Divinity of Doubt

The God Question

By: Vincent Bugliosi

Narrated by: Mel Foster

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Vincent Bugliosi turns his critical eye on both religious believers and the atheists who reflexively oppose them. Here he indicts both camps and argues that agnosticism is the most responsible position to take with regard to such eternal questions as the existence of God. Bugliosi examines such developments as the decline of belief in evolution and the disturbing vengefulness of God, as depicted in the Old Testament. He also questions that an all-powerful and all-knowing creator would have so badly miscalculated free will, leaving human beings to persecute and murder each other. Vincent Bugliosi sets a new course - a middle path that urges us to recognize the limits of what we know, and what we cannot know, about the ineffable mysteries of existence.

©2011 Vincent Bugliosi (P)2011 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic reviews

"Destined to be a classic, Bugliosi's Divinity of Doubt sets a new course amid the explosion of best-selling books on atheism and theism." (FSB Media)

Really good, though weak on Evolution

I do admire the logical consistency of his agnostic views though I do not think I could ever fully agree (but not for any inconsistency). My primary (constructive) criticism is on weakness towards Evolution: specifically either a misunderstanding or hasty dismissal of speciation and the genetics of inheritance. But since that is not even the intended subject matter in the primary sense, it is a minor problem with the book. Loved it otherwise.

I love this book

This was my very first book and I've been in love with it ever since. It's a great listen.

LOVED It!!!

There isn't much to say. I saw an interview with the author and HAD to read the book. In stark contrast to Dawkins, Bugilosi suggests that Agnosticism is the only logical way to be. Whereas, Dawkins basically calls us cowards (I still like Dawkins, regardless). It's a well planned and well reasoned book. Worth the time!

Clear arguments

I find the mind of Vincent Bugliosi to be fascinating. I have been reading him since I was a teenager. I have come to expect that if he has written in a subject, he has covered nearly every conceivable angle. He can drill down on an argument based on the evidence like few others. In this book he takes a sober look at all angles of the question of the existence of god. Perhaps Christians may find his words to be offensive; especially in the way he painstakingly dismantles Catholicism using its own arguments and evidence. In my opinion, his exasperated exclamations of "Really?!" are evidence of his lack off deeper understanding of the ideas he is discussing. In spite of its shortcomings, I think this is a must read for anyone who seeks clear thought on the subject.

Sea Lawyer

Not quite what I was hoping for. Given the lack of books about agnosticism, I am glad for anything. The bulk of the book is full of criticism for the circular logic of omnipresence deists use, kind of like picking on a cripple. The first and last chapters contain the real heart of the matter I was hoping to learn about: the elevation of doubt as a spiritual belief. That said, Bugliosi is a clear and entertaining writer, using his keen legal mind to take on Paul and Ezekiel as well as Billy Graham and Dawkins. There are nuggets of pure genius as he contradicts himself and disparages the witness. As only a man who has been in a spitting match with Johny Cochran, he mercilessly tears apart the flawed logic of atheists and the religious faithful. I only wish he didn't attack the most obviously ridiculous acts of Christians (the crusades, the inquisition, papal infallibility, ect) and took a look at the work of those struggling with their doubt and trying to make sense of belief or faith.

Are you there!!

I have enjoyed other books by this author. I wanted to listen to what he has to say about this topic. He did well. There were only a couple of instances where his argument is not as strong as it could be. Nonetheless, I definitely recommend reading/listening to this book, irrespective of your religious beliefs.

Enjoyed this book. Made me think.

I enjoyed this book. It really made me think about some things that I had never considered. Altho, I do not agree with everything in it and it even more cemented my belief in Christ. It was a good read, well written and thought provoking.

The most intellectually honest take on all of this

I'd give it 5 stars if not for the chapter dealing with evolution. His understanding of how evolution works is rather flawed. He also rambles way too long about his cat at the end of that same chapter.
But don't let it keep you from reading on.

The sort of arguments you'd expect from a lawyer..

What made the experience of listening to Divinity of Doubt the most enjoyable?

I often find myself flabbergasted at the ludicrous things religious people say, so I don't have quick responses because I just don't think that irrationally. Bugliosi has some pretty good ideas/arguments for atheism. He says he's agnostic, but you don't hear any "maybe"s in anything he writes. Coming from a renowned lawyer, I think he has some really simple and obvious arguments/ideas, and points out a bazillion flaws in the Christian religious text and subsequent teachings. Having grown up on a bible college campus, I didn't find that anything he writes is foreign to me. He just puts it in way that I will be able to use in conversation if I have the misfortune to encounter more religious absurdities...

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

He is just so realistic, so simple, so rational. How could anyone not reflect on their beliefs after hearing/reading this.

Have you listened to any of Mel Foster’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Haven't heard Mel Foster before, but he was easy to listen to.

If you could give Divinity of Doubt a new subtitle, what would it be?

He certainly doesn't think "God" is a question. It's just a matter of thinking rationally. So maybe "The God Question Answered"

Any additional comments?

Because of medical issues, I find it hard to concentrate, but this is the only audio book so far that I have listened to straight through.

This is what happens when U use Ur God-given Brain

What was one of the most memorable moments of Divinity of Doubt?

If God is all powerful, he cannot possibly be all good, considering the evil that he allows on earth.

Any additional comments?

My agnosticism is simply my honest admission of the fact that I don't know whether God exists or not. If I die and I find out that he actually exists, I will be a very happy dead man.
To all believers, please mind your own business and let God take care my foolishness.

Malick Tchakpedeou