The Scientific Argument

This is the classic work on the justification of the atheist point of view. Dawkins, one of the most respected biologists in the world, mounts a scathing attack on religion. Although he dismisses the fundamentals of all religious beliefs with the same argument, he gets particularly nasty with Christianity (and Judaism) because he is most familiar with these sets of beliefs. He systematically deals with each known argument raised by theists, creationists, agnostics etc and argues very cogently about the gaping holes in their arguments. Although he does sometimes get emotional he rarely strays away from his core tenet: that religion (in any manifestation) is not defensible from evidence or logic and can only survive by asking its believers to surrender rational thinking and scientific evidence - which characteristics he believes defines humanity. He is particularly angry that religions revert to subversive means in order to survive: they get their "victims" young when they are vulnerable and unable to defy the insistence of their parents or teachers. He uses many interesting historical facts and scientific illustrations to back his argument, as well as some really frightening quotes from religious leaders. Written in 2006 it makes for compelling reading, no matter what your belief system comprises. Great narrator too. Highly recommended (and quite quick to read actually).

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Dawkins being Dawkins.

If you love Dawkins you'll love this. The same wonderful logic and unashamedly put together science, thoughts, insights and perspective.

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Fantastic book.

Absolutely love this book. I've listened to it 4 times now and just can't get enough of it. Each time I listen to this book I notice even more indepth information than I did previously. I am agnostic and being such I listen to books on both sides of the God argument, this is 1 of, if not the best out of the lot.

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Why bring out the abridged version first!!

Oh dear! Now dont get me wrong I really liked this book have listened to it multiple times, but am sad to see that the full audio book is now available on audible over one year after I purchased the original abridged book. If I had known this I would have waited for the full version which is 3 hours longer. I will now have to re-purchase the book to listen to the extra 3 hours missing. :-( feel as though I've wasted an audible credit.

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4 people found this helpful

Scientists make poor philosophers

Dawkins is very lucid in putting the rational arguments to justify his belief that God (probably) does not exist. He becomes a ranting fundamentalist when he moves into the areas of politics, history and philosophy. He seems unable or unwilling to consider the good that religious faith may create (Christian Aid, Quaker Pacifism, the fight against slavery etc.) but only able to see the harm that religious extremism causes. Most people of faith would side with him against fundamentalists and extremists of all ethnic types who use religious claims to justify their mad schemes. He also misses the point completely about the origin of the Northern Ireland conflict in the invasion of English people into Irish country. This is a conflict over economic resources which has used the distinction of religious labels to indentify the Nationalist and Unionist ethnic/economic groups in the absence of any other convenient way of distinguishing them. It is a shame that the coherent logic of the early chapters deteriiorates into the biassed polemic of later chapeters. My advice is 'stick to your science and enjoy!'

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1 person found this helpful

It would have been better without the sarcasm

This is a really interesting book. What undermines the author's otherwise compelling arguments is the frequent sarcastic comments delivered by another voice. Presumably, the comments are scripted by Dawkins, this being a device to separate Dawkins' usually rational arguments from his prejudices. Of course, the final irony is that Dawkins' ideas are ultimately rooted in a systematic set of values and therefore form a type of belief system.

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Enlightening

Asks so many great questions, and posits many possible answer. The paperback book, and this Audible presentation is perfect for those of us who started life as a child of Christian parents (other religions are available) but through years of continued education and re-evaluation of life, have come to the conclusion that the early year’s teachings, although quaint in places and scary in others, are not the path we wish to follow.

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good for dawkins

its an excellent book, i only wish more people would read it, maybe the world would be a better place. he has one of those very listenable voices too. I hope they put the rest of his work onto audio books.

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6 people found this helpful

A book for all human being

I've read it twice. It's a good book that all people regardless of their religious background should read it with openminded mind.

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1 person found this helpful

Excellent case for atheism

A wonderful work!! I myself cleared many of my doubts. Indeed and almost certainly there is NO GOD.
Very good listening experience as well.

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3 people found this helpful