The God Delusion is a great book all in all. It's a fairly easy read, and is especially useful for those that are on the fence with religion. The book has good educational aspects, coupled with wit and humor - making it an interesting read. I first read the book four years ago, and while I was already an atheist, it caused me to view being an atheist in a new way. It lead me to be more outspoken as an atheist (which eventually led to me doing things on YouTube and Blogger). Even if you're not an atheist, I highly suggest this book. I strongly believe that Christians, Muslims, etc. should make an effort to understand the atheist perspective - even if it is merely to debate it.
So, in short, if you haven't read this book, pick up a copy and read it!
So, in short, if you haven't read this book, pick up a copy and read it!
I have to preface by saying that I am a Christian, and I do hope I am not discounted in my somewhat scathing review of this book due to an attributed bias. That being said, I found this book to be rather interesting at times in that it provoked me to think about what I believe in. The author is rather pointed and clear in what he intends to say and he has chosen lines of reasoning that are sensible from one point of view, see doctrine of double arguments. However, the author is also rude and sarcastic. His belittling of religion comes across not merely as the balanced conclusion of a competent thinker but rather as the angered lashing out of a decidely angry man. I can say that however convincing his arguments may be he has missed a significant part of human experience as evidenced through the insulting statements scattered throughout the book. I may be convinced by his argument at points but I don't think I would want to know a man of such an attitude. As such I can make a qualified recommendation of this book as somewhat intellectually stimulating but that is ultimately lost in the scattered spats of animosity most often found in biting sarcasm. For example, a reader could reference page 104 where the author parodies a theological argument in a gratuitous fashion. The sole purpose of the parody is insult. This is unfitting someone who pretends to be a mature adult and reveals the author as more of a child in his ways of expressing himself.
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