The Case Against Religion

A Psychotherapist's View. By Albert Ellis, Ph.D.

Why do people accept religion--even when its doctrines don't make any sense? Dr. Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational-emotive Therapy, has a startling but simple answer to this question; religiosity is a form of mental illness. But according to him, it is a condition easily overcome.

In the two short essays reprinted in this American Atheist Press booklet, Dr. Ellis outlines his position just as it appears in their titles: The Case Against religion: A Psychotherapist's View and The Case Against Religiosity. First, of course, he discusses just what personality traits a healthy human should have: self interest, self-direction, tolerance, acceptance of uncertainty, flexibility, scientific thinking, commitment, risk taking and self-acceptance.

Then follows a discussion of just what constitutes religiosity and how its traits compare to that set of attributes that define emotional and mental wellness.

In a day and age of growing numbers of cults, Dr. Ellis presents a reasoned argument for his conclusion that "unbelief, skepticism, and thorough going Atheism not only abet but are practically synonymous with mental health." Introduction by Jon G. Murray.

Bibliography.
57 pp. Stapled.