Is The Bible Worth Reading, and Other Essays

A series of essays critiques religious beliefs and institutions, arguing that sacred texts provide little practical knowledge and sometimes promote harmful ideas. The writer contrasts everyday moral heroism, particularly maternal self-sacrifice, with celebrated religious martyrdom, questions claims of divine authority attributed to religious figures, and probes tensions between faith and science. Other essays examine how religion shapes public life—Sabbath observance, charitable practices, education, and political influence—while advocating freethought, individual responsibility, social reform, and personal integrity.