Against Religion, Wars, and States

Andrew Fiala’s book is a fascinating argumentative essay on political philosophy, whose author boldly undertakes the colossal task of convincing his readers that humanity should abandon the religious, military and state institutions it has known since the dawn of its history. Basing on rational scepticism and humanistic morality, Fiala severely criticises the present status quo as deeply irrational, immoral and unjust, and distinctly places himself on the side of atheism, pacifism and anarchism. Despite certain theoretical difficulties, this book is an important, interesting and defiant voice in the ongoing debate on humanity’s political social troubles in the globalized reality of the 21st century. * Dialogue and Universalism *
Andrew Fiala’s book is a spirited, rigorous, and—most important—caring analysis, critique, and evaluation of the interconnections of organized religion, violence, and nation-states. The author provides a sustained and detailed treatment of the all-too-often destructive interplay of these aspects of modern culture, all the while maintaining a modest thesis of being respectful of what can be a more constructive understanding and approach to concerns of spirituality, individual freedom, and caring communities. This is a cogent, thoughtful, and passionate call to articulate, question, and rethink our individual and collective assumptions about how and why to advance a more peaceful world. -- David Boersema, Douglas C. Strain Chair of Natural Philosophy, Distinguished University Professor, Pacific University
At a time when so much academic philosophy overlooks, or even makes apologies for, violent and oppressive institutions, Against Religions, Wars, and States serves as a bold reminder of the critical function philosophy can and should serve in contemporary political discourse. With clear prose and rigorous argumentation, the book demonstrates that atheism, pacifism, and anarchism are not fringe ideologies, but consistent outgrowths of the best traditions of Enlightenment thought: rational skepticism and moral humanism. Andrew Fiala has thrown down a powerful gauntlet which cannot in good conscience be ignored. -- Nathan J. Jun, Midwestern State University
At a time when religious fanaticism, state-sponsored oppression, and the omnipresent threat of war amongst nations is the norm, Fiala challenges us to re-think the reasons that justify the existence of these, our most cherished, yet least rational, institutions. The argument here is not that we must rid ourselves of religion, states, or war—a seemingly impossible task for humanity, which finds comfort in its superstitions and dogmas—rather, the argument is that we must detach ourselves from the belief in their necessity, if just for a bit, and consider these institutions for what they really are. What we get is a picture of a world better suited to take on the trials and tribulations of an uncertain, and ever more demanding, future. This is an excellent and timely book. -- Carlos Alberto Sanchez, San Jose State University