Regardless of one's views about religion, I consider Terry Pratchet's Small Gods an essential book. A great satirical novel about how institutionalized religion manipulates and deceives people and religions' race in order to attract as many believers as possible.
One of the rare cases where the reader can have a good time reading a book that is much more profound that it seems.As reads on the back cover: "Religion is a controversial business in the Discworld. Everyone has their own opinion, and indeed their own gods - who come in all shapes and sizes. In such a competitive environment, there is a pressing need to make one's presence felt. And it's certainly not remotely helpful to be reduced to be appearing in the form of a tortoise, a manifestation far below god-like status in anyone's book. In such instances, you need an acolyte, and fast - preferably one who won't ask too many questions..."
Isn't this the ideal acolyte for any organised religion?
AMSG
