Letter to a Christian Nation
Nov 7, 2009 Philosophy & Thinking, Religion and Ethics, Skeptical books
Sam Harris books are usually to be found sitting next to that of Hitchens and Dawkins in the “New-Atheism” sections of a bookshop (if you’re lucky to have such a section). This is one of those obvious releases that anyone who is of the atheist mind set should own a copy of. It is if anything the introductory book for many who haven’t bothered to define themselves spiritually or are perhaps sitting on the fence on the whole issue.
As a book it’s a set of letters very much written AT Christians, asking them questions from someone who has obviously become tired with the tolerance shown to Christianity. They range from the straight up questioning of the clearly flawed historical events in the bible (possibly the weaker section) to the deeper questions about God’s omnipotence and why the universe exists.
You could probably read this book in a few sittings as it’s fairly thin and some sections take just moments to read. But each chapter addresses a single idea and puts forward all the arguments against Christianity without referring to too much biblical scripture.
The book isn’t without it’s faults and at times the tone becomes a little abrasive, but never at any time wanders in the the ascorbic rhetoric associated with Hitchens and appears less “snitty” than Dawkins’ God Delusion. It’s clear that Harris is no biblical scholar and glosses over some of the core ideas of Christianity painting all Christians with the same brush.
However this very much seems to be a response to the fact that in the US Christianity is a default position for many and so he’s fighting an uphill battle. It would be easy to argue against Harris if you are a biblical scholar, but so often many people who call themselves Christians aren’t. In fact many haven’t even bothered to read the bible – this is a key point in the titling of the book and should not be forgotten.
If you don’t know this book it’s well worth reading as a follow up to something like The God Delusion. If you’re the sort of person who simply wants to find the atheist position on a wide variety of subjects it’s a great place to start. It’s not the God Delusion, but it is a bite size version that’s very quick and easy to digest.
November 7th, 2009 at 5:20 am
I guess after reading God Delusion, The End of Faith, and God is not Great i have to get this.
November 7th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Firstly let me say that I think Sam is brilliant; I will watch any video of him speaking, as he is always entertaining and charismatic his wit and intellect clearly slicing through the absurdities of religion. I thoroughly enjoyed The End Of Faith, which I enthusiastically recommend to anyone who’ll listen.
I found Letter… to be disappointingly lightweight, both metaphorically and physically. Without it’s hardback cover this would be little more than a pamphlet, and could easily have been included as an addition to a reprint of TEOF. It didn’t explore any of the issues deeply enough for me. That said, there’s a clue in the title that it wasn’t for me. I am neither a Christian, and nor do I live in the USA, and those groups make up this book’s target audience. It is meant to help those who are Christian, and those Americans who are not Christian but allow Christianity to rule their lives, think about why they do that and what the consequences are. I’ve never yet met a Christian (or ex-Christian) who has read it, so I can’t comment on it’s efficacy. If you’re an atheist looking for substance, look to Sam’s other book, Hitchens’ God is Not Great, Dawkins’ God Delusion or Dennet’s Breaking the Spell. If you’re a Christian who wants to see what the sudden fuss is about atheism, this might be a good place to start.
November 7th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Jo,
I just found your blog and have actually read half the books that you have reviewed so far. I look forward to your future posts.
Letters To A Christian Nation is a wonderful book. Short, easy to read, and the one I recommend to people that wonder why I became an atheist.
Kevin
November 18th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
great book. short and to the point. confronted me with the questions i needed at the moment i read it. just borrowed my copy to my sister, hoping it’ll be of help to her as well.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I’m in the dangerous position on commenting on a book I haven’t read but I’ve been avoiding this one on the grounds that Harris doesn’t come across as very level headed in the debates I’ve seen him in. He seems a little too abrasive which is fine for entertaining other atheists but as a book for converting theists I wonder if “The God Delusion” isn’t better.
The problem is kind of the same as that which I have with environmentalists which is although you’re clearly right the way to convince others is to present facts without agenda and allow them to make up their minds not by saying your beliefs are inferior even if they are (by virtue of being wrong) it just makes people defensive.
Although the above sounds like a statement it’s more a question- is Harris like this in print?
December 1st, 2009 at 10:32 am
SinK, I haven’t read this either, but I’ve heard that same criticisms you make aimed at Dawkins and his God Delusion. When I read God Delusion I was actually really surprised to find it was really not abrasive at all, but I actually preferred Dennett’s “Breaking the Spell” as it was even gentler in tone, while being more in depth, I thought.
To anyone who’s read all three, which do you think is better for a theist as an introduction to atheism? God Delusion, Letter to a Christian Nation, or Breaking the Spell?
December 6th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I enjoyed this book.
It was a short, simple, and straightforward read. Although I don’t consider it to be the best introductory book on atheism.
To answer ScreamingGreenConure: I’d say God Delusion is by far the best introduction to atheism out of the three books.