what he considers the most widespread and destructive of all the myths devised by man--the concept of a supreme being. With painstaking scholarship and rigorous arguments, Smith examines, dissects, and refutes the myriad "proofs" offered by theists--sophisticated, professional theologians--as well as the average religious layman. He explores the historical and psychological havoc wrought by religion in general and concludes that religious belief cannot have any place in the life of modern, rational human beings."It is not my purpose to convert people to atheism . . . (but to) demonstrate that the belief in God is irrational to the point of absurdity. If a person wishes to continue believing in a god, that is his prerogative, but he can no longer excuse his belief in the name of reason and moral necessity."