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The Dawkins Letters: Challenging Atheist Myths
When Richard Dawkins published 'The God Delusion', David Robertson wanted there to be an intelligent Christian response. After some ill thought through interventions in the media it was obvious that no one was really going to answer the real issues so David Robertson wrote an open letter to Richard Dawkins on his church website. This has found its way into Richard Dawkins website, where it generated the largest response of any posting up to that time. Since then it has been the source of continued discussion - being a critical part of the largest discussion since that time as his book was officially reviewed on the website.
This ferocity of the responses and the shallowness of the thinking that it exhibited, spurred David to write this book. Christians need to know where Dawkins is weak and we need to explain things better! It draws upon David's experience as a debater, letter writer, pastor and author.
This is a very honest book. It agrees with Dawkins where appropiate but also does not hesitate to point out where some of his thinking does not hold together - It is written in a gentle spirit of enquiry.
If you want ideas and answers to the challenges of 'The God Delusion' then Dawkins Letters is the place to find your answers!
This ferocity of the responses and the shallowness of the thinking that it exhibited, spurred David to write this book. Christians need to know where Dawkins is weak and we need to explain things better! It draws upon David's experience as a debater, letter writer, pastor and author.
This is a very honest book. It agrees with Dawkins where appropiate but also does not hesitate to point out where some of his thinking does not hold together - It is written in a gentle spirit of enquiry.
If you want ideas and answers to the challenges of 'The God Delusion' then Dawkins Letters is the place to find your answers!
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
30 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
David Robertson
9 books6 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
David Robertson is the minister of St Peter's Free Church in Dundee, Scotland, and a director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity. He is the author of The Dawkins Letters, and has publicly debated Richard Dawkins and other prominent atheists throughout the UK and Europe. David is married to Annabel and has three children.
David Robertson is the minister of St Peter's Free Church in Dundee, Scotland, and a director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity. He is the author of The Dawkins Letters, and has publicly debated Richard Dawkins and other prominent atheists throughout the UK and Europe. David is married to Annabel and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 5, 2022
This is the second book by Robertson that I've read in a row...in fact I was reading this and Magnificent Obsession simultaneously for a couple of days.
It has considerable similarities with Magnificent Obsession, not least the letter format. However, here Robertson is addressing a real person - Dawkins - rather than a fictional composite, as in the other book.
It's also similar in content, though it works through Dawkins' book, The God Delusion chapter by chapter, critiquing its theological/ideological statements. (They're aren't many of the former to critique, of course.)
Like several other authors I've read he has no difficulty finding huge holes in Dawkins' statements. Even though Robertson may not convince atheists about what he has to say, he certainly shows that they have little base to argue from. That, and the fact the vitriol and verbal abuse seem to be the main approach to anyone who dares to debate with them doesn't say much for their 'truth/faith.'
One of the best things in the book is a piece written by an atheist who has since come to faith. It's at the very end of the book, and is honest and shot through with truth.
It has considerable similarities with Magnificent Obsession, not least the letter format. However, here Robertson is addressing a real person - Dawkins - rather than a fictional composite, as in the other book.
It's also similar in content, though it works through Dawkins' book, The God Delusion chapter by chapter, critiquing its theological/ideological statements. (They're aren't many of the former to critique, of course.)
Like several other authors I've read he has no difficulty finding huge holes in Dawkins' statements. Even though Robertson may not convince atheists about what he has to say, he certainly shows that they have little base to argue from. That, and the fact the vitriol and verbal abuse seem to be the main approach to anyone who dares to debate with them doesn't say much for their 'truth/faith.'
One of the best things in the book is a piece written by an atheist who has since come to faith. It's at the very end of the book, and is honest and shot through with truth.
November 24, 2010
Author David Robertson is outraged by The God Delusion and writes his own book to defend Christianity and attack Dawkins' logic. In the beginning, Robertson is angry that Dawkins mentions the correlation between intelligence and atheism in The God Delusion without any evidence. Robertson says this is not true, but, humorously and ironically, offers no evidence of his own to back up his claim - the same "supposed" mistake Dawkins made. I suppose Robertson didn't take the time to Google search the many published studies showing an inverse correlation between one's intelligence and one's level of religious belief. And if I recall correctly, Robertson uses verses from the Bible to refute Dawkins' position that the Bible isn't true, such as (I'm parodying) "Ephesians 4:4 - The Bible is true!"
May 23, 2011
If you engage the people around you in conversation about spiritual things, you will quickly find that skepticism seems to be ruling the day. As with any movement, there are an elite few influential leaders who are leading the charge, especially through books and other media. One such influential leader amongst the skeptics is Oxford professor Richard Dawkins. His well-known book The God Delusion (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006) is still wildly popular several years after its publication with some 1693 reviews on Amazon. A non-fiction book with this many reviews five years after its publication clearly has a following. As we consider the level of influence garnered by books like The God Delusion that oppose a Christian worldview, an important question Christians need to ask themselves is, “How should a Christian respond?”
One person who decided to respond to Richad Dawkins is David Robertson. During the winter of 2006-2007, he wrote a series of open letters responding to concerns raised by Dawkins in The God Delusion. The first of these letters made its way to Dawkins’ web site and received numerous responses. The chord that his letter seemed to have struck, encouraged David to write more letters in response to Dr. Dawkins, which ultimately led to the creation of this book. Robertson’s aim is “to challenge some of the basic myths Dawkins uses and encourages in his book, in order that you may think and consider these things for yourself.” (p. 9). With the exception of the introductory letter to the reader and the final letter to Dawkins (new to the revised edition), there are ten letters in the book, each of which correspond to a chapter in Dawkins’ book and responds to one or more of the atheist myths that are discussed in that chapter.
The writing style of these letters feels very conversational, coming across as humorous, friendly, and deeply pastoral. If you happen to be reading The God Delusion or have a friend or acquaintance who is reading it, I would suggest picking up a copy of The Dawkins Letters to read in conjunction with Dawkins’ book in order to get a balanced perspective. The Dawkins Letters is widely available from Amazon, Westminster Books and elsewhere.
Author Information:
David Robertson is a columnist, author and pastor of St. Peter’s Free Church of Scotland in Dundee.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided by the Christian Focus Publications for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
One person who decided to respond to Richad Dawkins is David Robertson. During the winter of 2006-2007, he wrote a series of open letters responding to concerns raised by Dawkins in The God Delusion. The first of these letters made its way to Dawkins’ web site and received numerous responses. The chord that his letter seemed to have struck, encouraged David to write more letters in response to Dr. Dawkins, which ultimately led to the creation of this book. Robertson’s aim is “to challenge some of the basic myths Dawkins uses and encourages in his book, in order that you may think and consider these things for yourself.” (p. 9). With the exception of the introductory letter to the reader and the final letter to Dawkins (new to the revised edition), there are ten letters in the book, each of which correspond to a chapter in Dawkins’ book and responds to one or more of the atheist myths that are discussed in that chapter.
The writing style of these letters feels very conversational, coming across as humorous, friendly, and deeply pastoral. If you happen to be reading The God Delusion or have a friend or acquaintance who is reading it, I would suggest picking up a copy of The Dawkins Letters to read in conjunction with Dawkins’ book in order to get a balanced perspective. The Dawkins Letters is widely available from Amazon, Westminster Books and elsewhere.
Author Information:
David Robertson is a columnist, author and pastor of St. Peter’s Free Church of Scotland in Dundee.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided by the Christian Focus Publications for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
December 2, 2016
Personally, I thought a decent little book that should be read as a rebuttal to Dawkins's major points and not as a case for Christian theism itself. As with The God Delusion, Robertson's abrasive style might be found annoying or refreshing, depending where you're coming from. Skimming reviews for both books, it does seem that both camps are throwing that same barb over the trenches.
Now I've impaled myself by sitting on my high horse in no man's land, another two-and-a-half thoughts:
-Robertson's strength isn't so much rigorous counterargument; to my mind he's much better at challenging the presuppositions beneath the new atheism's scientism and naturalism.
-To my mind, the author does plunge a bit too far into his combative tone. I felt that he was a bit like that guy at a party who says something a bit shocking just to see the reaction.
-I need to go to different parties.
Now I've impaled myself by sitting on my high horse in no man's land, another two-and-a-half thoughts:
-Robertson's strength isn't so much rigorous counterargument; to my mind he's much better at challenging the presuppositions beneath the new atheism's scientism and naturalism.
-To my mind, the author does plunge a bit too far into his combative tone. I felt that he was a bit like that guy at a party who says something a bit shocking just to see the reaction.
-I need to go to different parties.
August 13, 2012
Having enjoyed "The God Delusion", I thought I should take the time to read what the other side have to say. Even if I didn't agree with the arguments, there might be some interesting points raised, I thought. Reviews on the cover from atheist readers gave me hope: "I am definitely an atheist but I really appreciate some good, healthy, well written debate".
My hopes were quickly dashed. The essential problem is that the book is almost entirely free of any content. I don't think I have ever come across a book which is so brief and yet so rambling. Don't be fooled by reviews suggesting that this is in any way a remotely interesting read. The best that can be said is that it is mercifully short.
My hopes were quickly dashed. The essential problem is that the book is almost entirely free of any content. I don't think I have ever come across a book which is so brief and yet so rambling. Don't be fooled by reviews suggesting that this is in any way a remotely interesting read. The best that can be said is that it is mercifully short.
April 12, 2013
I did not find the arguments of David Robertson very convincing. Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion" is still a very good book to read despite David's tentative to discredit it.
January 12, 2022
Concise and well-articulated responses to the many vacuous arguments, shrouded in shallow emotivism, that Dawkins presents in his book 'The God Delusion'
March 29, 2011
I enjoyed the letter format - it was quickly digestible book. No heavy theology here, or complicated science, so if you're expecting an in-depth blow-by blow examination and rebuttal of Dawkins' book (The God Delusion) you need to find something else.
Good arguments however, though you can tell underneath it all Robertson's a little annoyed with Dawkins' arrogance and seemingly bad research and reasoning. Which is understandable, considering he's attacking something hugely important to Robertson with little or no evidence for his arguments.
Good arguments however, though you can tell underneath it all Robertson's a little annoyed with Dawkins' arrogance and seemingly bad research and reasoning. Which is understandable, considering he's attacking something hugely important to Robertson with little or no evidence for his arguments.
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September 25, 2013Excellent rebuttal of Richard Dawkin's The God Delusion from a theologically and intellectually nuanced Christian perspective without getting into technical philosophy and science. Short but very easy to read and enjoyed his gracious but firm handling of the poor arguments espoused by Dawkins. Highly Recommended for all Christians!
September 30, 2012
A good, brief response to Dawkins' God Delusion.
March 3, 2013
Angry self-righteousness, of which (I'm sure Robertson agrees) there is already enough in the conversation.
March 6, 2014
Thought-provoking rebuttal to Dawkins' God Delusion. Short book; engaging style.
December 7, 2017
This book is a clear and helpful critique of Dawkin's God Delusion.
October 29, 2019
A clear exposition of counter arguments against Dawkins' "God Delusion".
June 3, 2024
A PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER RESPONDS TO RICHARD DAWKINS’ “GOD DELUSION” BOOK
Author David Robertson explained in the introductory section, “The book you are reading is a collection of open review letters written in response to Professor Richard Dawkins in the winter of 2006/7 concerning his book ‘The God Delusion… My aim is to present one person’s response to Dawkins and to do so from a wide and personal perspective. My aim is… to challenge some of the basic myths that Dawkins uses and encourages in his book, in order that you may think and consider these things for yourself.” (Pg. 7, 9)
He continues, “I am not a scientist, and I am not a well-known Oxford scholar with an international reputation…. I am a 44-year old minister in a Presbyterian Church in Scotland… with a deep interest in what Dawkins calls the cultural ‘zeitgeist’---the way our culture is going… As a deeply committed Christian I am disturbed by the attacks that Dawkins makes on God and the Bible, and astonished that his attacks are taken so seriously. I believe that he is appealing not to people’s intelligence but rather to their ignorance. This series of letters … highlights … atheist myths… [which] are beliefs that are beliefs that are widely held or assumed without necessarily having been thought through or evidenced.” (Pg. 10-11)
He says (to Dawkins rhetorically), “Your book comes across as a desperate attempt to shore up atheism’s crumbling defences… I am sure you will delight your disciples, establishing what they already believe, but I very much doubt you will make any impact on others who are less fixed in their opinions and who really are seekers after truth.” (Pg. 20)
He asserts, “the reason that you are an atheist is not because you are driven there by scientific fact, but because that is your philosophy. You use science to justify it but then many religious people also use science to justify their position. The question is not science but rather the presuppositions that we bring to science.” (Pg. 28)
He observes, “The trouble is that your ridicule, combined with an atheist fundamentalism and the bitterness and irrationality of some of your own supporters, leads to persecution and intolerance. The only atheistic states … in the world have been the most vicious and cruel that the world has ever seen. Atheistic secular fundamentalism is in my view more intolerant and coercive than almost any religious position. On the other hand, I would suggest that biblical Christianity is the most tolerant and practical worldview that exists. Why? Because we don’t need to impose our views by force… We don’t need to shut our knowledge because all truth is God’s truth.” (Pg. 41)
He argues, “Do you seriously think that the evidence for the God of the Bible is on the same level as the tooth fairy? You have not, for example, written a book on the Tooth Fairy Delusion. The evidence for God in on a completely different level… if the only evidence that existed for Jesus Christ was the same as that which exists for the Flying Spaghetti Monster then I and millions of others would not believe in him.” (Pg. 51)
He notes, “You define faith as believing something without evidence… My faith is based on evidence. The minute you disprove that evidence I will change my faith. But although you lump together all faiths and all faith as the same, for polemical and political reasons, you are actually creating a grave danger.” (Pg. 85)
He suggests, “my fear is that once society as a whole accepts your basic presuppositions (that there are no absolutes in morality, that morality changes and that the human nature is genetically determined) then it is a downward slippery slope to the kind of atheistic societies that the world has already seen (such as Stalin’s Russia and Mao’s China). I am not arguing that all atheists are immoral… However, in Christianity there are brakes, checks and balances and it does not appear immediately obvious that this is the case with atheism. If there is no absolute right and wrong then how can we state that anything is right or wrong?” (Pg. 96)
He acknowledges, “There is one area where I can agree with you. You lament the biblical illiteracy of our current society. I agree… Anyone who is biblically literate would soon recognize that your representation of the Bible is distorted and out of context. What may shock you even more (it certainly depresses me) is how biblically illiterate many professing Christians are. If Christians knew the Word better and were better taught, we would not have so much to fear from the resurgent atheism you are trying to encourage.” (Pg. 122)
This book may interest those studying Christian Apologetics.
Author David Robertson explained in the introductory section, “The book you are reading is a collection of open review letters written in response to Professor Richard Dawkins in the winter of 2006/7 concerning his book ‘The God Delusion… My aim is to present one person’s response to Dawkins and to do so from a wide and personal perspective. My aim is… to challenge some of the basic myths that Dawkins uses and encourages in his book, in order that you may think and consider these things for yourself.” (Pg. 7, 9)
He continues, “I am not a scientist, and I am not a well-known Oxford scholar with an international reputation…. I am a 44-year old minister in a Presbyterian Church in Scotland… with a deep interest in what Dawkins calls the cultural ‘zeitgeist’---the way our culture is going… As a deeply committed Christian I am disturbed by the attacks that Dawkins makes on God and the Bible, and astonished that his attacks are taken so seriously. I believe that he is appealing not to people’s intelligence but rather to their ignorance. This series of letters … highlights … atheist myths… [which] are beliefs that are beliefs that are widely held or assumed without necessarily having been thought through or evidenced.” (Pg. 10-11)
He says (to Dawkins rhetorically), “Your book comes across as a desperate attempt to shore up atheism’s crumbling defences… I am sure you will delight your disciples, establishing what they already believe, but I very much doubt you will make any impact on others who are less fixed in their opinions and who really are seekers after truth.” (Pg. 20)
He asserts, “the reason that you are an atheist is not because you are driven there by scientific fact, but because that is your philosophy. You use science to justify it but then many religious people also use science to justify their position. The question is not science but rather the presuppositions that we bring to science.” (Pg. 28)
He observes, “The trouble is that your ridicule, combined with an atheist fundamentalism and the bitterness and irrationality of some of your own supporters, leads to persecution and intolerance. The only atheistic states … in the world have been the most vicious and cruel that the world has ever seen. Atheistic secular fundamentalism is in my view more intolerant and coercive than almost any religious position. On the other hand, I would suggest that biblical Christianity is the most tolerant and practical worldview that exists. Why? Because we don’t need to impose our views by force… We don’t need to shut our knowledge because all truth is God’s truth.” (Pg. 41)
He argues, “Do you seriously think that the evidence for the God of the Bible is on the same level as the tooth fairy? You have not, for example, written a book on the Tooth Fairy Delusion. The evidence for God in on a completely different level… if the only evidence that existed for Jesus Christ was the same as that which exists for the Flying Spaghetti Monster then I and millions of others would not believe in him.” (Pg. 51)
He notes, “You define faith as believing something without evidence… My faith is based on evidence. The minute you disprove that evidence I will change my faith. But although you lump together all faiths and all faith as the same, for polemical and political reasons, you are actually creating a grave danger.” (Pg. 85)
He suggests, “my fear is that once society as a whole accepts your basic presuppositions (that there are no absolutes in morality, that morality changes and that the human nature is genetically determined) then it is a downward slippery slope to the kind of atheistic societies that the world has already seen (such as Stalin’s Russia and Mao’s China). I am not arguing that all atheists are immoral… However, in Christianity there are brakes, checks and balances and it does not appear immediately obvious that this is the case with atheism. If there is no absolute right and wrong then how can we state that anything is right or wrong?” (Pg. 96)
He acknowledges, “There is one area where I can agree with you. You lament the biblical illiteracy of our current society. I agree… Anyone who is biblically literate would soon recognize that your representation of the Bible is distorted and out of context. What may shock you even more (it certainly depresses me) is how biblically illiterate many professing Christians are. If Christians knew the Word better and were better taught, we would not have so much to fear from the resurgent atheism you are trying to encourage.” (Pg. 122)
This book may interest those studying Christian Apologetics.
April 6, 2023
A short series of open letters in response to Richard Dawkins, 'The God Delusion'. Occasionally lacking in graciousness and stronger for the questions it asks than the way the answers are given, this has enough to put a pebble in the shoe of anyone willing to honestly engage. Times have shifted and The God Delusion is no longer the cultural barometer or force it once was so this book has also lost some of its reason to be.
Perhaps the best thing about it is the letter and testimony at the end.
Perhaps the best thing about it is the letter and testimony at the end.
January 21, 2019
An engaging, helpful read on the belligerent, ill-informed, ill-formed, and, therefore, dying religion of Dawkins' atheism!
November 9, 2011
Robertson's letters are really just that, letters from an apologist to Prof. Dawkins over "The God Delusion." In it, Robertson counters some claims (namely those that attempt to promote religion as a malevolent organization akin to child abuse), praises other claims (especially those that stand as reasons why we cannot attempt to silence science in the name of religion) and downright rejects other claims (especially those about the history of the Christian Church, the dating of the New Testament books and other similar topics).
The letters go through Prof. Dawkins' book chapter by chapter, highlighting points where Robertson agreed with the premise and delving hard into elements that he disagrees with the Oxford professor. What I found to be most beneficial is how Robertson points out that there are Christians (and it seems more and more of them can be found online trolling through blogs and forums) that do and say really bad things. Similarly, there are atheists who do just the same (and apparently in the same blogs and forums as the Christians). What should be examined, however, isn't the problems surrounding those who say they are Christian but act as if they are not, but instead the merits of Christianity itself. Does it promote treating others equally? Yes, despite the efforts of some in public circles who think that the Bible benefits one gender, race, sexuality, income level, etc., over the other, the Bible warns against treating others different from oneself negatively. That doesn't mean Christians should agree with the position of the non-Christian, but that they should treat them with the same kindness everyone deserves. Does Christianity promote performing good acts. Yes, in fact it is a main tenet of Christianity that a Christian should feel compelled to perform good acts if they are a true believer. Do we judge them by others? No. In fact, this is one area I wish Robertson would have expanded upon. Using the concept explained by C.S. Lewis, I think Robertson could've spent more time explaining that to see the growth in a person once they truly believe, you must see how they were before. A believer cannot be accurately compared to another because we all start at different areas in our life.
Aside from that, Robertson did a formidable job refuting some of the glaring problems found in Prof. Dawkins' book, and pointed out the problem of many modern churches failing to educate their members on Christianity, instead focusing on the facade of the faith and ignoring the roots that help a person grow in their faith. Only then could we finally resolve the problems surrounding the great ignorance that seems to infect some of the churches in the world.
The letters go through Prof. Dawkins' book chapter by chapter, highlighting points where Robertson agreed with the premise and delving hard into elements that he disagrees with the Oxford professor. What I found to be most beneficial is how Robertson points out that there are Christians (and it seems more and more of them can be found online trolling through blogs and forums) that do and say really bad things. Similarly, there are atheists who do just the same (and apparently in the same blogs and forums as the Christians). What should be examined, however, isn't the problems surrounding those who say they are Christian but act as if they are not, but instead the merits of Christianity itself. Does it promote treating others equally? Yes, despite the efforts of some in public circles who think that the Bible benefits one gender, race, sexuality, income level, etc., over the other, the Bible warns against treating others different from oneself negatively. That doesn't mean Christians should agree with the position of the non-Christian, but that they should treat them with the same kindness everyone deserves. Does Christianity promote performing good acts. Yes, in fact it is a main tenet of Christianity that a Christian should feel compelled to perform good acts if they are a true believer. Do we judge them by others? No. In fact, this is one area I wish Robertson would have expanded upon. Using the concept explained by C.S. Lewis, I think Robertson could've spent more time explaining that to see the growth in a person once they truly believe, you must see how they were before. A believer cannot be accurately compared to another because we all start at different areas in our life.
Aside from that, Robertson did a formidable job refuting some of the glaring problems found in Prof. Dawkins' book, and pointed out the problem of many modern churches failing to educate their members on Christianity, instead focusing on the facade of the faith and ignoring the roots that help a person grow in their faith. Only then could we finally resolve the problems surrounding the great ignorance that seems to infect some of the churches in the world.
January 30, 2008
Robertson's book has been the best response to the new Atheists (of the books responding to them) that I have read so far. (I'm speaking of responses written to particular books, this takes Ward's book I reviewed out of the equation, though that book is a good general response to New Atheist rhetoric.) Of course the caveat with all my reviews on books of this nature is that they do not contain the most sophisticated of theistic arguments. They are responding to New Atheists who are, almost by definition, employing weak, sophomoric, and sophistic arguments against religion. Thus the rejoinders play up to that level, frequently answering the atheologians on their own terms. Robertson is, it seems, friendly towards theistic evolution and old earth cosmology. He also mentions Greg Bahnsen. Bahnsen is hardly mentioned in any book I read. But then I find his name in this little book. Robertson uses him to illustrate an example of religious fundamentalism or extremism due to his theonomic views. For unstated reasons (reasons known to those who travel in the circles I do), this was funny to me. Robertson also tips his hand in showing that he's not familiar with some of the more subtle categories used in this debate. Dawkins defines atheism as a lack of belief. Robertson takes that to mean that Dawkins believes that there is not a God. But, and this is dependant upon if Dawkins is sophisticated enough to be using his concepts appropriately, there is a distinction between not believing and believing not. Despite these minor quibbles, I thought Robertson’s book was a very good response to the poor argumentation and scholarship employed in almost all of the New Atheist books.
June 2, 2012
My rating of this book should be taken with a grain of salt. Admittedly, I have not read in its entirety the book that it responds to - The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. I have the book and intend to read it, but a radio interview of David Robertson on the UK Apologetics show "Unbelievable?" prompted a search for any of his available titles on kindle. This was the one result that came back so I purchased it and read it all in one night (only 160 pages or so).
While I cannot speak to how well it engages the material in his book, I can say that if The God Delusion reflects the demeanor and attitude and the "scholarship" typical of Dawkins' treatment of Christianity elsewhere, I'll find little to object to in Robertson's charged response. What some will view as emotional ranting, I see as an equal and opposite reaction to the modus operandi of the New Atheists. The only difference is that the emotional (at times) response by Robertson has one plus that is lacking in the New Atheists' message...solid arguments.
I think this book represents the philosophical spanking that the whiny Dawkins needed. It is high time he was called out for the pseudo-intellectualism he uses to denounce all things Christian all the while lacking any real intellectual rigor. Being mad at God betrays and contradicts your claim not to believe in him.
To be fair to Little Richard, I do plan to read his book as well, but I won't hold my breath waiting to be amazed as even his fellow atheists have little good to say about it.
While I cannot speak to how well it engages the material in his book, I can say that if The God Delusion reflects the demeanor and attitude and the "scholarship" typical of Dawkins' treatment of Christianity elsewhere, I'll find little to object to in Robertson's charged response. What some will view as emotional ranting, I see as an equal and opposite reaction to the modus operandi of the New Atheists. The only difference is that the emotional (at times) response by Robertson has one plus that is lacking in the New Atheists' message...solid arguments.
I think this book represents the philosophical spanking that the whiny Dawkins needed. It is high time he was called out for the pseudo-intellectualism he uses to denounce all things Christian all the while lacking any real intellectual rigor. Being mad at God betrays and contradicts your claim not to believe in him.
To be fair to Little Richard, I do plan to read his book as well, but I won't hold my breath waiting to be amazed as even his fellow atheists have little good to say about it.
January 11, 2017
A clever idea, to write a chapter by chapter answer to The God Delusion by Dawkins, and Robertson answers many of Dawkins' points well, and in an easy to read way. His writing is better, and more polite, than Dawkins, but he doesn't always present evidence for his arguments, and more than Dawkins did. However, he mainly points out (politely, without resorting to insult) that lack of evidence isn't necessarily proof of non existence, and that there is no "proof" necessarily either way in some arguments so no one can cite with Dawkins' vehemence and antagonism.
It's an interesting book - a very quick read - that I would recommend to everyone who has read The God Delusion for another opinion and side of the discussion. In fact I CHALLENGE you to read it, just to see how open minded you really are if you are a follower. Robertson acknowledges other people's opinions and accounts for them. Dawkins does not. Robertson's writing style is more academic and correct and shows up Dawkins' shockingly poor authorship compared to his other classics. Dawkins' writing of this book is almost a hysterical rant, and Robertson quietly shows this up.
Whilst this book is far from perfect, as no book or argument is, Robertson is at least balanced... at least more than Dawkins, and is worth the read for discussion and round argument purposes.
Robertson doesn't keep "riding off on his pet steed Tangent" either, or has a better editor.
It's an interesting book - a very quick read - that I would recommend to everyone who has read The God Delusion for another opinion and side of the discussion. In fact I CHALLENGE you to read it, just to see how open minded you really are if you are a follower. Robertson acknowledges other people's opinions and accounts for them. Dawkins does not. Robertson's writing style is more academic and correct and shows up Dawkins' shockingly poor authorship compared to his other classics. Dawkins' writing of this book is almost a hysterical rant, and Robertson quietly shows this up.
Whilst this book is far from perfect, as no book or argument is, Robertson is at least balanced... at least more than Dawkins, and is worth the read for discussion and round argument purposes.
Robertson doesn't keep "riding off on his pet steed Tangent" either, or has a better editor.
May 18, 2015
Robertson goes on the offensive a little bit, dispelling 10 myths of New Atheism that find another incarnation in Dawkins' book. It is well written and engaging, its brevity probably due to the fact that the content is more a critique of Dawkins than a stand-alone defence of the Christian worldview.
"It is your attack on a distorted and perverted version of Christian teaching about God which provides you with the most entertaining smokescreen for your lack of substantial argument on whether God exists in the first place or not."
Helpful little book that, while not attempting to debunk everything in "The God Delusion," does dispel some of the popularly held myths of New Atheism.
1. The Myth of the Higher Consciousness
(brilliant- pointing out that New Atheism is has quite grand claims about itself)
2. The Myth of Godless Beauty
( Robertson is fairly supportive of this chapter)
3. The Myth of Atheist Rationality and Tolerance
4. The Myth of the Cruel Old Testament God
(on Dawkin's lack of central argument)
5. The Myth of the Science/Religion Conflict
6. The Myth of the Created God and the Uncreated Universe
(goes for Dawkins' central proof of the non-existence of God and shows how sorely it is lacking)
7. The Myth of the Inherent Evil of Religion
8. The Myth of Godless Morality
9. The Myth of the Immoral Bible
10. The Myth of Religious Child Abuse
"It is your attack on a distorted and perverted version of Christian teaching about God which provides you with the most entertaining smokescreen for your lack of substantial argument on whether God exists in the first place or not."
Helpful little book that, while not attempting to debunk everything in "The God Delusion," does dispel some of the popularly held myths of New Atheism.
1. The Myth of the Higher Consciousness
(brilliant- pointing out that New Atheism is has quite grand claims about itself)
2. The Myth of Godless Beauty
( Robertson is fairly supportive of this chapter)
3. The Myth of Atheist Rationality and Tolerance
4. The Myth of the Cruel Old Testament God
(on Dawkin's lack of central argument)
5. The Myth of the Science/Religion Conflict
6. The Myth of the Created God and the Uncreated Universe
(goes for Dawkins' central proof of the non-existence of God and shows how sorely it is lacking)
7. The Myth of the Inherent Evil of Religion
8. The Myth of Godless Morality
9. The Myth of the Immoral Bible
10. The Myth of Religious Child Abuse
July 22, 2014
I listen to the Unbelievable? Podcast and David Robertson is a regular guest who debates other atheist on the show on topics like rather God is needed for there to be objective morality and if society would be better as a secular one. I have really begin to love this guy, even though he is a Calvinist. It was on this podcast that I learned about the letters he wrote to Prof. Dawkins, how they were posted on Dawkins website, the huge response they got and that even other atheist claimed it was the best out there counting Dawkins (though they still ultimately disagreed with it). So I decided to get the letters that were later compiled into a book.
I also got Richard Dawkins "The God Delusion" and as I went through it, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Robertson succinctly expressing many of the observations, responses and objections to each chapter of the God Delusion, that I myself had.
It truly was an excellent book.
I also got Richard Dawkins "The God Delusion" and as I went through it, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Robertson succinctly expressing many of the observations, responses and objections to each chapter of the God Delusion, that I myself had.
It truly was an excellent book.
June 25, 2012
A helpful response to Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion", chapter by chapter. I read this little book in sync with The God Delusion, and without it I may have given up in frustration before reaching the end of Dawkin's rather long winded and disappointing book! It was a relief to read a rebuttal of the flaws of Dawkins' book between chapters! It does seem like cheating to resort to a 'friendly' book as a safety net when reading a 'hostile' book, but I didn't have the time or inclination to track Dawkins arguments beyond a first reading, and this proved a good companion read. Robertson manages a good balance of generosity when possible and spirited disagreement when necessary, and he doesn't shy away from the intellectual territory Dawkins inhabits.
July 1, 2012
I haven't read The God Delusion, so I can't comment on it first hand. But this book suggests that it isn't so much about using evolutionary biology to disprove the existence of a supreme being as passing judgement on religion in general and Christianity in particular.
Right at the end of this book Robertson exposes the flaw in both his and Dawkins' cases: presupposition. Robertson begins at the position that God exists. He makes his arguments from that perspective. Dawkins (from what Robertson writes) makes his arguments from the position that God does not exist.
I found neither arguments completely convincing because they both begin with their conclusion and then argue their way back. But it's an interesting debate.
Right at the end of this book Robertson exposes the flaw in both his and Dawkins' cases: presupposition. Robertson begins at the position that God exists. He makes his arguments from that perspective. Dawkins (from what Robertson writes) makes his arguments from the position that God does not exist.
I found neither arguments completely convincing because they both begin with their conclusion and then argue their way back. But it's an interesting debate.
January 14, 2010
This is definitely an engaging book, though if you are looking for a scholastic apologetic attack on Dawkins, look elsewhere. This is written like a conversation, easy to understand and interesting, and Robertson's humility is refreshing. He is well read and addresses Dawkins' arguments well, though not with the rhetorical depth I would have liked.
My favorite chapters were 8 and 9. Robertson has spent many years researching Nazi Germany, and it shows. The details here are fascinating and horrifying, and pair very well with a DVD I just watched with my husband, Ben Stein's Expelled.
If nothing else, hoorah! to Robertson for tackling Dawkins in all his scientific fundemntalist glory.
My favorite chapters were 8 and 9. Robertson has spent many years researching Nazi Germany, and it shows. The details here are fascinating and horrifying, and pair very well with a DVD I just watched with my husband, Ben Stein's Expelled.
If nothing else, hoorah! to Robertson for tackling Dawkins in all his scientific fundemntalist glory.
April 20, 2016
I was fascinated by the fact that Richard Dawkins published these letters on his website. I am further fascinated that he doesn't respond to this author's invitation to meet face to face and discuss these ideas.
David Robertson was respectful throughout, raised good questions for consideration, and gave repeated invitations to Richard Dawkins to respond. I get the impression all invitations have been ignored.
I enjoyed the book. I desire to think more deeply and critically about the important issues raised in Dawkin's less-than-well-written book, and in Robertson's humble responses.
David Robertson was respectful throughout, raised good questions for consideration, and gave repeated invitations to Richard Dawkins to respond. I get the impression all invitations have been ignored.
I enjoyed the book. I desire to think more deeply and critically about the important issues raised in Dawkin's less-than-well-written book, and in Robertson's humble responses.
March 22, 2012
Really helpful critique of the assault made on the Christian faith by the new atheist thinkers like Dawkins. Starting out as an online letter for his own church members to answer Dawkins' aggressively hostile book 'The God Delusion' it found its way onto Dawkins own website and grew from there. It covers much of the subjects raised in Dawkins' book and replies clearly to his frequently irrational, emotive and unscholarly attacks. Go to http://www.solas-cpc.org for Robertson's own site.
June 20, 2012
A nice easy read, like a school teaching gently admonishing a poorly behaved student.
There are some many who hide behind the bullying and bravado of Dawkins, assuming he has a sound argument, when really he is just hot air.
David Robertson respectfully points out that Dawkin's assertions are simply puerile and not as well thought as people imagine. I doubt that many who blindly follow Dawkins will read this book, but they would only benefit if they did !
There are some many who hide behind the bullying and bravado of Dawkins, assuming he has a sound argument, when really he is just hot air.
David Robertson respectfully points out that Dawkin's assertions are simply puerile and not as well thought as people imagine. I doubt that many who blindly follow Dawkins will read this book, but they would only benefit if they did !
March 11, 2014
One of the most interesting books I have read in response to the New Atheists. A series of letters that started with an actual letter that was posted on Richard Dawkins' website. From their this book goes chapter by chapter through the God Delusion. I did not see any flaws in this books logic or tone. Highly accessible and very user friendly. I have already bought a copy to give away and may buy more!
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