An analysis of the clash of faith and reason in today's world that offers a historical tour of mankind's willingness to suspend reason in favor of religious beliefs, even when those beliefs are used to justify atrocities. While warning against the encroachment of organized religion into politics, the author draws on insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and Eastern mysticism to call for a truly modern approach to ethics and spirituality that is both secular and humanistic.

"With a new afterword"--Cover.

Reason in exile -- The nature of belief -- In the shadow of God -- The problem with Islam -- West of Eden -- A science of good and evil -- Experiments in consciousness.