The Transcendental Temptation
 | |
| Author | Paul Kurtz |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Prometheus Books |
| Publication date | 1986 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 0-87975-645-4 |
The Transcendental Temptation: A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal is a 1986 book by the philosopher Paul Kurtz.[1] The book was published by Prometheus Books, a company founded by Kurtz in 1969.[2][3]
Summary
Kurtz analyzes the bases of religion: how provable are the claims of the famous prophets who founded religion in their name: Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, Joseph Smith, Ellen G. White and others? He asks what the prospects are for developing a humanistic society based on scientific and humane foundations.
The book considers several aspects of religion including the existence of God, belief in the afterlife, reincarnation, mysticism, astrology and ufology; he concludes by directing the reader towards rational skepticism.[4]
Reception
In the award of the Norton Medal (endowed by Charles Phelps Norton) to Kurtz in 2001, The Transcendental Temptation was noted, amongst Kurtz's other contributions to secular humanism, as a seminal work on the topic. The award also noted Kurtz's founding of the Center for Inquiry.[5]
References
- ↑ Surcek, Hope C. (November 9, 1986). "Books in brief". The Sacramento Union. p. 33. Retrieved June 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Lewis, Tony (November 9, 1986). "Subjectivity Weakens Critique of Religion by UB Mythbuster". The Buffalo News. p. 122. Retrieved June 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Weber, Bruce (October 23, 2012). "Paul Kurtz, Humanist and Philosopher, Dead at 86". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
- ↑ Google Books website, The Transcendental Temptation
- ↑ University of Buffalo website, UB to Hold 155th General Commencement Ceremony May 13, article by Mary Beth Spina dated April 27, 2001