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Despicable Meme: The Absurdity and Immorality of Modern Religion
Despicable Meme is D. Cameron Webb’s brief but biting assault on the wide spectrum of religiosity that dominates 21st century America, from the hateful and anti-intellectual dogma of the Christian Right to the whitewashed progressivism of religious moderates. It is also a fascinating and humbling journey into the heart of the universe's most mind-numbing wonders.
Drawing on recent insights from cosmology and evolution, Despicable Meme paints a vivid portrait of a cosmos unlike anything ever imagined by the provincial, human-centered faiths of the past – a universe of countless worlds spread across unfathomable distances and times, and where, on at least one of those worlds, the slow march of time would combine with the purposeless mechanisms of chemistry and physics to create a being capable of believing that he alone is the reason for it all.
With piercing intelligence and candor, Despicable Meme exposes the folly of that conceit and dispenses with the widespread but utterly improbable notion of a personal creator. But it saves its harshest criticism for the vapid accommodationism of religious liberals, those who unknowingly or uncaringly give cover to the misogynistic, racist, homophobic paranoia of the fanatics by refusing to condemn, or quietly tolerating, the outlandish and immoral doctrines that lie festering at the center of their own “moderate” faiths.
Despicable Meme is not only a blistering condemnation of radical fundamentalism, it is an impassioned appeal to the rest of us to once and for all abandon the superstitions of the religion we were raised in and embrace the beauty of an endlessly wondrous, but godless, universe.
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Drawing on recent insights from cosmology and evolution, Despicable Meme paints a vivid portrait of a cosmos unlike anything ever imagined by the provincial, human-centered faiths of the past – a universe of countless worlds spread across unfathomable distances and times, and where, on at least one of those worlds, the slow march of time would combine with the purposeless mechanisms of chemistry and physics to create a being capable of believing that he alone is the reason for it all.
With piercing intelligence and candor, Despicable Meme exposes the folly of that conceit and dispenses with the widespread but utterly improbable notion of a personal creator. But it saves its harshest criticism for the vapid accommodationism of religious liberals, those who unknowingly or uncaringly give cover to the misogynistic, racist, homophobic paranoia of the fanatics by refusing to condemn, or quietly tolerating, the outlandish and immoral doctrines that lie festering at the center of their own “moderate” faiths.
Despicable Meme is not only a blistering condemnation of radical fundamentalism, it is an impassioned appeal to the rest of us to once and for all abandon the superstitions of the religion we were raised in and embrace the beauty of an endlessly wondrous, but godless, universe.
Show less
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 2, 2013
Despicable Meme: The Absurdity and Immorality of Modern Religion by D. Cameron Webb
"Despicable Meme" is the impassioned condemnation of modern religion. This is a no-holds barred short book that refuses to give religion a free pass. D. Cameron Webb is annoyed by religion and he's going to let you know about it and guess what, I enjoyed it. This is a succinct book that goes after each segment of American religious society. This heated 60-page book addresses each one of the three religious segment as follows: 1. A Picture's Worth A Thousand (Trillion) Worlds, 2. Uncle Ed, Scrat and the Artichoke, and 3. Mostly Harmless.
Positives:
1. Well-written, well-argued and to the point!
2. A great topic and an impassionate plea to let go of religious beliefs.
3. Does a good job of defining terms.
4. The book's tone changes according to chapter. That is, the author has dedicated a chapter to each segment of religiosity. First to fundamentalists, second to the approximately 30% who claim to believe in a personal god but are not fundamentalists, and finally the last chapter to the 20% or so who practice a watered-down version of religion and might as well come out as atheists.
5. Why we are atheists, "We are atheists simply because we see not a shred of evidence for supernatural gods and, even more importantly, the evidence we do see so thoroughly contradicts the notion of a personal creator that to believe in one would be preposterous, childish, unthinkable."
6. The love of science shines through. "The age of scientific discovery, in direct contrast to the centuries of religion-inspired, ego-massaging arrogance that preceded it, has been one lesson in humility after another."
7. The list of things that fundamentalists are fond of doing. The list is worth getting this book for.
8. In defense of the grand theory of evolution. A shout out for Richard Dawkins' book, "The Magic of Reality".
9. Great quotes, "What could be more beautiful or inspiring than knowing that every living thing on this planet is a cousin of everything else, that given enough time, we can trace the lineages of any two living things back to a common beginning?"
10. Explaining the eh in ehtheism and another wonderful list of examples.
11. The meaning of life. Interesting take.
12. The failures of liberal-minded religious believers.
13. A final list (love lists, can't you tell?) of ideas that demands something better than religion.
14. An atheism Q&A. " In the whole of human history, not one supernatural explanation has ever survived scientific scrutiny."
Negatives:
1. No sources or bibliography.
2. Lacks depth but gets to the point.
3. Not a scholarly effort, this book is driven by heart and passion. And that's ok with me.
In summary, I love words of conviction and passion and you get plenty of that in this short book that makes the compelling case to let go of religious beliefs. There are better scholarly books that addresses the same issue but few with as much passion. A fun, heartfelt appetizer of a book...I recommend it!
Further suggestions: "Attack of the Theocrats! How the Religious Right Harms Us All—and What We Can Do About It" by Sean Faircloth, "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America" by Chris Hedges, "Nonbeliever Nation: The Rise of Secular Americans" by David Niose, "50 Simple Questions for Every Christian" by Guy P. Harrison, "Atheism Advanced: Further Thoughts of a Freethinker" by David Eller, "Atheism Explained: From Folly to Philosophy (Ideas Explained)" by David Ramsay Steele, "Atheism For Dummies (For Dummies (Religion & Spirituality))" by Dale McGowan, "The Atheist Camel Chronicles: Debate Themes & Arguments for the Non-Believer (and those who think they might be)" by Bart Centre, "Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person's Answer to Christian Fundamentalism" by David Mills, "A Christian Delusion" by John W. Loftus, and "Decoding the Language of God: Can a Scientist Really Be a Believer?" by George C. Cunningham.
"Despicable Meme" is the impassioned condemnation of modern religion. This is a no-holds barred short book that refuses to give religion a free pass. D. Cameron Webb is annoyed by religion and he's going to let you know about it and guess what, I enjoyed it. This is a succinct book that goes after each segment of American religious society. This heated 60-page book addresses each one of the three religious segment as follows: 1. A Picture's Worth A Thousand (Trillion) Worlds, 2. Uncle Ed, Scrat and the Artichoke, and 3. Mostly Harmless.
Positives:
1. Well-written, well-argued and to the point!
2. A great topic and an impassionate plea to let go of religious beliefs.
3. Does a good job of defining terms.
4. The book's tone changes according to chapter. That is, the author has dedicated a chapter to each segment of religiosity. First to fundamentalists, second to the approximately 30% who claim to believe in a personal god but are not fundamentalists, and finally the last chapter to the 20% or so who practice a watered-down version of religion and might as well come out as atheists.
5. Why we are atheists, "We are atheists simply because we see not a shred of evidence for supernatural gods and, even more importantly, the evidence we do see so thoroughly contradicts the notion of a personal creator that to believe in one would be preposterous, childish, unthinkable."
6. The love of science shines through. "The age of scientific discovery, in direct contrast to the centuries of religion-inspired, ego-massaging arrogance that preceded it, has been one lesson in humility after another."
7. The list of things that fundamentalists are fond of doing. The list is worth getting this book for.
8. In defense of the grand theory of evolution. A shout out for Richard Dawkins' book, "The Magic of Reality".
9. Great quotes, "What could be more beautiful or inspiring than knowing that every living thing on this planet is a cousin of everything else, that given enough time, we can trace the lineages of any two living things back to a common beginning?"
10. Explaining the eh in ehtheism and another wonderful list of examples.
11. The meaning of life. Interesting take.
12. The failures of liberal-minded religious believers.
13. A final list (love lists, can't you tell?) of ideas that demands something better than religion.
14. An atheism Q&A. " In the whole of human history, not one supernatural explanation has ever survived scientific scrutiny."
Negatives:
1. No sources or bibliography.
2. Lacks depth but gets to the point.
3. Not a scholarly effort, this book is driven by heart and passion. And that's ok with me.
In summary, I love words of conviction and passion and you get plenty of that in this short book that makes the compelling case to let go of religious beliefs. There are better scholarly books that addresses the same issue but few with as much passion. A fun, heartfelt appetizer of a book...I recommend it!
Further suggestions: "Attack of the Theocrats! How the Religious Right Harms Us All—and What We Can Do About It" by Sean Faircloth, "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America" by Chris Hedges, "Nonbeliever Nation: The Rise of Secular Americans" by David Niose, "50 Simple Questions for Every Christian" by Guy P. Harrison, "Atheism Advanced: Further Thoughts of a Freethinker" by David Eller, "Atheism Explained: From Folly to Philosophy (Ideas Explained)" by David Ramsay Steele, "Atheism For Dummies (For Dummies (Religion & Spirituality))" by Dale McGowan, "The Atheist Camel Chronicles: Debate Themes & Arguments for the Non-Believer (and those who think they might be)" by Bart Centre, "Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person's Answer to Christian Fundamentalism" by David Mills, "A Christian Delusion" by John W. Loftus, and "Decoding the Language of God: Can a Scientist Really Be a Believer?" by George C. Cunningham.
February 23, 2017
There was some pretty good "quotables" in here, though I feel that the content doesn't tell me much I didn't already know, I enjoyed the book, but I prefer to learn far more when reading such things, from experts in a field. Good book for a new or aspiring atheist, however.
October 24, 2014
If you want to know what this book is about, read the unusually long Goodreads summary.
If you wonder whether you'll like it, after Part One (during which he lambastes fundamentalists), he throws them out of the book. "I'm done with you. Get out of my book."
The other reason I'd give is a quote from the Introduction: If you're religious, and you take those beliefs seriously, you're probably going to find something in here that offends you.
I'm not an atheist, not that it really matters I guess. But this book makes some well-stated arguments about various evils perpetrated in the name of certain religions. Further, the author delves into evolution, both of life on our planet, and of the cosmos.
I don't agree with everything the author says--nor the way in which he says it. However, this is a short, fast read, and author D. Cameron Webb is certainly adamant about his (un)beliefs. If you question your beliefs--or you are curious about atheism--this book is for you.
If, on the other hand, you are adamant about YOUR religious beliefs--especially if you're insecure or easily offended--you might want to give this one a pass.
If you wonder whether you'll like it, after Part One (during which he lambastes fundamentalists), he throws them out of the book. "I'm done with you. Get out of my book."
The other reason I'd give is a quote from the Introduction: If you're religious, and you take those beliefs seriously, you're probably going to find something in here that offends you.
I'm not an atheist, not that it really matters I guess. But this book makes some well-stated arguments about various evils perpetrated in the name of certain religions. Further, the author delves into evolution, both of life on our planet, and of the cosmos.
I don't agree with everything the author says--nor the way in which he says it. However, this is a short, fast read, and author D. Cameron Webb is certainly adamant about his (un)beliefs. If you question your beliefs--or you are curious about atheism--this book is for you.
If, on the other hand, you are adamant about YOUR religious beliefs--especially if you're insecure or easily offended--you might want to give this one a pass.
January 9, 2016
A very good book
I was on the fence for many of my younger years. I wanted to believe that there was a personal god who believed in me, helped me when I needed help, and listened to my prayers. As I got older it became clear that there was no god, I'm not special in this world, I am just another group if cells that happen to form a human. (maybe a bit simplistic but you get the point). I wish this book was around then. It would have saved me years of wondering, dreaming, and clinging to something that is utter bullshit. It is written in an in your face, no bullshit kinda way. It's funny, fun and accurate. If you are on the fence but deep down know the truth, but maybe lack the words to make it all come together in your head, this is the book for you.
I was on the fence for many of my younger years. I wanted to believe that there was a personal god who believed in me, helped me when I needed help, and listened to my prayers. As I got older it became clear that there was no god, I'm not special in this world, I am just another group if cells that happen to form a human. (maybe a bit simplistic but you get the point). I wish this book was around then. It would have saved me years of wondering, dreaming, and clinging to something that is utter bullshit. It is written in an in your face, no bullshit kinda way. It's funny, fun and accurate. If you are on the fence but deep down know the truth, but maybe lack the words to make it all come together in your head, this is the book for you.
May 31, 2015
A Concise, Excellent Exploration of Rationalism.
This short book, I read it in a bit less than five hours, is among the best works on the rationale behind the atheist view of the universe. The two though experiments that Mr. Webb relates are worth the price of the book on their own. I found the "Forty Mile Long Bookcase" experiment for explaining the Theory of Evolution especially illuminating.
If you're interested in what and why atheist think and the way many see the universe this small tomeis a "must read."
This short book, I read it in a bit less than five hours, is among the best works on the rationale behind the atheist view of the universe. The two though experiments that Mr. Webb relates are worth the price of the book on their own. I found the "Forty Mile Long Bookcase" experiment for explaining the Theory of Evolution especially illuminating.
If you're interested in what and why atheist think and the way many see the universe this small tomeis a "must read."
June 8, 2016
This book pulls the reader right in with heavy doses of humor, mainly aimed at the absurdity of widely-practiced religions and their followers. The author is unabashedly an atheist and an anti-theist, and makes no pretext of trying to refrain from offending religious believers – whether the true believers or those who claim a religion in name, but neither practice it nor believe its major teachings. In fact, more is said about the dishonesty and harm which is done by those in this latter category, and how it enables the more fundamental, radical elements of the same nominal faith.
October 31, 2015
More of a rant, than anything else
Webb had a good idea, but every page is dripping with condescension, disgust, and a tad too much arrogance. Atheism isn't about making theists angry, feel stupid, or ranting about what is felt to be lunacy. Perception is reality, something Webb seems quite out of touch with. It's unfortunate, because without the condescension, it would have been a lot more easy to read, and garnered more interest from me, and I suspect others.
Webb had a good idea, but every page is dripping with condescension, disgust, and a tad too much arrogance. Atheism isn't about making theists angry, feel stupid, or ranting about what is felt to be lunacy. Perception is reality, something Webb seems quite out of touch with. It's unfortunate, because without the condescension, it would have been a lot more easy to read, and garnered more interest from me, and I suspect others.
March 1, 2016
This book pulls no punches. It is written in a very direct way,full of emotion,particularly anger at the harm that is perpetrated in the name of religion. He puts forward well reasoned arguments for the case for atheism and gives very positive views of his attitude to the universe,evolution and how he sees the human place in it. It is rather short,but leaves you with plenty to think about.
June 16, 2013
Basically everything that's wrong with atheist writing right now. Onanistic rage-porn that will convince nobody and is basically designed to get praise from other angry atheists who already believe exactly as he does.
September 6, 2013
It's mostly a "preaching-to-the-choir" kind of book, but if you're put off by the rant-like tone, then skip to the last chapter which deals with common questions religious people have about atheists. That last chapter is full of great information.
June 2, 2015
A succinct and readable guide to atheist thinking. It's squarely aimed at the popular market and none the worse for that. He gallops through all the arguments used by the godly against the ungodly and covers life, the universe, evolution and the rest in ninety or so pages.
December 10, 2013
Meh. I'd say read Dawkins and Hitchens and give this one a pass.
February 5, 2014
Despicable Meme is a no-holds-barred critique of supernatural religion and all the bad things it has given us. It should be required reading for everyone.
May 16, 2014
S-P-O-T ON. Some have panned the author's feigned outrage. I was actually glad to see some outrage for a change. There's certainly enough of it coming from fundamentalists.
February 28, 2016
Good read, lots to be thinking about. And so true!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews