I am a Christian and my faith in the Lord Jesus is strong. Dr Dawkins' book has been a best seller and it has intrigued me what his arguments are against God. Should I consider reading it, or should I steer clear of it? My opinion is that I and other Christians should know what his views are and then work to counteract them
2007-07-03 05:21:01 · 42 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Caution. Many believe their faith to be stronger than it really is. If you do read it, it should be under the guidance of a spiritual adviser (talk to your pastor - maybe he wants to read it, too, and you can help each other understand it while safeguarding each other's faith).
That said, it can certainly help you understand the mind of atheists. Though I would caution against trying to use it as a conversion tool, you can use what you learn to help other Christians understand the atheist point of view.
2007-07-03 05:30:47 · answer #1 · answered by John K 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I'm not religious, I'm not a believer in any higher power. It's just not for me. Having said that, I've no care to disprove or question anyones belief system. There are obvious arguments against the existance of any God or anything that requires faith, however your religion/beliefs should not restrict you from reading any book. Why should you steer clear - its only a book. You say your faith is strong, so why would you not read a book questioning it? Did you also avoid the Da Vinci Code?
2007-07-03 05:30:17 · answer #2 · answered by Brian K 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone who is a true Christian has a relationship with the 'Living God' Jesus Christ and that relationship can never be broken....yes they still make mistakes etc but once 'saved' or 'born again' there is no going back. Having said that I have heard Christian parents saying "I won't allow my child to read Harry Potter books or see the films because it gives them a slanted view of witchcraft..it makes it seem as though there are good and bad witches and all witchcraft is bad"........I disagree with that!!! I think the children should be allowed to read such literature but should be taught that not all in life is as it seems. I would have no hesitation in reading the book to try to understand how someone of Dawkins influence can try to changes people perceptions on the Universe and life in general. There is no way it would shake my Faith or any true Christians Faith.
Best wishes, Mike.
2007-07-03 05:35:03 · answer #3 · answered by georgiansilver 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Youth ministry major here, working at a church currently...
The library in town won't give me a card, otherwise I would be reading The God Delusion. I want to see what Dawkins has to say. Most of his stuff I've read and seen has been very vicious. I just want to see what the fuss is all about...
Stupid library.
Christians should read the book, and I'll say that before hand. If Christians don't understand the atheistic mindset...then we'll continue to look like idiots.
2007-07-03 05:24:49 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. A 4 · 11⤊ 0⤋
Yes they should; just as Atheists should read religious books (as many do).
Two likely outcomes after you read the book:
1. You're own faith is strengthened and you are more able to defend your own beliefs.
2. You question what you have already assumed and gain a new look at life.
Either outcome is beneficial and rewarding. Whereas not reading the book will mean you cannot defend your own beliefs effectively as you do not know their weak points and counter-arguments. This is not really a nice position to be in.
2007-07-03 10:35:26 · answer #5 · answered by thomasgilboy 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
would you take a stance on a political issue without knowing both sides first? No one is expecting your views to change just because you read some atheist literature. But its still a good thing to know both sides. We call that "education"
edit: In response to The God Delusion there was another scientist who wrote a book called The Dawkins Delusion as a counterargument. I suggest if you read one, you read them both
2007-07-03 05:26:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Possibly, it seems like a good book for understanding atheistic "fundamentalism". If you wish to read it, borrow it from a library if possible.
The book has been praised by some atheists, criticised by others and is often regarded as "preaching to the converted." His frequently displayed contempt for religion and religious people leads me to consider him to be too biased to be worth reading.
2007-07-03 19:19:04 · answer #7 · answered by Nebulous 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By all means read it and understand why there are so many atheists around. Bear in mind that his examples are more often than not focused on the religions of the book's more rabid followers.
2007-07-03 05:27:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't watch TV movies that call God's name in vain. Why would I want to read a book by a man who is known to carry the evil spirit of the antichrist? My friend, God needs no defense. God is capable of handling Dr. Dawkins and trust me . . . Dr. Dawkins will be handled. God calls this man a stumbling block to His children. I pity Dr. Dawkins.
2007-07-03 05:38:35 · answer #9 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
If your faith is strong, then reading the book wont hurt you at all. It might make you mad, depending on what things he has to say about God. But as a christian we already know that there will always be people out there who want to slander His name, it is our responsibility to stick to what we know as the truth and try to help others see the truth for what it really is and not what man says o rtry to prove it to be
2007-07-03 05:26:45 · answer #10 · answered by onetel4u2love 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋