The God Delusion

by BlackSwan of Memphis 12 Replies latest jw friends

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  serotonin_wraith

  In the updated version of TGD there's an introduction talking about this 'disrespect'. He quotes a few lines from restaurant reviews in newspapers (or a newspaper) in London. They end up looking completely vile compared to the kind of language he uses, yet we all accept this. I think because it's religion, any kind of criticism looks harsh because... well, the topic is religion, and that's it. Compared to things such as reviews, his words are mild. There's a video on youtube somewhere which has him reading out that new intro.

  Edit: Found it!

  Richard Dawkins reads the new preface to The God Delusion

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGmALkvcG2M

  Q&A after Richard Dawkins reads The God Delusion Preface

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOzziDh-0_Y
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  diamondblue1974

  I have read this book and have mixed feelings about it.

  I enjoyed his comments about taking an overly literal approach to the bible and his critiques of the God of the old testament.

  What I didnt appreciate was his scathing attack on those with a belief and found him to be both arrogant and dare I say, ignorant. If he had taken a more objective approach instead of what appears to be a rant, his message might have been more palatable and might have allowed me to establish some respect for him.

  G
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  BlackSwan of Memphis

  Diamondblue, interesting. That is exactly the opinion I had before starting to read the book! lol ...

  I think because it's religion, any kind of criticism looks harsh because... well, the topic is religion, and that's it.

  Yeah, this is the point he basically makes in the beginning. And it was an eye opener for me. It opened a door to how I was thinking things through.

  Awakened: Yeah, I've seen that listed online, but my library doesn't have it...Yet. Thank you for the links.

  Gopher, hey there! No problem. And ya know I was amazed at some of the stuff I learned about how atheists have been treated so badly. Through the GD I was able to locate a few really interesting websites for atheists. I'll see if I can find them and post them later.

  i found it as preachy as a religious book but did appreciate a lot of the points he made.As the book went along the preachiness did ease up some. the jw's evolution book is mentioned about 3/4 thru the book.

  i do reccomend it , it is an informative read . i've not read any of Sagan's although i have had them reccomended to me.

  I haven't found it preachy. I've actually found it somewhat comical and really thought provoking. Haven't gotten that far yet. I'm in the middle right now. Sagan wrote this book that made some great points about social issues and how to reason on them. I'm going to the library this week, I can find it and get the title for you.

  He also uses humor - sometimes with a typically British 'sting' to it. I think it spices up things, although I'm sure some will be offended by it.

  YEP I love this aspect. It's that wry humor that makes you think and chuckle at the same time all the while going "BURN!" (thinking of Kelso from that 70's show)