This is an eloquent indictment of religion's dangers which will be welcomed by committed secular laypersons and progressive religionists alike. Parenti brings his critical acumen and rhetorical skills to bear on the dark side of religion, from the many evils committed in the name of holy causes throughout history to the vast hypocrisies of its advocates past and present. Unlike some recent popular works by stridently outspoken atheists, this is not a blanket condemnation of believers. Rather, Parenti's focus is the heartless exploitation of faithful followers by those in power, as well as sectarian intolerance, violence against heretics and nonbelievers, and the reactionary political and economic collusion that has often prevailed between the upper echelons of church and state.