Are Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris preaching to the atheistic choir, or are they making waves?

Question

I know their books are selling well, and I've read them both. They're mentioned here all the time.

But, have you heard them being discussed around the water cooler at work, at the bar/coffeeshop, ... at church? Are they making people think, or preaching to the atheist choir?

Answer 1

I've brought this up in another question, but I think it's pertinent here. The place that I see Dawkins and Harris having the most profound effect is upon the "spiritual, but not religious" category. A lot of these people have many of the same complaints about the impact of religion on civic discourse, and now are being confronted by books whose central thesis is that their very "moderation" and "tolerance" is empowering that impact. I know many people in that category, several of whom probably would qualify as agnostic but who weren't willing to go all the way. I know that this is only anecdotal but a few of them who were intending on sending their children to Sunday school classes to give them a basic religious foundation have opted to avoid interaction with religious institutions altogether. All of them attributed this directly to Dawkin's book and lectures.

I don't think they were ever going to cause a mass exodus of Christian apostasy, but I think they'll have an impact upon this specific noncommittal segment of the population.

All the best,

Laz

*a big thumbs up from beelzebub*

Answer 2

this is coffeeshop theology or non theology. Even Dawkins has stated that it ought to't be shown that there is not any God. even with the very undeniable truth that I did locate it thoroughly exciting at the same time as he talks to human beings like Ted Haggard. at the same time as it comprises those who're steadfast of their ideals, commonly, they don't waiver for some motives. a million. they have invested alot of time of their idea, now and again their entire life. 2. Their households/friends would reject them. 3. this is tender to have self belief that you do not want to apply the time it truly is been given to you. 4. Their perspectives placed them on a pedastol. (Many Christians employ a "Us or Them" Philosophy. 5. they have been taught no longer to have self belief technological know-how or Non believers. 6. the large "What If?" Many believers, noticeably Christians are taught that really believers visit heaven. So the large " What if" signifies that IF Christianity is ideal, then that that they had visit hell, although ludicrous it sounds. humorous adequate, i'm no longer an Atheist. i'm a Wiccan. one ingredient you ought to study about Wiccans is that we've more desirable in hardship-free with Atheists than one may imagine. Our theory of the Divine is precis to assert the least. We admit that it ought to all be made up. a minimum of. what we use is interior of nature and we do not pontificate our ideals to others. I propose it is the large concern, precise, those who want a Theocracy.

Answer 3

No. Like all non fiction books the Christians are totally opposed to them as they are to all scientific proofs and discoveries.

These books have been provoked by the unacceptable behaviour of Christians who have twisted the loving and forgiving word into hate, anti Christ and hell and damnation.

It is no surprise that legal steps have been taken in Chicago, in UK universities and elsewhere recently to curb the Christian extremists.

There are two mass murderers around one in the UK the other in the US who are killing prostitutes. Bet the bank that when both are caught they will explain they were doing it for God!

Unless good Christians are prepared to stand up for their religion and stop the extremists it wont be a choir that such books may sing to but a huge number of concerned citizens demanding laws to curb the Christian extremists!!

Answer 4

I think Harris is more of a broad writer that I can see a Christian picking up and say "hmm... this is an interesting thesis," but Dawkins is 99% going for the choir. Who would want to pick up a book called "god delusion" if they are theists? Completely stupid. At least Harris' central theme is about the effects of religion on society, and he touches on god being a dilusion in a very subtle way.

Answer 5

I think mostly to the Choir. but every bit helps. The growth of the radical right wing christian groups and their intrusion into politics is waking up a monster. If there is a good presentation that helps to define the opposing views then it will help. The real waves will be made by the growing numbers willing to fight back against the fundies.

Answer 6

no their doing little for the atheist