Disciples of Destruction

By Charles W. Sutherland

Examines religion and the role it has played over time. This book analyses the ramifications of organised religion and its effects on Western civilisation. It argues that organised religion maintains... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879753498
• ISBN13: 9780879753498
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 461 Pages
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A study of four dominant ideologies

`Disciples of Destruction' is an insightful look into the specious origins of the three great religions: Christianity, Islam, and their progenitor Judaism. In the final section Sutherland also addresses Communism as a theological belief system, sharing the endemic qualities of dogmatic and fanatical belief in the face of evidence to the contrary, among many other nefarious distinctions. Each section unfolds in essentially the same manner. First the origin myths are explained in less than flattering, but perhaps, more objective terms. The development of the belief system follows, with a focus on the creation of the religious institution and the doctrinal line. Each section is concluded with a look at the current (the book was published in 1987) state and affects of the religion on humanity, focusing mainly on the continued suffering these belief systems continue to spawn. Religion and politics, always open to opinion and interpretation; but the great value that Sutherland brings to us in his book is an analysis that interprets the facts in a way that is consistent with general human desires, motivations and behavior, things that have remained constant throughout humanity's short history and that explain these `miraculous' events in terms that we see today (i.e. the prevalence of charlatans), and without an appeal to an outside entity. Whether trying, as one reviewer put it, to undo dogmatic programming, or simply looking for the truth (as opposed to the "truth"), as best fits the evidence, this book is a must read.

A must read to un-do your dogmatic programming

This is one of the two most amazing pieces of reasearch I have ever read in my life. We give our loyalty, money and even our lives without question to ancient creeds of of our forefathers. I was given this book by Mr. Sutherland in Wash., DC years ago when I photographed him for it's press release. Mr. Sutherland puts everything in a logical order so you can get the big picture. My copy is ragged and highlighted - I came here in hopes of finding a new copy to buy for my daughter. If religion cannot stand up to scrutiny, then it must be re-vamped or discarded. I did sense Mr. Sutherlands respect and reverence to the real jesus that few know today. Disciples of Destruction should be required reading for all free thinkers along with "The Unseen Hand" by RALPH EPPERSON, wich covers government in much the same way.

Disciples of Destruction

I'm trying to ascertain if Sutherland was interviewed post 9-11!I believe it's the most incisive book I've read relating to the 'religious origins of war & terrorism'. It should be mandatory reading for all politicians & law enforcement personnel.

Well-written, incisive and honest

I found D of D to be a very interesting and honest assessment of religious origins. Sutherland explores chronologically, from Judaism, to Christianity, to Islam, ending with Communism. The latter may seem peculiar given the scope of the discussion but it is apropos. Sutherland wants to explain why people act in a collective manner, what binds them. He also wants people to honestly examine and explore the reality behind the myths.