Comments on: Book Club: God Is Not Great

By: Biddable

Biddable — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:47:08 +0000

I haven't read this particular book yet, but I do love Hitchens in general. Not only for his stance on religion and politics, but also because I think he's one of the last of the Great Drunken Authors.

By: alana

alana — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Kivrin: I totally agree with you that it seems that way sometimes (that atheists are so sure in their non-belief I mean), but very few people actually think that way. Even Richard Dawkins said, “Atheists do not have faith and reason alone could not propel one to total conviction that anything definitely does NOT exist.” The Loch Ness monster is a good example because even though most people live their lives with the assumption the Loch Ness monster doesn’t exist, most people recognize they can’t know for sure.

That’s why agnosticism is basically an empty term (though I used to say I was agnostic as well). Agnosticism is a philosophical point of view on the supernatural. It’s not actually a religious statement and I think it became popular because there are negative connotations with the word “atheist.” Technically speaking I’m agnostic atheist – just like most people are agnostic theists (if they’re honest with themselves).

By: Kivrin

Kivrin — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:25:40 +0000

Alana wrote, "Why is telling a person that you don’t believe in what they believe any more offensive then that person believing I’m going to burn in hell for all eternity?"

Exactly. So maddening. Although I am interested about your using "non-belief" to describe atheism. I was always under the impression that atheism = being sure (i.e., believing) that there is/are no god(s). For that reason, I choose to describe myself as agnostic, because I feel like I can't KNOW that there is no god. If anything, the existence and persistence of religion would argue that some higher power(s) must exist, y'know? So I am reluctant to describe myself as an atheist for the reason that I just can't KNOW, either way. Would love to hear your (or anyone else's) thoughts on the semantics of the situation…

By: alana

alana — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:13:10 +0000

This is one of my favorite subjects (obviously), but I couldn’t get into Hitchens’ book at all. It was utterly dry and I find that other authors are capable of not “dumbing it down” while also not using 400 pages to constantly reiterate how smart they are.

If anyone is interested in the subject I would recommend The God Delusion over God is Not Great a thousand times over. There is a part in the middle of The God Delusion that’s kind of boring since Dawkins goes on about biology for a while, but the rest is superb (and if you want more information about the scientific side of Dawkins’ book Why Evolution is True will blow your mind). Letter to A Christian Nation is also a very nice place to get your feet wet. It’s short and too the point and will help you see if this is a subject you really dare interested in.

I do think these sorts of books offer more to American readers then other Western countries because being an atheist can be uncomfortable in the US sometimes. It’s the idea that atheists have to constantly validate their non-belief while theists are never required to do the same that pisses most atheists off. Why should a person who belongs to an organized religion be coddled and handled with kiddy gloves? I just don’t buy into the belief that religion holds some special place in our society and is above reproach. Why is telling a person that you don’t believe in what they believe any more offensive then that person believing I’m going to burn in hell for all eternity?

By: Molls

Molls — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:55:57 +0000

Brit – I'm gonna address your stuff on my blog.

Nelly – Up for debate. I'm gonna take suggestions and we'll pick something.

Saraid – I've been organizing it. Just drop a comment on my post (http://neamhspleachas.blogspot.com/2009/11/book-club-god-is-not-great.html). I'm gonna put together an email list.

By: April

April — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:28:35 +0000

I wrote a long comment on HDW's post about my experience and feelings on organized religion. I don't feel like repeating here, so if you wish to read it, you can go there.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

By: hotdrwife

hotdrwife — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:31:07 +0000

I grew up in the church and spent most of my Sunday mornings spacing out and thinking of cute boys, so I had put down Hitchens book and look up references myself.

By: Saraid

Saraid — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:08:27 +0000

I like the idea of the book, but I found the first chapter frustrating as you did and thus returned it to the public library. I may try reading it again since you said it was good other than that.

Also, how can I get involved in the book club? I would really love to.

By: Nell Gwynne

Nell Gwynne — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:48:12 +0000

I would have loved to participate in this round of book club…but I was dealing with finals at the same time. Do you know what the next book will be/when you'll be reviewing it?

By: sarahbear

sarahbear — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:05:43 +0000

It seems like it could be interesting. Judging by the tone of the little bits you posted I can see how it would be offensive. In fact, even though I consider myself Agnostic and not Christian anymore, I would likely find myself getting offended for people who believe in organized religion. But I'm a fence sitter like that.

I think a lot of Atheists who try to challenge religious people on their beliefs come off sounding very harsh and snobbish. It's difficult to word something delicately when you're basically telling someone that you think what they've believed in for their whole life is a load of crap.