The Good Man Jesus And The Scoundrel Christ
Apr 2, 2010 Religion and Ethics
Apparently there’s been a lot of controversy over this book, so despite not generally reviewing fiction I decided to give it a look. I really don’t see where the controversy and outrage came from, unless it was just mindless raging at the title.
Instead of a plot description or celebrity endorsements, the back of the dust jacket simply states “this is a story.” That is exactly what this is – an imaginative and surprisingly sympathetic retelling of the story of Jesus.
The characters in the Bible are pretty two-dimensional. This is understandable, considering that most of it is taken from old oral traditions and tribal lore. This retelling, on the other hand, focusses on the human aspects of the well-known tale. There are plenty of nods to the skeptics when it comes to the various miracles, but it’s far from smug – the ending is heart-wrending and personally I found that a human, imperfect Jesus was far easier to sympathise with than a mythical deity (this probably goes for most readers, apart from those with serious megalomania). It’s not long, or demanding, but it’s worth picking up for a quiet afternoon of peaceful reading.
Breaking The Spell: Religion As A Natural Phenomenon
Dec 6, 2009 Philosophy & Thinking, Religion and Ethics
In Breaking The Spell, Daniel Dennett argues for taking a rational, objective view of religious belief and behaviour in light of discoveries in neuroscience, evolutionary theory and other advancements in human understanding. Beginning with a discussion of the taboo of treating religion as a natural occurrence and examining it scientifically, the book goes on to do just that, and plead for the reader to do the same. I found it lacks the sometimes-harsh tone of Dawkins and Hitchens, and is aimed at believers as well as atheists, making it hard to accuse Dennett of preaching to the choir.
Summary: In his characteristically provocative fashion, Dennett, author of Darwin’s Dangerous Idea and director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University, calls for a scientific, rational examination of religion that will lead us to understand what purpose religion serves in our culture. Much like E.O. Wilson (In Search of Nature), Robert Wright (The Moral Animal), and Richard Dawkins (The Selfish Gene), Dennett explores religion as a cultural phenomenon governed by the processes of evolution and natural selection. Religion survives because it has some kind of beneficial role in human life, yet Dennett argues that it has also played a maleficent role.
Daniel Dennett: Breaking The Spell: Religion As A Natural Phenomenon
Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion – Free Download
Dec 4, 2009 History, Philosophy & Thinking, Religion and Ethics, Skeptical books
The Scottish Enlightenment was the dawn of a new way of thinking – rationalism, and the rejection of reasonless authority. Intellectuals were gathering in Edinburgh to discuss the discoveries of Newton, Copernicus and Bacon, and were churning out treatises and essays on philosophy, economics and political science at a breathtaking rate. Right in the middle of this was David Hume.
Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion consists of a debate between three characters – Cleanthes, Philo and Demea – who between them hash out some of the conflicts between rational thought and religious belief. Hume does not challenge the idea of a god as such, and this is not an atheist treatise, but he intelligently questions the assumptions of the time about such a being’s omnipotence and morality. He also presents arguments against the apparent self-evidence of intelligent design, a debate that still rages on over two centuries later.
The very idea of looking at, and questioning, the idea of god through the lens of rationality is something that many of us take for granted, and it can be hard to remember that it was once a novel concept. It’s worth picking up this book just to be reminded of that.
Free download from Librivox
The Golden Bough: Free Download
Dec 1, 2009 History, Learning and Knowledge, Religion and Ethics
A ground-breaking study of disparate cultures across the globe, comparing practices and beliefs from the external soul in folktales to the resurrection of god-figures in an attempt to find out if there are elements common to all human cultures. It was first published in 1890, and the tone reflects this – the author’s attitude towards his subjects can be downright insulting at times, and they are frequently referred to as “primitives.” Frazer’s idea of cultural evolution, with civilisations naturally emerging from a child-like belief in magic to gradually embrace the scientific method, may be a little simplistic, and some of his research methods have been heavily criticised. However, this remains a classic work of comparative cultural anthropology and was absolutely pioneering for its time, and is still an eye-opening insight into the nature of belief and the many forms it takes.
The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution
Nov 14, 2009 Learning and Knowledge, Religion and Ethics, Skeptical books, Specialist Subjects
Dawkins has always had a voice in the media but more recently this has been amplified by his struggle against religious idealism. His recent documentaries also called in to question the pseudo-science and hocus-pocus involved in alternative therapy. But it’s easy to forget that Richard Dawkins is also one of the leading minds in evolutionary theory.
Many who fall in to the trap of talking about “Darwinism” as a sort of religious stand point will probably feel that “Dawkinism” is only around the corner. But the the clear and unquestionable evidence that piles up so incredible high in favour of evolutionary theory relates in no way to any religious debate. If you question evolution you may as well question Newtons laws of motion – you’re on rocky territory.
Darwin is arguably the greatest scientist of all time, in a 2005 BBC poll of scientists from around the world he came first by quite a stretch, he was also voted one of the top 5 greatest Britons. Charles Dickens lost his place on the £10 to the man and Richard Owen, the founder of the Natural History, lost pride of place in the great hall to a larger and considerably heavier statue of Darwin.
So it’s unusual to find that of all the scientists you would look to argue with the theories of this one. Even the Church of England finally admitted defeat, albeit over 120 years late officially stating that they we’re wrong to criticise his theories.
The Origin of the Species struggled throughout it’s multiple releases. Painstakingly researched at a time when sea travel was the norm, reworked 4 times and released in 1859, Darwin had no easy task. Initially he was worried about it’s release and after delays and initial worries it was finally put out without a huge fanfare. And yet despite this it has become a cornerstone of scientific understanding.
The Greatest Show on Earth is probably the only book that could ever accompany The Origin of the Species in equalled proportion. It’s fantastically well written and highly enjoyable. Simplifying such an enormous topic has I’m sure been incredibly hard, but Dawkin’s intellect and insight shines through, his writing style is upbeat and energetic but moves just at the right pace.
From it’s opening chapter about the “history deniers” to the final chapter based on The Origin of the Species itself. Every page offers insight, understanding and results in a truly simplified reworking of complex and challenging theories. And in doing so it in no way dilutes the message. It’s easy to forget that Dawkins the religious critic is also a brilliant and well spoken scientist. Consequently this is also one of the most powerful arguments against the Intelligent Design camp without falling in to the slippery slope argument by questioning the existence of supernatural beings.
Top of the Amazon, Sunday Times and countless other best seller lists if you don’t own a copy of this I thoroughly recommend it. It’s available in several versions from hardcover to audio book and I’m sure it will be reprinted and redistributed for a long time to come. I have read most of Dawkins’ books, The selfish gene is probably his most ground breaking and The God Delusion his most famous release, but now I consider The Greatest Show on Earth to quite firmly replace both of those despite only being available for a few months.
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.
The Demon-haunted World
Nov 5, 2009 Religion and Ethics, Science and Technology, Skeptical books
If there’s one book that is the original sceptical guide this is it. I’m almost certain that everyone from Richard Dawkins to James Randi and all the associated members of todays “sceptical celebrities” have been influenced by this book.
It was written in the mid 90’s and as a result it’s starting to show it’s age. The internet wasn’t fully realised or considered a worthwhile resource and often there’s criticism of things that if anything have led to the opening of minds like sci-fi flicks.
However the book does cover all the angles from cults to UFO’s, crop circles to religion. It’s a very easy read and is probably ideal for younger readers and those that still have holes in their sceptical thinking.
There are better, more up to date books than this, but Sagan is one of my favourite writers in popular science and his books are very enjoyable to read. Perhaps my favourite section is the list of gruelling ways people were forced in to confessing during the Spanish Inquisition and why it became such a popular past time for the church.
The Atheist’s guide to Christmas
Nov 1, 2009 Comedy, Religion and Ethics, Skeptical books
Who could go another Christmas without at least a small groan that is associated with the holiday. Society has come to slightly loath Christmas. Its obvious over-commercialisation and compacted timescale forces everyone to perform the usual dreaded rituals that certainly seem to take all the fun out of it.
Combined with this is the obvious religious angle, which for most has been almost completely dissolved. Ironic as it is that this originally pagan festival was hijacked by Christianity centuries later, Christmas has a bizarre identity in the new millennium.
And so this entertaining volume which has been pulled together by some of the best entertainers out there will hopefully exists as a subtle and ingenious way to introduce your family members to the idea of open mindedness. It’s also not what you think it might be. There’s no ranting paragraphs about how stupid bible bashers are or acidic poems about how Jesus isn’t real. There’s a guide to making xmas decorations, party games and an excellent section on how and why to be caring and moral.
Many people who might admit they are Christian actually sit on the fence and a book like this may just be the volume to gently push them off into at least the Agnostics vegetable patch.
A great read but a far better xmas present and all profits go to charity – marvellous.
Description: 42 atheist celebrities, comedians, scientists and writers give their funny and serious tips for enjoying the Christmas season. The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas is a funny, thoughtful handbook all about enjoying Christmas, from 42 of the world’s most entertaining atheists.
It features everything from an atheist Christmas miracle to a guide to the best Christmas pop hits, and contributors include Richard Dawkins, Charlie Brooker, Derren Brown, Ben Goldacre, Jenny Colgan, David Baddiel, Simon Singh, AC Grayling, Brian Cox and Richard Herring. The full book advance and all royalties will go to the UK HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust.
The Pig That Wants to be Eaten: And Ninety-nine Other Thought Experiments
Nov 1, 2009 Philosophy & Thinking, Religion and Ethics, Self Help & Personal Training
TPTWTBE is a great little read. Ideal for grabbing before a flight or long journey as it can be read in a couple of sittings. It’s also very re-readable. It’s very much pop psychology / philosophy but for those who don’t study the subject in depth it’s a great way to have arguments with yourself in your own head without falling out with anyone.
The idea of understanding ideas without having to accept them is key to any intellectual development and I would recommend this book as a personal development book to anyone that feel they want to develop debating skills or engage more complex thinking without having to jump in at the deep end of subjects like moral philosophy or linguistics.
Description: Julian Baggini presents 100 thought experiments: short scenarios which pose a problem in a vivid and concrete way, and invites the reader to think about possible answers for him/herself. Experiments cover identity, religion, art, ethics, language, knowledge and many more. From “Zeno’s Paradox” to “Groundhog Day” (how do you make sense of a life of eternal recurrence?), via “The Pig that Wants to be Eaten” (so should you eat him?), “Plato’s Cave”, “Minority Report” (is it right to punish people for what they are going to do, but haven’t yet done?), and an “American Werewolf in London” (how can we tell whether we are awake or dreaming?), this book makes philosophy not only mind-stretching but also entertaining.
