“Obviously, the main subject of Darwin’s Cathedral—religion—is widely contentious. In addition, many of the subjects which Wilson draws to interpret religion—subjects such as group selection, adaptation, hypothesis testing, and how to ‘do’ science—are contentious among scientists. Discussions of these subjects tend to be partisan, oversimplified, and riddled with misstatements. A great virtue of Wilson’s book is the scrupulous fairness with which he treats controversial matters. He is careful to define concepts, to assess both their range of applicability and their limitations, and to avoid posturing, misrepresentations, exaggerated claims, and cheap rhetorical devices. Thus, Wilson’s book is more than just an attempt to understand religion. Even to readers with no interest in either religion or science, his book can serve as a model of how to discuss controversial subjects honestly.”