A Flawed Attack on Faith: A Review of “The Soul Delusion”
Dr. David Barash’s book, “The Soul Delusion,” sets out to dismantle the idea of the soul. However, the book falls short of its goal. It fails to grapple seriously with the complex ideas it seeks to disprove. Instead, it relies on shallow arguments and a misunderstanding of the very traditions it criticizes.
The book’s errors are apparent from the start. Barash’s grasp of basic historical and theological facts is shaky. For example, his claims about Aquinas and Dante are simply incorrect, revealing a lack of familiarity with the sources he discusses. This carelessness undermines the credibility of his entire argument.
Furthermore, Barash’s treatment of Christianity is superficial. He reduces the faith to a simplistic caricature. He ignores the rich intellectual history and philosophical depth of Christian thought. By focusing on popular misconceptions rather than engaging with the core tenets of the faith, Barash sets up a straw man that is easily knocked down.
A central flaw in Barash’s approach is his misunderstanding of dualism. He treats it as a monolithic concept. He fails to acknowledge the nuances and variations within different philosophical and theological traditions. He also neglects hylomorphism, a key concept in understanding the relationship between body and soul. This omission is a significant oversight that weakens his critique.
Barash’s discussion of metaphysics is equally problematic. He seems to dismiss the entire field as irrelevant. He fails to appreciate the crucial role metaphysics plays in shaping our understanding of God, the soul, and the nature of reality. His reliance on arguments like Russell’s China teapot shows a lack of engagement with the sophisticated arguments of Christian theism.
The final chapter, which deals with morality, is particularly weak. Barash argues that rejecting the soul is necessary for creating a moral society. He promotes views on abortion and assisted suicide. These require a deep understanding of human personhood and the values that make life meaningful. He believes that evolution can provide a foundation for morality. However, he ignores the complex questions of ethics that arise in an age of rapid technological advancement.
Barash’s assertion that there is a shared global morality is also questionable. He overlooks the vast differences in cultural values and practices around the world. His Western-centric view of morality blinds him to the legitimacy of alternative perspectives.
Ultimately, “The Soul Delusion” reflects a disdain for those who hold different beliefs. Barash resorts to sarcasm and condescension. He dismisses opposing viewpoints as products of psychological defects or manipulation. This dismissive attitude prevents him from engaging in a genuine and productive dialogue.
The book’s shortcomings are especially glaring in today’s intellectual climate. The naive atheism of the past is no longer sufficient. Serious engagement with faith requires intellectual rigor, respect, and a willingness to grapple with complex ideas. Barash’s book fails to meet these standards.
“The Soul Delusion” is a disappointing and unconvincing attack on faith. Its errors, omissions, and condescending tone undermine its credibility. Readers seeking a thoughtful and informed critique of the soul will need to look elsewhere. This book offers little more than a shallow and dismissive dismissal of a deeply held belief.
