Religion for Realists: Why We All Need the Scientific Study of Religion

Many people feel certain about religion, yet understand surprisingly little about it. This gap in knowledge is particularly evident in the West, where the scientific study of religion is often overlooked. This neglect has significant consequences, allowing misinformation to spread and leaving a void that can be filled by less scrupulous sources.

Ignoring religion does not make it disappear. Instead, interest groups shape public perception, often with incomplete or biased information. In a time of increasing societal division, a rational, data-driven analysis of religious life is more crucial than ever for everyone, whether religious or not.

Religion for Realists offers a compelling argument for the necessity of the scientific study of religion. It clarifies that this approach challenges only empirical falsehoods, not faith itself. The book provides a practical guide to making the insights of religious studies accessible and impactful, fostering a more informed public discourse on Current Affairs, Religion and Spirituality, and Politics.