Global Book Network Press Release

Daniel Friedrich’s Eye-Opening Book “They Told Us To Just Believe” Challenges Long-Held Assumptions About Religion and Belief

In a world where access to information has never been greater, critical thinking is more important than ever. In his book, They Told Us To Just Believe (Critically thinking about the origins of beliefs – Are they real?), author and retired business executive Daniel Friedrich offers readers a bold and thoughtful look at the origins of religious belief—and the line between truth, tradition, and fantasy.

Drawing from a successful 40-year career with global Fortune 500 companies and a personal journey from devout Roman Catholicism to thoughtful skepticism, Friedrich blends religious history and pragmatic reasoning in a way that challenges conventional narratives without alienating readers. His message is clear: understanding why we believe what we believe is essential—not only to personal clarity but also to building a more tolerant and less manipulative society.

“We inherit many of our beliefs,” Friedrich explains. “But that doesn’t mean we should never question them. My goal isn’t to attack anyone’s faith, but to encourage honest reflection on what’s real and what’s unknowable. That awareness leads to peace of mind and a more open-hearted approach to others.”

Unlike many titles that either idealize religion or aim to dismantle it entirely, They Told Us To Just Believe finds a unique middle ground. It’s a guide for anyone—religious, spiritual, agnostic, or curious—who wants to engage with belief on a deeper, more rational level. The book promotes what Friedrich calls “not-so-blind faith,” rooted in historical awareness, personal inquiry, and intellectual integrity.

Daniel Friedrich brings a lifelong foundation in strategic thinking and cultural analysis to his writing. With an MBA from Western Michigan University and decades of experience in business leadership, he developed a keen ability to analyze complex systems—skills he now applies to the history of belief. After years of global travel, historical research, and spiritual reflection, Friedrich wrote this book for his children and grandchildren—hoping to spark a broader, kinder conversation about belief in today’s world. He lives in Connecticut with his wife Susan and is the proud father of three and grandfather of three.

When we learn to question the origins of our beliefs—not to discard them, but to understand them—we gain wisdom, resilience, and compassion. Recognizing that many beliefs are rooted in imagination or tradition rather than fact allows us to live more peacefully with ourselves and with others.

 

Kirkus Reviews

Friedrich dissects the origins and sociological purposes of religion in this nonfiction work.

“Although people with blind faith often think of themselves as good, righteous people,” writes the author in the book’s

introduction, “they can also be mobilized for very evil actions in the name of their religion or cause.” In this sweeping

survey of world religious history, Friedrich begins with an exploration of the sociological role of religion across cultures

before transitioning into a multi-chapter narrative of the development of specific religions, including Abrahamic faiths,

Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Buddhism. Taking a just-the-facts approach, the author places each religion within its

cultural and historical context. While its first half is global in scope, the book’s second half sets its focus squarely on the

West, offering a methodically developed case against Christianity. Chapter-length topics include biblical justifications of

violence, Christianity’s “prudish and guilt ridden” approach toward morality, and connections between Christianity and

Roman paganism. The book’s concluding chapters explore the ways in which Christianity has been used to justify

imperialism and religious persecution. Raised in the Catholic Church, Friedrich only began to question the faith of his

parents after he embarked upon a career in business; as his role as a corporate executive increasingly required global

travel, the author “became more tolerant and interested in other cultures and beliefs.” Self-reflection about his own beliefs,

combined with subsequent historical research, led him to question many of the tenets he had been taught by religious

authorities. Dedicating this book to his adult children, whom he implores to approach faith through the lens of “critical

thinking and intellectual curiosity,” Friedrich argues that an honest examination of religious history and doctrine will “lead to

a better, kinder, and less selfish society.” While pious readers may disagree with the author’s ultimate conclusions

regarding the veracity of their beliefs and balk at his descriptions of religious “fantasy,” Friedrich backs up his arguments

with a wealth of scholarly references. The text has an accessible writing style and is accompanied by a wealth of full-color,

high-resolution maps, images, charts, and other visual elements.

A well-researched, engaging argument against blind faith