Dawkins' God Delusion

Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.Believers in any religion will find little to agree with in Dawkins' book because it is a polemic against religion in any form and in favor of atheism and intolerance of religion. Initially he says that he wants to "raise consciousness to the fact that to be an atheist is a realistic expectation, and a brave and splendid one." (p. 1) But he soon goes on the attack against religion as pleading for special protection from unbelief. He denounces the assumption that people should show respect for the religious feels of others and makes it clear that he will show no such respect, for he sees the "God Hypothesis" as a "pernicious delusion." (p. 31)What's wrong with religion? He maintains that even moderate religion lends support to extremism, for moderate religion is "an open invitation to extremism." (p. 306)As a believer, I found little in this book that I agree with. What I found useful was that Dawkins is encyclopedic in his review of literature on the subject of atheism, especially the books written by scientists. In an appendix, he also provides a listing of organizations and websites where atheists can find support. Even more interesting is the fact that he recommends Biblical literacy. Religious instruction of the young is equated with child abuse, but he points to a listing of phrases (pp. 341-343) which require knowledge of the Bible in order to be an educated person.The book is very entertaining unless you are a believer without a sense of humor. Dawkins also raises some points that believers should take seriously in clarifying their beliefs. For example, I think believers should listen when Dawkins asks what is so special about believing in God. Isn't it more "likely that God would reward kindness, or generosity, or humility?" (p. 104) dr seuss book collection