The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins (9780552773317)

The God Delusion caused a sensation when it was published in 2006. Within weeks it became the most hotly debated topic, with Dawkins himself branded as either saint or sinner for presenting his hard-hitting, impassioned rebuttal of religion of all types. His argument could hardly be more topical. While Europe is becoming increasingly secularized, the rise of religious fundamentalism, whether in the Middle East or Middle America, is dramatically and dangerously dividing opinion around the world. In America, and elsewhere, a vigorous dispute between 'intelligent design' and Darwinism is seriously undermining and restricting the teaching of science. In many countries religious dogma from medieval times still serves to abuse basic human rights such as women's and gay rights. And all from a belief in a God whose existence lacks evidence of any kind. Dawkins attacks God in all his forms. He eviscerates the major arguments for religion and demonstrates the supreme improbability of a supreme being. He shows how religion fuels war, foments bigotry and abuses children. The God Delusion is a brilliantly argued, fascinating polemic that will be required reading for anyone interested in this most emotional and important subject.

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Bookseller review

Doubting Thomas...

In the climate of religious mis-understanding, mis-trust, fear and uncertainty, Dawkins intellect shines bright as he painstakingly dissects the arguments against organised religion of all types, particularly those which set themselves against the rigours of scientific scrutiny and common sense.

Review by Robb of the Leeds Borders on 2009-01-22 18:53:59
Bookseller review

The God Delusion

I loved this book! Everything about it, from the tongue-in-cheek humour to the hilarious examples, this book has made me question and examine plenty of beliefs and rethink a lot of my opinions, A brilliant read!

Review by Debbie of the Borders on 2009-02-19 15:56:13
Controversial reading at it's best.

Wow, if ever a book invited controversy it’s this one! When Richard Dawkins sat down and put pen to paper in the attempt to “disillusion” the world from its varying beliefs in God, he painted a large target on his chest and invited every believer on the planet to shoot. Brave or stupid, he produced a brilliantly reasoned work, which got absolutely everyone talking.
You don’t have to be an atheist to appreciate “The God Delusion,” you just need to have an open mind and the ability to recognise the value of a well thought out argument; concord is nowhere near necessary. Although he has a lot to say, Dawkins has the knack of putting his point across without haranguing or brow-beating the reader. He concedes points to “the opposition” when he has no scientific evidence to back up his beliefs and simply asks them to show the courtesy of doing the same in return... If only life were that simple!
Although notorious for perhaps the wrong reasons, this book should be respected as a well-researched, articulate, intelligent, discursive manuscript. Dawkins is nothing if not well informed of his subject; he may at times appear as rabid in his ideals as the most righteous of any religion, but he knows every side of the argument and meets every attack with an almost sublime cheer, safe in the knowledge of his own conviction... The conviction that Science will show him the way.
This is the first book for a very long time that has succeeded in getting people to think. That in itself is a massive achievement and religious soapboxes aside, it’s an achievement that Mr Dawkins should be congratulated on.

Review by Emily Hirschmann on 14:04, 04 Apr 2008

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"Quote me this"

Whether you are extremely religious or not religious at all, think long and had before picking up this book. If howver you do find yourslef reading this tome, then please immediatley skip the EXTREMELY long introduction by the Author (It's just Dawkins englarging his ego once more.) and just read a few pages. A lot of questions do get raised, but you just think "I can't be bothered with this." The 300+ page book is the same all the way through, Dawkins adds a famous quote and then tries feebly to back it up with his own opinion (A formula that just does not work). Misquoted bible references and not going to give you extra points for trying.
Overall I found the book quite poor, we all have our own opinions and can judge these things ourselves. There is little in the way of backing up a claim, just Dawkins agreeing with the quotee.

Review by Dan E on 14:04, 04 Apr 2008

Do you agree? (Agreements: 2, Disagreements: 5)
The God Delusion

In the current climate of religious mis-understanding, mis-trust, fear and uncertainty, Dawkins intellect shines bright as he painstakingly dissects the arguments against organised religion of all types, particularly those which set themselves against the rigours of scientific scrutiny and common sense. This is a brave and clever work of real insight and whilst many people will never be dissuaded from their beliefs, those who are still open to questioning would do well to join the debate here to get a clearer understanding of what we should really be fearing.

Review by Robert Barham on 14:04, 04 Apr 2008

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