Product Description

"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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #167 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

Joan Bakewell, Guardian
'A spirited and exhilarating read...Dawkins comes roaring forth in
the full vigour of his powerful arguments...'

Economist
'Everyone should read it. Aethists will love Mr Dawkins's incisive
logic and rapier wit...'

Desmond Morris
'This is a brave and important book.'

Customer Reviews

Just who is deluded?
From the messianic promises of the opening pages to the utopian scientism of the closing pages, this is a fatuously pretentious and philosophically incoherent book which would never have been published if it had been written by anyone less eminent. Dawkins's treatment of morality is particularly amateurish, and sometimes downright laughable. He really should stick to science, since he clearly doesn't understand anything else, and stop bothering the world with his neurotically obsessive atheizing. Read this book, by all means, but read some of the responses too -- my own book would be a good place to start.

Surprisingly interesting
I bought this book a while back out of curiosity, but have put off reading it until due to fears of it being merely a rant against religion or just loads of use of Argument from Outrage. I am glad I have finally read it, however, as I found it to be surprisingly well-written, well-reasoned, informative and interesting.

I am an athiest and have been both a Christian and atheist at different periods in my life (obviosly not at the same time!). I would call myself a reluctant atheist, because I would love nothing more for there to be a God and Christianity to be true (or any religion really), but I just don't see enough evidence in favour of God's existence.

As for Dawkins's book, for me I found Chapters 4, 5 and 6 to be the most interesting, delving into evolution. Darwinism certainly explains a lot things, not just how an animal acts, but also why. I had studied human evolution in archaeology in my first year at university and so I enjoyed Dawkins's obvious expertise in evolutionary biology. When I was a Christian I saw no reason why evolution and religion should be considered incompatible. I still don't think the two are incompatible, unless you are a creationist or literalist.

Some bits of the book I didn't enjoy, hence only 4 stars. Chapter 7 is mainly merely Argument from Outrage, listing bits of scripture showing how horrible the Old Testament is. As for the section on Hitler, he certainly was not a Christian, of any denomination, although his belief in some sort of providence, I believe, does not make him an out-and-out atheist. Chapters 8 and 9 also use Argument from Outrage, which worked for me, as I found myself agreeing with a lot of what Dawkins said - fundamentalism and creationism should be opposed, and children protected from the dark side of religion - such as the threat of hell and visits to those ridiculous Hell Houses run by Pastor Keenan Roberts - truly awful and shocking. On page 300 I found myself disagreeing though. Dawkins writes, concerning a possible New Ten Commandments, that one should not "discriminate or oppress on the basis of sex, race or (as far as possible) species". To that I would add religion and creed as theists deserve as much respect, as fellow human beings, as anyone else.

On the whole though an enjoyable and recommended book.

Inspiring, delicately constructed and brilliant funny
It was suggested to me that I read this book by a friend who had developed a sincere interest in analysing religion and the world around him in a matter-of-fact, understandable and logical way and this book certainly does that.

I would say it's the most provocative book I've read recently and it certainly encourages further discussion about very important points. One only needs to see the amount of internet activity generated by readers of this book arguing their views back and forth on hundreds of sites to realise that.

I find myself referring back to it alot when talking to friends about the arguments it contains. Almost every pro-religious counter-argument is dealt with eruditely and succinctly by Dawkins in his normal annihilating way.

I approached the book as an agnostic leaning on atheism but not-really-that-sure and finished the book much the same way but certainly someone more enlightened and more interested in the world around me.

I would recommend it to anybody who is interested in seeing things through a perhaps different perspective and is not afraid of the ways that other people see the world. Dawkins' view may be one-sided but in his defense, I am certain there are very few religious texts that give as much as a nod to the possibility of atheism. Those who are religious may find it insulting in places so you might have to have your "shields up" for some chapters.. however I think the view Dawkins gives is a very interesting way to see the world and how it works, which is worth at least giving some thought to.