Title: Holier Than Thou
Author: Constantine Grey
Publisher: URLink Print & Media
ISBN: 978-1-64753-958-0
Pages: 76
Genre: Religion/Theory
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent
Pacific Book Review
Holier Than Thou is a thought-provoking critique of religion by Constantine Grey. Grey offers a look at the major religions in a new light.
Holier Than Thou takes a critical look at the major religions. Grey looks at the major religions and believes that they have outdated beliefs about LGBT people and women. He notes that LGBT people were ostracized for their sexuality in the Bible and even put to death. Women were tried as witches in trials and burned at the stake because they were independent or different in some way. Grey also writes about people of different religions or no religion at all being dismissed by religious people if they didn’t agree with them.
Grey also speaks about the hypocrisy of many religious texts preaching against sin, rationalizing slavery and other sins and other crimes against humanity. Grey also writes about the hypocrisy of some religions that advocate for peace in their religious texts, but waging wars in the name of religion.
Holier Than Thou also pokes holes in many religious beliefs about certain historical events in the Bible. He maintains that the flood in the Bible with Noah was most likely a volcanic eruption in Santorini and other areas around the Middle East. Grey also writes about how ancient religions have hurt ordinary people through the dominance of pharaohs.
Grey backs up his theories with evidence. When he brings up the provocative theory about religious countries being more violent, he backs up the theory with statistics from the FBI’s Crime Index. Grey also has detailed maps of the Mediterranean and African countries that showcase the religions of ancient times. The text also has pictures of Homo sapiens when he writes about evolution. Holier Than Thou also has a mixture of sardonic humor and serious critique.
Holier Than Thou would be best for fans of atheist writers like Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and even comedian Bill Maher. Grey’s incisive writing about evolution would be best for Charles Darwin and other readers of Darwinism. Even people who are religious can learn about how criticism of religion can cause people to re-examine their beliefs and learn how to be more respectful of other people. Holier Than Thou is a text that will inspire discussion among people about religion. Grey has written a book that offers an informative and unique take on religion.
