Preface

The reader may find the writing here somewhat difficult. In general, lucid prose is evocative, and requires relevant knowledge and understanding on the part of the reader. This requirement rests on the assumption that the reader possesses these requirements, and for the most part, the assumption is appropriate. Expertise and/or literacy in any given subject is fairly expected of the readership.

There are subjects, however, of which such qualifications are best not expected, and this present one is probably the most potent example. What may be considered requisite in the matter of religion is in fact an assumption that this writer declines to make. It is this writer's opinion that the matter of religion is founded on invalid and unwarranted assumptions, both on the part of the adherents and that of the critics. Accordingly, this review is purposely bereft of evocative writing, lest such assumptions find inclusion in the reader's understanding of what is written here.

Sorry to be so pedantic, but religion is one subject that requires extremely careful treatment. Invalid and erroneous assumptions only serve to strengthen its power, and its hold on the minds of mankind.

That said, please note that this is only a first draft, a 0.x version, presented only for inspection and critique. Comments are welcome, and constructive comments will be given serious consideration. Thanks for reading.

William D. Tallman

Mail to: wtallman@olypen.com