The God Delusion

By: Richard Dawkins

Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward

Length: 13 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Discover magazine recently called Richard Dawkins "Darwin's Rottweiler" for his fierce and effective defense of evolution. Prospect magazine voted him among the top three public intellectuals in the world (along with Umberto Eco and Noam Chomsky). Now Dawkins turns his considerable intellect on religion, denouncing its faulty logic and the suffering it causes.

He critiques God in all his forms, from the sex-obsessed tyrant of the Old Testament to the more benign (but still illogical) Celestial Watchmaker favored by some Enlightenment thinkers. He eviscerates the major arguments for religion and demonstrates the supreme improbability of a supreme being. He shows how religion fuels war, foments bigotry, and abuses children, buttressing his points with historical and contemporary evidence. In so doing, he makes a compelling case that belief in God is not just irrational, but potentially deadly.

Dawkins has fashioned an impassioned, rigorous rebuttal to religion, to be embraced by anyone who sputters at the inconsistencies and cruelties that riddle the Bible, bristles at the inanity of "intelligent design", or agonizes over fundamentalism in the Middle East or Middle America.

©2006 Richard Dawkins (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Richard Dawkins is the leading soothsayer of our time....The God Delusion continues his thought-provoking tradition." (J. Craig Venter, decoder of the human genome)
"The God Delusion is smart, compassionate, and true....If this book doesn't change the world, we're all screwed." (Penn & Teller)
"The world needs...passionate rationalists....Richard Dawkins so stands out through the cutting intelligence of The God Delusion." (James D. Watson, co-discoverer of DNA, author of The Double Helix)

enlightenment for the 21th century

must read for every open minded individual on this planet. delivers many well reasoned and understandable explained arguments against the existance of a god as we understand it traditionally. believe whatever you want, but at least listen to the full argument of richard dawkins before judging others.

Very enlightening

I’m an atheist. However I had been a little not sure how I should feel about agnosticism, this book provided a well argued rebuttal to it.

Something all people should read

All should read to change their narrow views about the world... And stop being racist to one another... And stop believing in bad ideas...

Mind Opening and Eye Opening

What did you love best about The God Delusion?

I really enjoyed how this book pushed the limits on human intellect. Where a modern human may stop their pursuit of knowledge and attribute a cause to a higher being, Richard Dawkins encourages the reader to continue their pursuit of knowledge until a definite answer is found.

What other book might you compare The God Delusion to and why?

Bill Nye Undeniable. Bill Nye carefully explains answers to ancient questions with scientific facts.

What about Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward ’s performance did you like?

I really liked how the narrators would alternate when a quote was said or a different point was being presented.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book gave me goosebumps on several occasions. It presented factual evidence along with logical questions that made me question my own methods of (primitive) thinking. I felt like figurative blinders were removed from my eyes and I became more logical the more I listened.

Any additional comments?

Anyone who has questions or doubts about their own religion should read (or listen to) this book. Anyone who is agnostic or an atheist and is afraid of admitting it, should read (or listen to) this book.

Surprising

Never thought that even as a non-believer I would still find so much new information.

Was really surprised how many terrible things were said and done in the name of religion. Some of them almost sound too ridiculous to be true.

The book has many interesting theories of why people still believe in a god and why they would start to believe in one in the first place. Doesn't go too deep philosophically if that's what someone expects. On the contrary, the matter is observed more scientifically, which is what I prefer.

Dawkins narrative was just beautiful, with the perfect emphasis on the necessary points. Really enjoyed reading this.

Thank God for Richard Dawkins

Just kidding there is no God. I rather enjoyed this insightful perspective especially how we as humans came to evolve religious beliefs. Understanding the process lessens the hurt from years of psychological abuse. If you've ever felt shame because of forced inculcation, read this book.

a fitting bedtime story

listening softly to this book I felt the last remnants of a creeping iron age barbaric theological world view drift away to become a half forgotten dream. now barely remembered or viewed with import.

Consciousness raised and eager for more

The most powerful gift you can give yourself is to be a free thinker. To challenge life, collect insights from different perspectives, and gain ever growing expansions to your consciousness. And in return, master your world view day by day. This book was the most gift giving to my life in that sense. And I can’t recommend the experience of having your consciousness raised enough.

Led to me getting all the other Dawkins titles

Any additional comments?

I became a huge fan of Dawkins after reading this book. His writing is succinct, thorough, brave, and fascinating.

Absolutely great!!!

A must read (or listen) for everyone, religious or not. Highly entertaining and educational at the same time.