Should I read The God Delusion?

Question

Basically, I'm just wondering if it's a good read. Will I have to force myself through it, or will it keep my interest?

Answer 1

It it very well written, I am about a 3rd of the way through it, there are only a couple of pages or paragraphs that get a bit much but they soon pass. I would say it would keep anyone's interest unless you are religious therefore you'll probably pretend you don't agree with most of it even though you do!

Answer 2

I am reading it. However I've stalled due to some other materials I need to study. I'll tell you that it's not the light reading I was hoping it would be. It's a tough subject and Dawkins is admittedly didactic in his approach. I'm afraid that given the subject matter such an approach is necessary. So, I would say it's by no means a fun read, but the book most definitely has some succinct, lucid parts to it that make the reading experience well worth it.

Beware of any advice from those who have not read it. If they are unwilling to pick up this book they are not justified in commenting on it.

Beware also of those who would call Dawkins dogmatic. Anyone who would say that a.) makes it obvious how unfamiliar they are with his work and b.) has no idea what the word means.

Answer 3

Having never read it myself, I can only say that you should read whatever you wish, always keeping in mind the relevance of the material. Is it a fictional work or has it claimed to be truth? At that point you can decide whether it will be a read of enjoyment value or something to be read to study and ponder it's plausibility.

Answer 4

I am going through the audio-book ready by Dawkins and another (I forget her name).

I am nearly done (last CD and last chapters). His main points are already done (he stated so earlier).

He would give 90% of the theists out there a pretty hard argument against continued belief. However, there are a few holes that he just scoffs at but inadequately covers (because he can't).

For example, I know God exists from my own direct personal experience. I am schooled in psychology and perception, so I know what others could say and I have looked into my own experiences. But, just as I know my mother loves me...I know God exists - both could be a figment of imagination, but then so could the world (brain in a box analogy or 'this world is my dream' idea). Dawkins fails to credit that the experience of God could be real - this is where his own belief comes in.

Russells teapot is quoted...but what if in a telescope I did witness an obiting teapot. As it is so small and difficult to locate - others may not see it. My experience could be real, but the skeptics would deny it because who would think it could exist. Dawkins repeatedly laughs at religion and refers to Russells teapot in varied ways. Well, what if there actually was a teapot - it may not be in the obit Russell claimed, but the teapot exists. That is the fallacy - even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth. Lack of widespread experience does not mean it does not exist. (Note: I realize Russells teapot was to prove another point, but Dawkins refers to it in a more broad range).

My point is there are holes in which a valid knowing of God could exist. God could exist, while Dawkins being right about everything else.

The book has me reconsidering my viewpoints about others things, but still know God exists.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 5

It's an excellent read if you're sympathetic to the subject matter. It's non-fiction, so it's a little dry. Though not as dry as the 'The Selfish Gene' or 'The Blind Watchmaker'. Both of which are excellent reads as well.

Answer 6

I am in the middle of it right now and it is very good. This is very much a scientific book about the non-existence of god. I would also recommend Sam Harris' End of Faith, which is much more a history/current affairs type of book about religion and the non-existence of god.

Answer 7

Depends on whether or not you like non-fiction and if you have an interest in the subject.

Assuming you do, then yes, it is a good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and intend on re-reading it.

Answer 8

I've heard all kinds of great things about it, and I saw Richard Dawkins interviewed on TV recently, and I was very impressed. So, I better get to my local bookstore and pick up my own copy.

Answer 9

It is a very good read. However, it shifts towards proselitizing in favor of Atheism and against religion in general, so you might find it a bit dogmatic.

Still, it provides good stuff to counter the rants from dorkish creationists.

Answer 10

I have not read it, but so far Piety and Politics by Barry Lynn is great. In lieu of support for Dawkins, I can offer a recommendation to read Piety and Politics.