Steve Patterson of Clarion is a guy who is not afraid to go against the grain, and he has written a book that does just that.

Patterson's book -- "We Need a New God: A New Perspective on Why Things Are the Way They Are" -- is neither a feel-good novel, a comedic look at the world, nor a book of baseless opinions.

The author said a perspective differs from an opinion because a perspective is based on experience.

In short, Patterson's book says that civilization is a cancer on the planet Earth and that civilization will self-destruct. The book identifies the problems that exist with civilization and takes them all the way back to the origin of religion.

A solution is not directly given, but Patterson said that once people identify the problem and work against it, then a solution will evolve.

Patterson warns from the start that his book is not for everyone. "If you are a devout capitalist, materialist, religious moral majority type, please do not buy this book," the book jacket states.

"On the other hand, if you are one of those individuals who knows deep within yourself that something is terribly wrong with our society, this book may give you the answers you have been seeking your entire life."

The book is on sale at Jerry Stigliano's BookSource in Hermitage and online at: www.weneedanewgod.com.

Patterson will be hosting a book signing and discussion from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the BookSource.

One of the basic problems with civilization is that humans thrive on artificial intelligence rather than actual intelligence, Patterson said. "Actual intelligence is the ability to take something complex and make it simple," he said. "Artificial intelligence takes something simple and makes it complex."

In Patterson's view, humans are devolving rather than evolving. He added that in order for humans to evolve, they must increase their natural intelligence, but instead are increasing their artificial intelligence.

Patterson claims that no freedom exists in this society. In controlling the experiences people can have, intelligence is controlled, causing the people to be controlled.

"There is no freedom to choose when you only have one choice," Patterson said.

Capitalism is another problem, according to Patterson, who added that it upsets the balance between matter, energy and intelligence.

Though he raises his children according to his own perspective, he grew up in civilization. It is essential to pass through civilization, he said, as you cannot develop an immunity to something until you experience it.

Patterson proclaims to be more of a teacher than a writer, although he said people can only be taught something they already know. All a teacher can do is shed light on that knowledge. In the book, he relates all of his ideas to experience.

A person will gain no experience from reading Patterson's book, he said, but it will hopefully stimulate other experience.

In the introduction, Patterson lists characteristics of people who will either like the book or those who won't. For those who will, he says in the introduction, "I suggest you Proceed With Caution. This book is liable to cause serious thought and perhaps profound discussion. If you decide to continue, brace yourself, your life may never be the same. And that, is a good thing."

This is Patterson's second book. He is soon to publish a followup on the way things could be.