religion must be liberated from these bonds if the human spirit is to experience its true depth and potential.

Smith, the most renowned and beloved authority on world religions, delivers a powerful message that he feels is vitally needed now. We increasingly live in a world in which the human spirit is being suffocated in a society in which scientific reductionism, mass media trivialization of culture, functional education, and a soulless legal system dominate our everyday values and judgment.

Why Religion Matters presents the argument that our great wisdom traditions – religion and philosophy—annot ultimately be denied. If they are honored and championed, there is great hope for humankind. Otherwise, we will go on living in a distorted culture and society, not realizing our full potential.

Critical Praise

“One of our foremost scholars and interpreters of the world’s religions…What he has learned, he has applied to life.” — Bill Moyers

"An intellectually exciting book, as accessible to the layman as to the scholar." — The Los Angeles Times

". . . truly a book of wisdom to accompany readers . . . into the light of a new millennium." — Library Journal

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780060671020
• ISBN 10: 0060671025
• Imprint: HarperOne
• On Sale: 06/27/2006
• Trimsize: 5.310 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.680 in (d)
• Pages: 304
• List Price: $15.99
• BISAC1 : PHILOSOPHY / Religious
• BISAC2 : RELIGION / Comparative Religion
• BISAC3 : RELIGION / Philosophy
• BISAC4 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Customs & Traditions
• BISAC5 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology of Religion