violent and divisive. This provocative workbrings together cutting-edge research from both evolutionary andcognitive psychology to help readers understand the psychologicalstructure of religious morality and the origins of religiousviolence. Introduces a fundamentally new approach to the analysis ofreligion in a style accessible to the general readerApplies insights from evolutionary and cognitive psychology toboth Judaism and Christianity, and their texts, to help understandthe origins of religious violenceArgues that religious violence is grounded in the moralpsychology of religionIllustrates its controversial argument with reference to the9/11 terrorist attacks, and the response to the attacks from boththe terrorists and the President. Suggests strategies for beginningto counter the divisive aspects of religionDiscusses the role of religion and religious criticism in thecontemporary world. Argues for a position sceptical of the moralauthority of religion, while also critiquing the excesses of the“new atheists” for failing to appreciate the moralcontributions of religionAwarded Honourable Mention, 2010 Prose Awards

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