The God Delusion

A childhood friend prompted me to pick up the book. He's a devout Christian, new-order Mennonite strong in his belief. His was a self-assured faith that felt no need to justify itself in proselytization or broad overtures. Nor was it narrow or exclusionary. There was never a whiff of smug self righteousness or pitying condescension.

Valedictorian, musically inclined, all round athlete he would go on after high school to seminary. That complete he moved on to psychology then medicine. His faith unshaken.

I'm told he read this book and become an atheist.

I don't know if was a creeping doubt and that the God Delusion simply gave him permission to question his faith or a blinding epiphany. Hell, it could simply be untrue, nuance lost with each retelling.

I guess reviewing this is no more beneficial than opining about Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey. Not that I didn't love this book, but it seems that many opinions are formed well prior to the actual reading.

It's a brisk read, with easily digested chapters that break down traditional Christian arguments one by one. I don't find it overly smug or even mean spirited - charges often laid at it's feet by scandalized Christian defendants. It is egocentric, concerned for the individual's sense of religion. “Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cosy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigour, and the great spaces have a splendour of their own.” I like the sentiment but I still think there's power in the rituals of faith, especially in the face of grief, the loss of a loved one. But even then Dawkins is careful to make the distinction between “belief in God and belief in belief: the belief that it is desirable to believe, even if the belief itself is false.”

It is an entirely approachable read regardless of your faith going in. I'm sure there's no shortage of “cafeteria Christians” that pick and choose their beliefs that befit their lifestyle; or “Not like those” Christians that distance themselves from Creationist extremists or fundamental nut jobs. I think a book like this helps them take a critical look at the nature of their belief. I'm sure in many it will only deepen their faith but there's value in stepping outside and examining it in a new and honest light. A highly recommended read.