2007-06-12 12:00:45 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I also recommend Christopher Hitchens' book "God is Not Great" and Sam Harris' book "The End of Faith". Dawkins is a good writer.
2007-06-12 12:07:17 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just finished "The God Delusion", it is terrific. Dawkins examines several issues related to science and faith:
An accurate account of evolution and how it is not, as creationists charge, based on randomness and chance.
A debunking of the central claim of creationism, or intelligent design and a criticism of the critics of evolution.
How religious faith discourages curiosity and investigation of the mysteries of nature, demanding that the ultimate mysteries remain mysteries.
The psychological evidence that religious training is a form of brainwashing for young children.
How religious moderates unknowingly enable and justify religious fanatics.
The religiosity of Adolf Hitler, and his use of faith to justify his ideology.
The rejection of a personal god by Albert Einstein, and how his views on religion have been manipulated by theists.
And much more....whether or not you agree with Richard Dawkins, it is worth a read. An important work about the debate between science and faith, and why they are not mutually exclusive.
2007-06-12 19:19:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but may I suggest that you begin with Sam Harris's "Letter to a Christian Nation," which is gentler and, in the art of putting one word after another with style and a love for our language, more on the mark?
2007-06-12 19:28:56 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you already an atheist? If so, then you'll agree with everything in the book. If not, then you will have a hard time swallowing it. He is very aggressive in his writing, but his points are valid. I would say read it, and make up your own mind.
2007-06-12 19:19:46 · answer #4 · answered by infinitescifi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good. It isn't the best book on atheism I've read (I'd recommend Atheism: The Case Against God by George H. Smith) but it's good.
2007-06-12 19:06:59 · answer #5 · answered by ZER0 C00L ••AM••VT•• 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is a good book. I'd definitely recommend it. It is well written, thought-provoking, and passionate. Try also Sam Harris' "Letter to a Christian Nation" and "The End of Faith"
2007-06-12 19:12:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally like it. He is a tad long winded, but his points are well thought out. He's a little pompous too, but that may just be a Brit thing.
2007-06-12 19:09:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is rather informally written...but its worth the read.
Some things he writes are so obvious....but a few other things which he writes kinda flip a switch.
It's worth the read...and if you don't like it once you finish it, you could probably find someone to sell/give it to.
2007-06-12 19:05:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you are a theist you might find it thought provoking or you'll want to burn it, to an atheist you may find it swallow, repetitive and boring, since you probably already reasoned most of it by yourself.
2007-06-12 19:06:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your perspective what you'll get out of it, but you could try.
It's not his best book - I'd rate Blind Watchmaker as the best.
What do you hope to get out of it?
CD
2007-06-12 19:05:30 · answer #10 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋