question for Atheists?

Question

I am about to order the God delusion by Richard Dawkins, is it a good read?

Answer 1

Yes. Order "Letter to a Christian Nation" by Sam Harris as well.

And if you want some atheist inspired fiction, order "Sock" by Penn Jillette.

Answer 2

I know I'm not an atheist, so I shouldn't have clicked.

But...
I read the God Delusion (because hey, if there is something that disproves God, I don't want to be wasting my time with it. I'm after the truth) and I have to say that I have read Christian books with arguments that can definitely stand up to all Dawkins' good points. I really think it all comes down to what you want to believe. There is evidence for both. If you read this, you should also check out the other side's responses to his points, otherwise, you are just reading your own side to make yourself feel more comfortable and reaffirm what you like to believe right now.

But yeah, his book is better than most books like that (that I have read).

Answer 3

I read parts of it (over 50%) at Barnes and Noble. If you're an Atheist, I would say that it isn't a good read. I say so simply because it is stuff that you should already and that is foundation to much of your Atheist views. He does have a few interesting facts here and there, but I believe they make it worth to buy and read a whole new book.

And for the suggestion above about buying "letter to a Christian nation" simply don't buy it. The book is like 16 bucks and only thing it offers is a rehash of "End of Faith" (which I highly suggest buying) with a 16 font double space over 90 pages.

Answer 4

Yeah, I'm reading it right now. I would also pick up "Letter to a Christian Nation" by Sam Harris. Another good book is "The Varities of the Scientific Experience, a personal view for the search for God" by Carl Sagan. Dawkins quotes Sagan in his book. Also get Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" book as well.

Answer 5

It's okay, but it's a bit of a polemic. Most of the philosophical points Dawkins makes are pretty obvious, and I'm not sure he has as good a grasp of theology as he does of evolutionary biology.

I found Sam Harris's "The End of Faith" much more interesting and challenging.

[Edit] It seems there are a few other Sam Harris fans on this thread!

Answer 6

I'm about half way through it. It is good, and he does rant at times. What's funny is he handles a lot of the lame criticisms that Xians post on this forum. All those ridiculous arguments like Pascal's Wager and whatnot. It's definitely amusing and worth the read.

Answer 7

I haven't read that one yet, but Richard Dawkins is awesome. However, he tends to be too left wing and too opinionated. I loved The Blank Slate from Steven Pinker.

Answer 8

Awful. I stopped listening (I had the audiobook) after about five minutes. I decided I would give it a try, and even paid extra for the longer, unabridged version. But the man was so arrogant and offensive I felt I'd given it a fair chance and switched off.

And, yes, I know I'm a Catholic/Christian, and the question was addressed to Atheists, but you guys always butt into questions addressed to us.

Answer 9

It's an excellent read.

I also recommend "Letter to a Christian Nation", by Sam Harris. The book's only ninety pages long, so you can finish it in one sitting.

Answer 10

Dawkins is not well-informed about theism. As a demolition of traditional theism, sure, whatever. But he doesn't know anything about contemporary nontraditional theologies -- many of which have very effectively addressed his issues.