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'Daniel Harbour is an intellectual steam-roller, combing wide erudition with a razor-sharp mind... Whatever your take on the question of God, this book will challenge and engage you.' Rabbi Shmuley Boteach
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
The debate about atheism has, without a doubt, staled in recent years. In this book, Daniel Harbour returns to its core issues - the existence of God, the value of faith, the role of religion in society - and casts them in a new light. The real question, he argues, is how we should consider our urge to understand the world. Only then can we ask whether atheism or theism forms part of a coherent worldview. This new debate between atheism and theism forces us into an investigation of philosophy, science, history, ethics, and aesthetics, and a desire for intellectual integrity and commitment to truth. It is very far removed from the usual listing of the errors of theism. Nor can atheism be equated with denialism. It holds real and practical implications for the place of religion and the obligations of atheists in our society.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
There are very few books that deals with the case of atheism from a positive point of view, that is providing a case *for* atheism, rather than a negative one, one *against* theism. Daniel Harbour does exactly that and this work could easily be seen as the ultimate atheist's 'bible' (to be somewhat ironic).
Although Harbour explicitly states that "This book is about why atheism is correct, why theism is incorrect, and why anyone who cares about truth should be an atheist" it should not merely be read by atheists (and those 'undecided' out there) but also by religionists, believers, 'theists' of the world as it is a fresh look at the debate from an atheist's point of view, rather than an addition to the age-old slanging-match saturated with negative arguments about theism.
Well researched, thoughtfully written, and with a good slice of humour this book is an ideal read for 'the intelligent person' maybe not only during "...a comfortable afternoon beside a swimmingpool..." as Harbour suggests. A book to come back to again and again!
Well worth reading!
Format:Paperback
I enjoyed this book very much and have recommended it to atheist friends. I agree with Harbour that a world view based on no assumptions is the best way to achieve a better undestanding of the world, as opposed to one based on dogmatic belief. Rather than holding up just social, moral or scientific arguments against religion, Harbour tackles the intellectual debate at it's core, challenging us to change the way we think completely about the world.
Format:Paperback
A short book, yet worth its weight in gold. It follows an original, new argument for atheism. It shows that religion is just one of several dogmas - all of which lead to negative outcomes. The only means to truth is to start with nothing - no assumptions - and test each idea/hypothesis on its merits. Harbour calls this the "Spartan Meritocracy". He contrasts this with "Baroque Monarchy". Baroque means over-ornate, convoluted. Monarchy means dogmatic. The religious viewpoint starts with an assembly of ornate dogmas - angels, gods, demons, heaven, hell etc. Then it tries to make the world fit these views. Harbour's contrast between Spartan Meritocracy and Baroque Monarchy is very fruitful and enlightening. I also enjoyed the way in which he showed the flawed thinking of those who try to excuse religious atrocities by saying "that's not true Christianity". Highly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Short on Intelligence
The title of this book is a contradiction in terms. Based on the premise that atheism is plausible and probably correct while theism is implausible and probably incorrect, Harbour... Read more
Published on 17 Jan 2010 by Neutral
A useful introduction
I found this dissertation an undemanding summary of the arguments for atheism and against theism. The pitch of the polemic was fairly low. Nevertheless, it was ably put. Read more
Published on 12 Feb 2003
Disappointingly narrow in outlook
Reasons to be an atheist, yes it has those. A guide to being an atheist is totally missing. There is nothing on how to build a consistent and constructive set of values by which... Read more
Published on 22 May 2002
a refreshing new argument, yet based on enlightment tradtion
Harbour's argument for atheism is passionate .He argues the case not only on theoritical but practical reasons to adopt atheism as part of a world view. Read more
Published on 8 Jan 2002 by hanykiro@doctors.org.uk
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