Another Book Advice Thread

[JayTee]

I have some specific subjects that I am interested in learning about.

Linguistics - preferably some type of general text that still digs into some of the deeper ideas of language etc...

Religion - something that explores the root and causes of religions from a non-theist viewpoint

Also chime in with anything interesting that you're reading or have read lately.

I just finished Letter to a Christian a Nation. It was a nice short read, but these kind of books basically just reinforce my opinions. Thats why I'm looking for something different.

I also picked up The God Delusion, I've only gotten a few chapters in but it definately seems like an interesting read.

[John21]

[ QUOTE ]
Religion - something that explores the root and causes of religions from a non-theist viewpoint

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not sure if you're looking for something that deals wtih the psychological aspect of religion or the historical, but...
Gnosis: The Nature & History of Gnosticism (http://www.amazon.com/Gnosis-History-Gnosticism-Kurt-Rudolph/dp/0060670185/sr=1-4/qid=1165727884/ref=sr_1_4/002-2810031-3296818?ie=UTF8&s=books)

...will give you a scholarly view into Gnosticism. Particularly if you're trying to understand the true origins of Christianity, through the Essene sect - where It's ties to gnosticism are intrinsically woven.

[Insp. Clue!So?]

I'd suggest giving this publisher's catalogue a look:


http://www.prometheusbooks.com/cat.html

[benjdm]

[ QUOTE ]
Religion - something that explores the root and causes of religions from a non-theist viewpoint

[/ QUOTE ]

Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon by Daniel Dennett ?

[David Steele]

It's more about technical issues with various theist and agnostic belief positions, but you might enjoy:

The Case Against God

link (http://www.amazon.com/Atheism-Case-Against-Skeptics-Bookshelf/dp/087975124X)

D.