After reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins I needed something else to read in order to make some sense out his writings. Originally I just wanted to read ‘The Dawkins Delusion’ but it was not available when I went looking. The result being that I bought two other books and later on found my intended purchase. I have since read all three of these books. They unsurprisingly make the same points yet are still different enough that people might prefer one over the other two.
The Dawkins Delusion – Alistair McGrath
McGrath is a scientist of high standing, like Dawkins. Except he has been converted from Atheism to Christianity. He respects Dawkins as a brilliant scientist but points out four main themes where he makes errors in his claims on Christianity. About 70 pages long and easy to read.
The Dawkins Letters – David Robertson
Robertson originally wrote an open letter to Richard Dawkins and posted it on his website. His first letter made it’s way onto Dawkins’ own website resulting in much vitriol from his atheist followers. Robertson was unperturbed, rather he was inspired to write further letters covering the themes of the chapters in order. There are ten letters that are relatively short and easy to read.
As these are letters the writing style is very different from the other two, interesting nonetheless. Robertson asks a lot of rhetorical questions with some rebuttal on his false doctrine.
The God Reality – Rob Slane
Like McGrath, Slane was an atheist who had been converted to Christianity. Like McGrath’s book he covers the main themes of Dawkins. However I found Slane’s book a bit easier to read than McGrath’s. Might have been McGrath’s more intellectual background. Slane was briefer, easier to read and the layout was more aesthetically pleasing.
All that being said, I enjoyed reading all three and would recommend all three. My favourite, though, was The God Reality by Rob Slane as he simplified the difficult concepts that Dawkins puts forward.
I am undecided on whether a reading of The God Delusion is necessary before reading any of these rebuttals. Perhaps reading Dawkins would provide a greater balance and understanding. Although Dawkins can be difficult to read as it becomes very obvious early in his book that he has a false view of religion and it has nothing to do with science more his own philosophy of the world. Reading from his perspective might give the rebuttals more strength. Also if in conversation with an atheist I have found that they are impressed when they find out you have read a popular atheist book.
For the sake of your own sanity if you just have a curious interest then read one of the above. If you are up for a challenge then go the whole hog.
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