The God Debate (Sam Harris vs Rick Warren)

[EHLO]

I stumbled upon The God Debate this afternoon.

I don't have much to say but thought I'd share as it made some interesting reading and seemed a good example of the seemingly pointless nature of trying to rationalise with the irrational.

A couple of choice quotes from the pastor:

A lot of atheists hide behind rationalism…

There is a home for atheists in the world today—it's called North Korea.

I think Sam Harris deserves a medal for having the patience to put up with that sort of nonsense. Has anyone read, and would they recommend, Letter to a Christian Nation?

 

[username]

Has anyone read, and would they recommend, Letter to a Christian Nation?

I have read it and would recommend it, but do understand it is a fairly short book and unless things have changed only available in hardcover at this point.

It really isn't a stand alone book.

Harris first wrote 'An End to Faith' which is a normal length book available in softcover at a more reasonable price. It is highly recommended reading.

'Letter to a Christian Nation' is Harris' response to criticism of 'End to Faith' from Christians. As such it starts out covering and re-explaining ground covered in 'End of Faith' even though that book wasn't explicitly antichristian, just anti faith. It addresses a Christian audience. Around 1/3rd way through Harris starts off on some semi fresh material and arguments.

It is a good book, but in my opinion you need to read 'End of Faith' first. If you like what you read then go ahead and get 'Letter...' next, preferably once the less expensive soft cover edition is available.

 

[Upchurch]

Yikes. Was this Rick Warren the best MSNBC could find?

Just once, I'd like to see a debate on the subject where both sides have good reasoned arguments. Warren relied on straw men and quips the entire time. He avoided addressing most of Harris's points.

 

[Cello Man]

Just got done reading the whole article. The overall tone that I walk away with is this...

Harris - "Religion doesn't make sense. Here is a mountain of questions that religion has guessed wrong on, refuses to admit fault, and other questions it fails to answer completely."

Moderator - "What is your rebuttal, Mr. Warren?"

Warren - "Stop being mean. You're no fun."