When Religion Becomes Evil Five Warning Signs

When Religion Becomes Evil: Five Warning Signs by Charles Kimball is a revised and updated edition published by HarperCollins on February 26, 2008. This 304-page book explores the vulnerabilities of various religious traditions to corruption and emphasizes the importance of authentic faith in preventing such evils. Kimball, a leading expert in religion and the Middle East, presents a critical examination of how these corruptions manifest across different faiths.

Readers will find a detailed analysis of five specific warning signs that indicate corruption within religious practices. These signs include absolute truth claims, blind obedience, the establishment of an “ideal” time, the justification of means by ends, and the declaration of holy war. By addressing these topics, the book contributes to the discourse on religion, comparative religion, and the sociology of religion, providing insights into the complexities of faith and its potential for both good and harm.