Richard's Dawkins' "The God Delusion"

[Visitor6]

The unfortunate part about discussions about belief systems or the absence of same is that they often become polarised.

The notion that Dawkins must publish his own "beliefs" grounded in science or not, is no different to a zealot purporting that "faith" is a true belief system.

I get concerned as to why someone has to disprove the existence of a deity.

Whilst one rationalises that proof in the scientific environment enforce a belief or theory it still becomes a belief system for some, that the only way something can be right is through scientific evidence.

Rather than spending time on how one belief system is right, others, perhaps he could spend time on how they could live harmoniously? Or would he need evidence that it could work before the hypothesis was tested?
(and using my own assessment I respect totally his right to his beliefs and opinions )

One day I'll pick up the abridged version...........

[Devon]

Hi Roryrory

Yep, I've read The God Delusion (a while ago now), it didn't really open me up to anything because I was already a pretty committed atheist, so Dawkins was preaching to the converted with me. But I have loved some of his other books - The Blind Watchmaker was great and gave great explanations for how life on earth has come to be with no creator. I did find Dawkins' tone in TGD a bit full on really, and I thought it's the kind of thing that would be more likely to put off people who weren't already atheists. But I think it's great that TGD and all the other atheist literature out there now is making being atheist a bit more socially acceptable - I don't feel *so* much like I have to hide it now, although I tend not to say anything about it unless someone specifically asks me about my beliefs. Have you read 'God is Not Great' by Christopher Hitchens - he's a witty guy and I enjoyed his book.

As for Animal Liberation - that was a book that changed my life! I read it when I was at uni and thought that if I agreed with his argument at the end of the book I would become a vegetarian. I ended up agreeing with him and became a vegetarian immediately. He's a great thinker, I believe. Lots of his books are worth reading.

If you're interested in looking into the animal side of things, there is a great book called 'Rattling the Cage' by Steven Wise who teaches animal rights law at Harvard. Singer is a utilitarian, but Wise argues the case for abolishing animals' legal status as property, and for attributing them certain inalienable rights.

[Roryrory]

Thanks for that Devon, I think the Blind Watchmaker is next for me.

[QUOTE]I get concerned as to why someone has to disprove the existence of a deity./QUOTE] SB I think it is being done so that, if nothing else, those who don't believe in a god are expected to live their lives as if there was. For example, religious arguments about the sanctity of human life make no difference to an atheist who wants and abortion. Nor should they.