This is the most cogent synthesis I have read so far about the failings of faith—NOT religion per se, but any kind of belief without evidence—as an alternative "way of knowing." Contrary to critiques from people who have probably not read the book, neither particularly strident nor judgmental. The book is particularly notable for its survey of a wide range of theological arguments and for its strong case that respect for "being a person of faith"—again, not religion per se—does measurable damage to our world, beginning but not ending with the many children who have died after being denied medical care by their devout parents. These parents are generally not prosecuted, because withholding care on religious grounds is legal in most American states; if we awarded less respect to faith as a society, Coyne argues, we would eliminate these exceptions. Lives hang in the balance.