The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins is an excellent book worthy of a thorough read. It is not an easy read; however, the return on investment will be well worth the time you put into it.
I realize it is complete and utter cliché to say that this book changed my life, but: This book changed my life.
It explains everything I was feeling, doubting, wondering about, and unsure of early in my journey to atheism.
I picked up this book at exactly the right time. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Or something like that.
This is not a casual read—well over 400 pages and dense with information and explanations— but it is very much on point. After every chapter {or section, in the case of lengthy ones} I would go back and look for passages to highlight and reconsider.
For purposes of this review, I will present what I found to be the most compelling tidbits after multiple readings of The God Delusion.
Contents
Acknowledging Non-Belief Is an Option
This sounds silly when you think about it; I mean, of course it’s an option.
But realistically, growing up in a culture where virtually everyone you know is of some religious stripe or another, and following the religion of your parents is expected and encouraged, this is not something that most people even have on their radar.
Understanding the Special Privilege That Religion Receives
Both theists and non-theists take an unusually delicate approach when it comes to criticizing—or even discussing—religion. The unspoken “rule” is that religious beliefs are somehow more worthy of respect than other beliefs, and more deserving of a wide berth when it comes to assessment.
Somehow we’ve accepted personal religious ideologies as an untouchable topic that cannot be challenged, because, reasons.
Placing the Burden of Proof Where It Belongs
One cannot “prove” that god{s} do not exist, because that is the wrong way to look at the question. The burden of proof always lies with the person{s} making the claim.
A classic example would be Bertrand Russell’s infamous celestial teapot. For a modern twist, you might contemplate proving/disproving the existence of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
This logic does not change because a large number of people happen to believe in something.
Comparing Various Religious Mythologies
The book specifically discusses the aspects of Christian mythology “borrowed” {to put it nicely} from earlier, already established religions {e.g., virgin birth, star in the east, performing miracles, resurrection after death}. However, even a cursory review of any of the major world religions practiced today or in the past shows myriad similarities and overlap in their stories.
For example, consider the flood myth presented in the Epic of Gilgamesh and compare/contrast to the biblical story of Noah. Or the fact that the Hindu characters of Brahma and Saraswati parallel the Old Testament characters of Abraham and Sarah {in more than just the similarity of their names}.
Worshiping a God of the Gaps Is a Pretty Bad Strategy
While known for being an outspoken atheist, first and foremost Dawkins is a scientist, specifically an ethologist {one who studies animal behavior} and an evolutionary biologist.
When it comes to the “arguments” for creationism or intelligent design, he takes them down in a heartbeat. The text beautifully explains natural selection, irreducible complexity, and the argument from personal incredulity.
[W]hen two opposite points of view are expressed with equal force, the truth does not necessarily lie midway between them. It is possible for one side to be simply wrong. {p. 19}
Learning About Cargo Cults Will Blow Your Mind
A “cargo cult” is essentially a “religion” that evolves quickly among isolated islanders with minimal contact with outsiders. In short, the islanders come to see the newcomers {soldiers, missionaries, etc.} as well as the supplies they provide {cargo} as divine.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and Google John Frum and then try to argue religious beliefs are not of our own making.
Being Moral Does Not Require a God
Morality and altruism benefit us from an evolutionary perspective. In case studies {including the famous “runaway trolley” dilemma} there are no statistically significant differences in response between theists and atheists.
Whether or not you are a moral person has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not you believe in any gods.
Also, the Bible {the Old Testament especially, but also the New Testament} is truly the last place you want to be searching for ethical advice. {Which most people would likely—hopefully?—conclude if they actually read the thing.}
Understanding How Religion Perpetuates
Most people do not choose their religion; they have it foisted upon them at a young age by the adults in their lives. The religious indoctrination of children has come to be seen as normal.
Religion thrives because children are primed to trust the adults in their lives and believe what they say to be true. Once children are taught that faith is a virtue not to be questioned, they can also be taught to use it as a force for good or evil.
Can you imagine what a different world we would live in if all children were instead exposed to many world religions and mythologies and as they grew had the opportunity to draw their own conclusions about their similarities, incompatibilities, and logic?
Final Thoughts
At the conclusion of The God Delusion, you will find a list of supportive secular organizations, a recommended bibliography, and detailed notes and references for each chapter.
I have read this book cover to cover three times, and will probably be bringing it out for a fourth read soon {as apparently it has become an annual event}. I have also passed it along to my teens, and they have enjoyed it as well.
No matter where you are on your personal journey—whether you consider yourself religious, non-religious, spiritual, or something else altogether— I think everyone can find something worthwhile to take away from The God Delusion.
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