Columnist espouses skewed view on religion

I have been a lifelong subscriber to the Democrat-Gazette. In that time I have read several articles by Art Hobson. His arguments have an inherent flaw. He believes most problems in society are a result of religious belief. As a historian in the public school system, I am amazed at the skewed view he puts forward.

Throughout history the vast majority of people have been religious. These same people rarely commit atrocities against mankind. In spite of Hobson’s argument, it is often because of their religious beliefs that they DO NOT commit atrocities.

The truth is that objective good and evil do exist. In spite of Hobson’s arguments, outside of a God as arbiter of right and wrong, there is no self-evident good and evil. Self-preservation, what’s best for my tribe, and evolution of the species could have, and have been, used to justify genocide. Restraint is NOT self-evident, as Hobson argues. Look no further than China, Africa and Hamas.

His arguments in part stem from the Richard Dawkins book “The God Delusion,” which is widely criticized in philosophical circles as sloppy and full of bluster and arrogance instead of reason.

My argument is put forward much more succinctly in the best-selling book “Dominion” by historian Tom Holland. Despite his agnosticism, he shows Western civilization is vastly more tolerant, democratic and moral as a result of Christianity. I urge every reader to check it out. Its thesis is more convincing than either Hobson or Dawkins. “The Reason For God” by Timothy Keller is another profound apologetic work.

MIKE HARROD Fayetteville