Atheists: Why should I...?

Question

Why should I read Dawkins (your favorite poster child, and I mean that literally)? Isn't he just propoganda for your side? Just once, I'd like to see an athiest read both sides of the argument (like "The Case for..." trilogy by Lee Strobel) with an OPEN mind. If Strobel is propoganda for 'our' side, who's more closed-minded? I've aleast read some of Dawkins' material and found him to be immature and childish.

Robin: Have read. Problem not solved because you haven't answered the question.

Salient: Thanks for at least reading the books. I disagree with your assesment, but you probably disagree with mine about Dawkins.

Xtheist: Thanks for proving my point. I have a near genious IQ level and a college degree. Can you say the same? Better yet, can you say anything with merit?

Acid: Conclusion reached after reading, not before.

Dellow: You say God is imaginary. You say (through the website) Jesus is imaginary. What about the historicity of the Gospel record and the FACT that it is more authentic than the story of Alexander the Great?

Santa: So you're saying his arguments are so complex that he can't explain them without sounding childish and immature?

Answer 1

I have read books for both sides. I am very open minded.

Answer 2

I think (I’m sure of it) what “Santa-can-see” was saying is Dawkins book wasn’t just for the scientific community, much like the Bible he made it for everyone to understand.
But then what’s so hard about understanding evolution anyway, is that the real problem here?
Someone who boasts about having a high IQ should know this stuff already.
If there is a God or not is irrelevant, evolution is a fact.
The Bible has been around for thousands of years and full of flaws.
The idea of evolution has only been around for less than a few hundred years.
I think they need more time.

X Theist: lol Good burn.

Answer 3

Oh, you should always read people you disagree with.

You already know what the ones you agree with have to say.

Dawkins isn't my favourite as, though I think he has some solid arguments, I dislike his tone and manner which comes across as unnecessarily offensive.

And I'm well familiar with many Christian apologists (propagandists?) from C S Lewis to Josh McDowell to Francis Schaeffer.

I've said this several times so apologies if it's boring:
The most useful one-volume exposition I have ever come across is:
"The Case For Christianity" by Colin Chapman

As well as looking at the big questions of life with special reference to Christianity, it contains descriptions and discussions of almost all other major beliefs and philosophies which also offer answers to life and its problems.
And these are, as far as I can judge, the most unbiased I've ever encountered in one volume.

If people absorbed what it contained, they would at least be spared making horrendous mis-statements about other beliefs.

Answer 4

I've read Lee Strobel and found him to be a dishonest debator and a tedious read.

I've never read Dawkins and likely never will. From what I've seen of him he seems rather shrill and annoying.

I don't need either Strobel OR Dawkins to justify or apologize (or criticize) what I chose to believe or accept, thank you very much.

Answer 5

If you want an explanation of evolution, then Dawkins is to biology what Stephen Hawking is to physics.

As for religion, he is heavy handed and admits it. He raises very valid points, but I agree that he does this in a way likely to put of the questioning theist.

If you have problems understanding evolution and finding it credible, then reading "the blind watchmaker", "the selfish gene" or "climbing mount improbable" will help explain it to you.

"The God delusion" is one sided, but I do not think it is claimed to be even handed.


Edit:
Um, I would have thought that someone with a 'near genious IQ level and a college degree' would either know how to spell 'genius', or be smart enough to use a spell checker. You spelled it incorrectly again responding to Father Guido BTW.

Answer 6

Dawkins book is deliberately an easy read, he's made it accessible on purpose so that even people who are not University dons like him can read it and follow his logic...

You might prefer Christopher Hitchens' book "God Is Not Great, religion poisons everything". Now there is someone who is not afraid to get nasty when necessary.

Reply:
No his arguments and evidence are remarkably uncomplicated and easy to follow, not childish at all but elegantly simple, a younger person could still follow much of it.
Still you might prefer this...

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Answer 7

You say they are narrow-minded and call Dawkins immature and childish, yet you are the one who needs to open your mind. You have been snobbish to the people that have taken the time to answer your question and you seem to think you are a near genius yet you were childish and big headed towards Xtheist. I do not mind people believing in god and respect your views and beliefs but you should not try and impose your views on us our call us narrow-minded.

Answer 8

Near "genious" IQ AND a college degree? Oooooo! Color me....unimpressed. And to answer your question, you shouldn't read Dawkins. You've already made up your mind, so reading his books would just be a waste of your time. Have fun with your delusions, hon, just be aware that your assumption that atheists haven't investigated both sides is foolish. Have a nice day.

Answer 9

If you think you are religion tolerance, educated, and open minded, you need nothing to read. Whichever religion faith you choose, you will be happy where you are. Because you respect everyone as you do to yourself.

However, some people who thinks they and their religion are the best in the UNIVERSE need to read both side because they are the people who effected with other religion people's comments.

I read Atheist Books, Torah, Bible, Koran, Hindu, and Buddhist for my own purpose ( Knowledge ). Sometime I asked stupid question like, what did Jesus does in his 30 years ? Sound stupid, however, I believe I need to know than believe in what other said.

So Cheer, and God Bless You

Answer 10

Although I am a Dawkins fan, I do read a lot of other material to. The more I read the more I know that being an Atheist since youth has been the right choice. As an alternative to Dawkins I recommend this link; http://godisimaginary.com/
Be good be nice