the god delusion

[wizard69]

Anyone here read the book by Richard Dawkins.Recently spent 1/2 hour browsing through it (cant afford the 20 quid to buy it yet and there is a massive waiting list at the library for it).Dawkins is a very articulate and well informed author but are his atheistic claims viable.IS God just a delusion?

[Llamatron]

I got it for a tenner from Amazon.

The problem with this debate is that belief in God requires faith and faith requires no evidence. None believers use logic and reason to argue against the existence of God but belief in God requires complete suspension of reason and logic.
It's like debating in English with someone who only speaks French. Neither side will convince the other because neither can even begin to understand the argument.

But I agree, it is all nonsense. It's as clear as day to me but then I guess believers say the same about their faith. Completely alien to me though.

[jake-the-peg]

No but I'm amazed that a book like that can reach the top 20 in the best seller list - he's clearly tapping into a surprising market.

He's not Mr.Tactfull - I watched his TV series open mouthed as he walked though Lourdes asking people in wheelchairs if they' been cured yet.

I'm a pretty ardent athiest but even I have limits!

[Llamatron]

Aye, I think people should be able to believe what they like just as long it doesn't effect anyone else.
I get the impression that Mr Dawkins doesn't agree with that point of view. Though he does make some very very good points.

[jake-the-peg]

I'd agree with that point of view

Just as soon as you stop teaching religion in public schools and disestablish the church of England.

Then everybody can believe what they like and we'll all be happy.

[LazyGun]

I thought it an excellent read myself.I agree with Jake that he can be somewhat strident when articulating his views, but the book is an excellent read.

As far as I am concerned, being an atheist, I would say that his claims are indeed viable.

[chakka35]

One of the best non-fiction books I have ever read, and I read a lot. At last, I have discovered my desert island book. Only those irretrievably lost in religious belief can remain unmoved by it, but they won't read it anyway.

[noxlumos]

I actually found it (and him) a bit predictable and bombastic.
I'm not surprised it's popular, but in my opinion Llamatron has in nailed down. It's a book of no useful purpose to anyone, as atheists are as entrenched as the blindly religious. I was disappointed.

[dawkins]

Great argument lads: Lets not bother to write that book on (enter subject of choice) because it will only appeal to people who are interested in it.

There are plenty of agnostics in the world.