In his latest work, Dawkins explores the delusion humans in nearly all societies have shared throughout history – that of religious beliefs.

In one interesting chapter, Dawkins postulates several possible and quite interesting evolutionary origins of religion that may help to explain why it has developed alongside civilization. He also addresses the absurd notion that religion is the root of morality, and demonstrates how traditional arguments in favor of God’s existence are actually hollow products of wishful thinking. The underlying, despairing theme throughout the book is how, even today in the 21st century, religious beliefs persist in complete absence of reason.

This is a very readable text; the reader need not be an expert in philosophy, biology or theology to appreciate it. It is an excellent resource for those having doubts about faith and who would like support in “escaping from religion” (to use Dawkins’ own phrase) and thinking for oneself. I made my own break for it some time ago. :)

The God Delusion begins with Dawkins questioning why it is that in popular society, religion is exempt from serious criticism. According to Dawkins, religion serves as a kind of “trump card” which ends discussions, and thereby, closes minds. Dawkins insists that we treat religion just as we would any other domain – with rigorous scientific inquiry. He goes on to examine various claims for the existence of God, and (dare I say?) destroys them quite easily. Next, is a discussion about how we can have morality and meaning in a world without God.

Religious readers may not enjoy this book, but I am certain that atheists will! Dawkins is brilliant, sharp, and witty. His humour is thoroughly British, and I can almost imagine the perpetual smirk which must have been present during the wrting of this book. It’s worth reading if only as an example of how criticism – of any topic – can be simultaneously trenchant and funny.

Those who enjoy The God Delusion may also be interested in books by Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens.

As someone smarter than me said, the best praise for this will come in the form of the denials from incensed ‘believers’.

Of course, there is no hell Jessie. There is no God either. It’s all made up to get people to do what they’re told and avoid questioning why they are asked to have faith in what is basically a bunch of fairytales. Fine if you want to believe that, but don’t force it on me thankyou.

This book clearly,cooly and rationally explains why religion is so dangerous: it makes people blow themselves (and others) up. It enables people to rationalise their prejudice against those who are different to them by referring to a rewritten set of stories that have no actual historical or scientific evidence to support them.

Again, fine if you want to believe that but when Amnesty International reports that people are having walls pushed on them, or are being stoned to death or beheaded for their beliefs, (just like in the “Good Old Days”) it’s a little more urgent that we subject our need for religion to a little examination.

Dawkins does this using Darwinist theory and frankly, what he reports is a life changing thing. I don’t want to go back to earth in Biblical times, because people like you would rub people like me out in the name of some delusional entity who apparently guides you in your hateful righteousness.

And one last question, how can you state you’ve consumed a book that you have obviously never read?

Open this book and you will seal your fate in hell. Clearly, if you can afford this book, you should be giving more to your church.

Let’s not forget: Who gave you an identity? Who gave you morals? Who gave you the most charitable organization to give thanks and money to?

Let’s not forget about the holidays either… days off from work, gifts. All of that and you’re still ready to throw it all away?

You people, with all your thinking, doubts, and questioning… you make me sick. You can waste your time on this planet enjoying everything it has to offer; but, not me.

I’m going to devote myself to a higher cause. I’ll spend my days fellowshipping in the presence of others that share in my beliefs. Then, when we get enough good ideas together, we are going to try to persuade lawmakers to support laws that enforce our beliefs. If all goes well, we can make earth more like it was in biblical times, or as I like to call it, “the good old days”. If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me.

god bless!

This is a book that cogently presents the case for atheism, but without the more aggressive tone of Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris. Dawkins takes a scientific approach to the subject of religion, and his discussion is engaging and convincing.

Dawkins attempts to cover all the bases and formulate a solid case against religion. I agree with pretty much everything that he says, but I feel like the book could have benefitted from a more involved and enthusiastic editor.

The God Delusion is more like a rambling conversation with Dawkins than a closely argued polemic. Dawkins rarely hesitates to toss in a joke or amusing side comment in the midst of his discussions of various aspects of religion and its dangers.

The book is worth reading, and does a good job of collecting various arguments together in one place, but I rather suspect that it will reinforce the beliefs of those who already agree with Dawkins and do little to convince those who disagree, despite Dawkins’s hopes otherwise.

I would encourage those considering reading The God Delusion to look at Daniel Dennett’s Darwin’s Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life and Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon in addition to Dawkins’s book. I found DDI, in particular, to be an excellent introduction to the philosophical implications of Darwin’s theory of natural selection, especially in its analysis and rejection of the various objections raised against natural selection as a mechanism that can adequately explain the development and elaboration of life to the point that we see today.

Breaking the Spell covers much of the same ground as The God Delusion, but with a more formal approach.

A version of Dawkins’s concluding chapter is also available as a video of his talk at the 2006 TED conference, and is well worth checking out (as are many of the other talks from TED conferences).