Tuesday, February 13, 2007 | Reason : Science of Religion | print version

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Foreword for the UK edition of 'Letter to a Christian Nation'

by Richard Dawkins

Letter to a Christian Nation
by Sam Harris

The British Edition of Sam's book is to be published in the week beginning 11th Feb 2007, and the publishers have given us permission to post an advance copy of the Foreword now. My brief was to introduce to British readers a book that was originally intended for an American audience.

Bookmarker cards like this one, advertising Sam's book, will be inserted in future reprintings of The God Delusion.

Foreword by Richard Dawkins

Sam Harris doesn't mess about. He writes directly to his Christian reader as 'you', and he pays 'you' the compliment of taking your beliefs seriously: " . . . if one of us is right, the other is wrong . . . in the fullness of time, one side is really going to win this argument, and the other is really going to lose." But you don't (as I can personally understate) have to fit the 'you' profile in order to enjoy this marvellous little book. Every word zings like an elegantly fletched arrow from a taut bowstring and flies in a gracefully swift arc to the target, where it thuds into the bullseye.

If you are part of the target, I dare you to read this book. It will be a salutary test of your faith. Survive Sam Harris's barrage, and you can take on the world with equanimity. But forgive my scepticism: Harris never misses, not with a single sentence, which is why his short book is so disproportionately devastating. If you already share Harris's and my doubts about religious faith and are not part of his target, this book will powerfully arm you to argue against those who are. Or you may be Christian and still not part of the target. This book freely admits that there are Christians who take, as they would see it, a more nuanced view:

. . . liberal and moderate Christians will not always recognize themselves in the 'Christian' I address. They should, however, recognize many of their neighbors—and more than one hundred and fifty million Americans.

And that's the point. It was the menace of those hundred and fifty millions that provoked this book. If your religious beliefs are so vague and nebulous that even well aimed arrows bounce off unnoticed, Harris is not writing for you directly. But you should still care about the emergency that concerns him — and me. Where I, as a scientific educator, am dismayed by the 50 percent of the American population who believe the world is 6000 years old (an error equivalent to believing that the distance from New York to San Francisco is shorter than a cricket pitch), Sam Harris is at least as urgently concerned with other beliefs held by roughly the same 50 percent:

It is, therefore, not an exaggeration to say that if London, Sydney, or New York were suddenly replaced by a ball of fire, some significant percentage of the American population would see a silver lining in the subsequent mushroom cloud, as it would suggest to them that the best thing that is ever going to happen was about to happen: the return of Christ. It should be blindingly obvious that beliefs of this sort will do little to help humanity create a durable future for itself—socially, economically, environmentally, or geopolitically. Imagine the consequences if any significant component of the U.S. government actually believed that the world was about to end and that its ending would be glorious. The fact that nearly half of the American population apparently believes this, purely on the basis of religious dogma, should be considered a moral and intellectual emergency.

The 'Christian Nation' for whom the book was originally written is, of course, the United States. But it would be complacent folly for us to dismiss it as a purely American problem. The USA, at least, is protected by Jefferson's enlightened wall of separation between church and state. Religion is part of Britain's historic establishment, while at this moment our most pious political leadership since Gladstone is hell bent on supporting 'faith schools'. And not just the traditional Christian schools, be it noticed, for our government, egged on by an heir to the throne who wishes to be known as 'Defender of Faith', is actively sympathetic towards the 'us-too' bleatings of other 'faith communities', eager for state subsidy for the indoctrination of their children. Would it be possible to design a more divisive educational formula? More importantly, the world's only superpower is close to domination by electors who believe the entire universe began after the domestication of the dog, and believe that they will be personally 'raptured' up to heaven within their own lifetime, followed by an Armageddon welcomed as harbinger of the Second Coming. Even from this side of the Atlantic, Sam Harris's phrase, 'moral and intellectual emergency' begins to look like an understatement.

I began by saying that Sam Harris doesn't mess about. One of his points is that none of us can afford to. Letter to a Christian Nation will stir you. Whether it stirs you to defensive or offensive action, it will not leave you unchanged. Read it if it is the last thing you do. And hope that it won't be.

Posted: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 | Permalink

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1. Comment #22216 by mikkala on February 13, 2007 at 2:49 pm

Dr. Dawkins.

As always, it was a pleasure to read your foreward on "Letter to Christian Nation". Sam and yourself, are indeed both, right on the bullseye.
Not a "jot nor tittle" wasted or misused. "An elegantly fletched arrow from a taut bowstring"

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2. Comment #22221 by alan_s on February 13, 2007 at 3:17 pm

I have my copy already. Its superb.

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3. Comment #22231 by MIND_REBEL on February 13, 2007 at 4:23 pm

Thanks Prof,

You've changed my life for the better. I lived a meme infested life for the first 18 years, the last year was spent reeducating myself to understand the natural world without the false relationship of supernatural forces acting withinf the wishes of broonze age myths.

Other Comments by MIND_REBEL

4. Comment #22234 by vdubmatt on February 13, 2007 at 4:30 pm

Sam Harrris' book is truly great. I really enjoyed it. The only dissapointment was that it is so short. I finished it in about 2 hours. I could have read his writing for days. It really is great amunition for those of us actually trying to save this "Christian Nation".

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5. Comment #22236 by CaptainShiny on February 13, 2007 at 4:37 pm

Sam Harris is spot-on when it comes to criticizing formal religion. I don't really "get" his spirituality fetish, though.

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6. Comment #22238 by MelM on February 13, 2007 at 4:39 pm

If you think virgin birth is insane, check out "rapture." I think Harris is correct to worry about this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture

Among the links provided, I found this gem. After you disappear in the rapture, friends and relatives will be notified by e-mail.
http://www.raptureletters.com/

There's another site that has set up mirror sites because of the expected load on the main site after the rapture. Really!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture_Ready

Other Comments by MelM

7. Comment #22245 by Duff on February 13, 2007 at 5:03 pm

If you believe in the "coming rapture", please, please don't read Sam Harris' book, Letter To A Christian Nation, because it will weaken your faith. What ever you do, don't read Letter To A Christian Nation. Don't do it! What ever you do, Don't Do IT!!!! Unless, of course, you have the overwhelming strength of your convictions. Unless, of course, you have an intellect that can withstand the terrible, irrefutable, but, never the less, devilish promptings of the intellect. If you have the promptings of the spirit, if you have the holy ghost informing you of what is right and what is wrong, don't read this horrible diatribe against God's religions here on earth.
You know how God has condemned the intellect. You know how God has condemned reason! If you believe in God. If you believe in the danger of intelligence and the evil concept of "REASON", it is incumbent upon all believers to not read this evil tract. It is a product of the Devil Himself/Herself.

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8. Comment #22251 by Bremas on February 13, 2007 at 5:45 pm

Some of you may have seen this before, but it really scared me. It's in regard to the recent "UFO" incident in Arkansas. Air Force A-10s were dropping flares during routine training, and were seen by a retired F-16 Colonel. The retired fighter pilot said:

"I believe these lights were not of this world, and I feel a duty and responsibility to come forward."

"I believe it's prophetic, something do with what's happening in the Middle East today, If this is some kind of event with visitation, it's entirely possible. When the anti-Christ comes into power, it's not going to be something we expect. The deception that is going to be attached to it is going to be so powerful, you're gonna have to go against your reason to reject it."

When the truth was pointed out to him, he further commented: "Because this event was explained does not change the fact that we live in perilous times � and we must still be awake, alert, and know that a great deception is still coming."

I still can't wrap my head around the fact that this was an experienced fighter pilot watching jet fighters (flares anyway), thinking it was the end of times.
We're not dealing with Billy-Bob down in the cabin.

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53820
--------------
This was one of the few articles I could still find about the incident, obviously printed before the source of the lights were confirmed. Actually, rereading this one, I am now much more scared than I was just minutes ago.

I applaud Sam Harris and his effort.

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9. Comment #22253 by Bremas on February 13, 2007 at 6:01 pm

Re 6. Comment #22238 by MelM on February 13, 2007 at 4:39 pm

Chuckling nervously.

I wonder how many of those emails from your second link are currently aimed at me.

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10. Comment #22261 by a tree with roots on February 13, 2007 at 6:53 pm

I really loved Letter to a Christian Nation. Wonderful and important piece of work, considering the times. I have the North American version, though. Dang, we didn't get the awesome bookmarks!

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11. Comment #22262 by Harlon57 on February 13, 2007 at 6:54 pm

This is my first post and may I begin by stating how happy I am to have found a new home on the net.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The God Delusion" and am now reading "The Selfish Gene".

My family has called Minnesota home for about 150 years. I moved away 30 years ago to join the Marines, and moved to Florida after my service in California. I remain in Florida.

As a boy, I carried fresh, steaming hot hard-boiled eggs in my pockets on my way to 5:50AM mass. They kept my hands warm and served as my breakfast after mass. I was a catholic altar boy attending a catholic elementary school. But I had a secret.

My dirty little secret was that the more I heard and saw, the more conflicts in word and deed, the quicker I lost my faith. I couldn't tell my family until I was a late teen, that I no longer believed.

They prayed for me, but it was no use. I was free.

To this day, I am the black sheep of the family. My 3 sisters and 2 brothers (good catholic family) believe a smattering of variances of christian dogma, but they all profess to believe that the creation story is fact. My older sister recently berated me for believing that we came from animals or dirt or slime. She wasn't quite sure what I believed, but she knew it was disgusting. She told me to look into my sons eyes, to see the love that god put there.

I do see the love in his eyes, reflected back from mine.

Well, I could go on and on describing the sad conversations we have. But I won't. My family hasn't read a science book since they left high school. They don't read peer reviewed articles in magazines and they won't consider reading Carl Sagan's Demon Haunted World, or now Prof. Dawkins The God Delusion, or any other book I suggest, as the source may be evil.

This anecdotal evidence of my family and their friends leads me to believe that the world should be very worried about the uneducated conservative movement in this country.

I guess I've rambled on long enough. Great to be here.

Thank you Prof. Dawkins for shining some light into our lives.

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12. Comment #22264 by Bremas on February 13, 2007 at 7:05 pm

Re 12. Comment #22262 by Harlon57 on February 13, 2007 at 6:54 pm

Glad to have you. I was at Pendleton from 94-98.

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13. Comment #22265 by Harlon57 on February 13, 2007 at 7:20 pm

Hello Bremas,

Thank you. I was stationed at 29 Palms in the electronics school 77-80

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14. Comment #22266 by Bremas on February 13, 2007 at 7:23 pm

Former 2502/0602 myself, I suspect we know alot of the same people.

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15. Comment #22268 by Harlon57 on February 13, 2007 at 7:41 pm

Comment: 22266 It truly is a small world.
How long have you been on this site? I started reading the posts about 2 months ago, and have had difficulty gaining access until just last night.

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16. Comment #22275 by MelM on February 13, 2007 at 9:47 pm

Harlon57,

Have you thought of "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali?
(Just published last week.)
http://www.amazon.com/Infidel-Ayaan-Hirsi-Ali/dp/0743289684/sr=1-1/qid=1171431158/ref=sr_1_1/104-7079336-6081544?ie=UTF8&s=books

It's a very exciting personal autobiography by a Somali woman escaping the brutality and madness of Islam and of religion in general. She held on to her independent mind and it took her out of religion. This is one of several themes of the book which shows the progression of her struggle. A biography or novel can have an impact that is difficult or impossible to achieve with an abstract work such as TGD by Dawkins. I too have some relatives that I'd like to see read her book but I won't "con" them by omitting that she ends up an atheist. I'm afraid that even her attack on Islam will go unheard because the witch doctors will rant against her atheism and religious conservatives will realize that she's, fundamentally, no friend of theirs. I think this book is a great atheist resource if we can figure out how to get people to read it--but maybe we just can't.

BTW, scroll down the blog entries here to find a post about her book.

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17. Comment #22280 by Roy_H on February 13, 2007 at 10:38 pm

I have just read my copy too, it only took a day as it is very short,but it is a quart in a pint pot (what a wonderful little book!) As Richard says, he "He does not mess about" very sharp and concise.It may be directed at the people of America but it is so relevant to the whole of mankind.

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18. Comment #22293 by Milton on February 14, 2007 at 12:17 am

I read "Letter to..." as a snack while I was still reading "End of Faith".
It's really straight to the point, powerful and very funny.
I'm from Sweden where we are pretty much blessed from religious madness, so some of those I've recommended "The God Delusion" and "End of Faith" to have wondered why I care so much. They say things like:
"Religion is going to die soon anyway. Why spend so much energy on a battle that is already won?"

But it's very easy to persuade someone to read "Letter to..." since it's so small.

I want to thank Richard and Sam for showing me that I'm not alone in being frustrated about faith and the lack of reason it carries with it. You've been my personal heroes for the last six months or more.

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19. Comment #22296 by Jez on February 14, 2007 at 1:02 am

Rapture letters; http://www.raptureletters.com/

"a letter will be sent out to each of them on the first Friday after the rapture. Then they will receive another letter every friday after that."

Sounds like spam mail to me...

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20. Comment #22304 by eggplantbren on February 14, 2007 at 2:10 am

Does anyone here know whether there'll be an Australian release? I have a *cough* backup copy on my computer but would rather have the real thing to put on my shelf and lend to people.

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21. Comment #22310 by Richard Dawkins on February 14, 2007 at 3:53 am

In response to eggplantbren from Australia (Comment #22304) I must apologize. I think I should not have called it the "British Edition". It is my understanding that the edition for which I have written the Foreword is intended for the Rest of the English-speaking World (i.e. apart from America). If I am right, it should be on sale in Australia, New Zealand, the Indian sub-continent and Anglophone Africa. Notice that Sam has amended the sentence I quoted:- "It is, therefore, not an exaggeration to say that if London, Sydney, or New York were suddenly replaced by a ball of fire . . ." The original American edition just had "New York."
Richard

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22. Comment #22313 by MouthAlmighty on February 14, 2007 at 4:33 am

Should get my copy any day now.

Does anyone know if Sam has any speaking dates in London?

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23. Comment #22315 by kaiserkriss on February 14, 2007 at 1:07 pm

Had the pleasure of reading this fact strewn little gem over the weekend. WOW!! Together with TGD it should be (almost) mandatory reading for every person. The reason for "almost" in brackets is simple- one should not force people to read anything, just makes them more obstinate.

Here in Canada the book has been available for some time, it even has a reference to TGD as suggested reading material, though difficult to find in bookstores.

Dr D(awkins), Mr. Harris : PLEASE keep up the good work. With more eloquent people like you around, civilization just might have a chance to get out of the mental Bronze age. JCW

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24. Comment #22326 by Harlon57 on February 14, 2007 at 7:25 pm

MelM, thank you, I will add Infidel to my reading list.

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25. Comment #22339 by Roy_H on February 14, 2007 at 10:46 pm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6362779.stm

'Not The Messiah (He's A Very Naughty Boy)'
I think this will put the cat amongst the proverbial. Remember what happened when the film came out?

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26. Comment #22371 by happinessiseasy on February 15, 2007 at 12:09 pm

Now I gotta get a copy of the British version. I also need a British version of The God Delusion, too. I actually liked that cover better. That and I need a copy to have when I loan out my original.

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27. Comment #22375 by tatsie on February 15, 2007 at 6:08 pm

such a great book.. you can read it in an hour.. so go on, take a good long poo and enjoy this amazing read..

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28. Comment #22383 by Richard Morgan on February 15, 2007 at 9:28 pm

My children have no interest in reading either TGD or "Letter to..."
This I interpret as a clear sign of the importance and effectiveness of authors such as Russell, Sagan, Dennett, Dawkins and Harris. Why?
Because my children are second generation "atheists". Their father read all the books.
They don't know what the fuss is all about. They don't even really know that they are atheists!
Admittedly, they are growing up in France, a country where organising a good strike is much more important than worrying about God, And making a donation to Médecins Sans Fronti�res is a more spontaneous reaction than praying for peace in the world.
Do others out there, not living in the USA have similar stories to tell?
Mr Dawkins, Mr Harris, when there is a whole new, generation unable to understand all the hype over your books, then you will have the proof of the success of your efforts.
In the automobile industry, I believe it's called "built-in obsolescence" or something like that.

"Atheism is a belief system the way not crossing my fingers is a superstition."

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29. Comment #22392 by DoogieTalons on February 16, 2007 at 3:54 am

Very much looking forward to reading this, the archery metaphors just sold it ;).

PS

Very much like this comment from above...(The post above, not god)

"Atheism is a belief system the way not crossing my fingers is a superstition."

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30. Comment #22393 by mmurray on February 16, 2007 at 4:45 am

21. Comment #22304 by eggplantbren on February 14, 2007 at 2:10 am
Does anyone here know whether there'll be an Australian release? I have a *cough* backup copy on my computer but would rather have the real thing to put on my shelf and lend to people.

Hi eggplantbren according to www.angusrobertson.com.au they can order it in 7-10 days. I haven't seen it in the shops. I got my copy ebook copy from www.ereader.com. I won't ask where you got your `backup' copy from.

29. Comment #22383 by Richard Morgan on February 15, 2007 at 9:28 pm: My children have no interest in reading either TGD or "Letter to..."

At the age of 4 my son came home from his first day at school and said `whose this gwod person'
(Not a typo just his hearing.)

Michael

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31. Comment #22418 by maryhelena on February 17, 2007 at 2:44 am

For anyone interested in developments within Biblical scholarship the following may be of interest. A new project is currently on the cards - the claimed existence of Jesus of Nazareth is about to be put to the test by a group of biblical scholars. This weekend is the launch of the project. The website is
http://www.cfiwest.org/calendar/JesusProject.htm

In the secular battle with religious fundamentalists, the importance of this project should not be underestimated. Maybe this longstanding debate will finally go mainstream.....

From The Jesus Project website:

"The Center for Inquiry Transnational, in conjunction with its Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER) announces the creation of the Jesus Project. The Jesus Project will enlist the talents of scholars from many disciplines to try to determine the likelihood of Jesus of Nazareth having ever existed."

"Spearheading this important undertaking is the Chairman of CSER, R. Joseph Hoffmann. The goal of the project, according to Hoffmann, is not to "prove" the non-existence of Jesus, but to take the theory as a "testable hypothesis" and use the best methods of critical inquiry to reach a probable conclusion."

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32. Comment #22420 by Homo economicus on February 17, 2007 at 3:05 am

Have just bought the book in England, and halfway through it. Also reading The End of Faith.

It is the book that all Christians should read, because even if the arguement does not move them, it should show a reasonable argument not to subscribe to any religion.

Wish this book had been out when I was younger.

One note: the book was on the same shelf as David Icke. Which was why I had problems finding it till the shop assistant helped me. So you have the God Delusion in popular science, and Sam Harris in Mind, Spirit and Body section. Suggested it should either be in religion or philosophy or next to the God Delusion. Not next to David Icke!

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33. Comment #22428 by scottishgeologist on February 17, 2007 at 6:32 am

maryhelena

The Jesus roject sounds rather like the "Jesus Seminar" (article to be found at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Seminar

Should be interesting to see what come sout of it. The JS was attacked by fundies as "liberal", one group calling it "Satans Masterpiece"

The fact that such a vast amount of research needs to be done and that you still get zillions of christian denominations, no matter what the results, speaks volumes.

Actually, watching denominations attack one another is quite amusing "catholics arent true christians" "charismaniacs are deluded" "if you dont speak in tongues, youre not saved", and so on - just look at all the differnet "-isms" that christianity uses for its different branches.

Yet, they keep telling us that "Scripture tells us..." Whatever "Scripture" says, it cant be that obvious or clear....

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34. Comment #22431 by RichardC on February 17, 2007 at 7:09 am

Sam's book is a great read. I gave mine to a religious friend because I thought it was much more likely to be read than the God Delusion, simply because of it's brevity (my friend is, like many Christians, not particularly given to reading large books, especially ones that seem intellectually taxing). In terms of size and physical dimension, Sam's 'Letter to a Christian' reminds me of some Christian prayer books, and for this reason I think it may appeal to many Christians who may be put off his 'End of Faith' book or TGD.
Finally I would like to concur with those who have remarked on Sam's amazing powers of articulating his ideas. It really is something to behold - he never stumbles over his ideas/words, is completely unpeturbable in debate, and in listening to him I always feel privileged to hear his ideas and the wonderful way he has of expressing them. I am currently enthralled by his debate with Andrew Sullivan and amazed that Sullivan is still hanging in there and not yet thrown in the towel, since he suffers badly with each exchange. I will continue to follow Sam Harris's career and work with the greatest of interest.

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35. Comment #22439 by maryhelena on February 17, 2007 at 10:07 am

Hi, scottishgeologist

Yes, I'm aware of the Jesus Seminar. However, I think the new project might just bring the subject of the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth into the more mainstream academic circles - and indeed about time that this subject was established as a serious academic endeavor. For too long those who reject a historical Jesus have been on the sidelines of biblical studies.

This new project is actually big news - and exciting news for those with an interest in the debate! I've been reading a related email list for a few years - and there is certainly enough information out there that this project could just take off��

Hot on the tails of TGD - The Jesus Project might just have hit the right moment in time to stir up what could well be a hornets nest of issues for christianity�.It is the claimed historicity of Jesus that is christianity's Achillis heel - not its ideas of theism. Time will tell of course - but I'll certainly be keeping a watch�.

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36. Comment #22443 by gimlibengloin on February 17, 2007 at 1:41 pm

maryhelena (36)

"indeed about time that this subject was established as a serious academic endeavor. For too long those who reject a historical Jesus have been on the sidelines of biblical studies."

Thats for the very good reason that they have no case to make, maryhelena.
There is no positive evidence that Jesus didn't exist whereas there is plenty of positive evidence that he did exist. The whole case of those who seek to escape from his existence is that they can only deny all the evidence. Lets list it:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, Jude, and Revelation.

And if that wasn't enough what about Josephus. And Seutonius. And etc ad infinitum.

See

www.obt.org.uk/

for a downloadable booklet by Michael Penny detailing all the evidence.

As the author of the critically acclaimed The New Penguin History of the World, J M Roberts has stated, "There is no reason to be more autere or rigorous in our canons of acceptability for early Christian records".

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37. Comment #22446 by DerrickB on February 18, 2007 at 4:51 pm

Have you read Rod Liddle's so-called review in today's Sunday Times? I have just sent this letter to the Editor:
Sir,

February 18th
The Sunday Times Culture Section page 46

I have just read Rod Liddle's comments about Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris and American Fascists by Chris Hedges, two authors whose wordcraft and analytical abilities are so clearly beyond Liddle's that I am surprised that you (and he) are not embarrassed by his crass and vacuous review.

For example, Liddle sneers:

"So, God allows little girls to die, does he? Gee Sam � as a Christian, that supposed paradox never occurred to me."

Well Gee Ed, let's reflect on Rod's insight by looking at just part of what Harris actually writes:

"Millions of people are dying horribly from cancer at this very moment, many of them children. When we fully understand the biology of cancer, this understanding will surely be reducible to a few pages of text. Why aren't these pages, or anything remotely like them, found in the Bible? The Bible is a very big book. There was room for God to instruct us on how to keep slaves and sacrifice a wide variety of animals. Please appreciate how this looks to one who stands outside the Christian faith. It is genuinely amazing how ordinary a book can be and still be thought the product of omniscience."

I am sure that Liddle has given deep and sustained thought to this "supposed" paradox and has profound resolutions that he could (but doesn't) share with us. But let me bet that it boils down to something along the lines "this is all part of God's mysterious a plan", or "we can't understand the mind of God" or "we are being tested" or "it's a consequence of our gift of free will" or some equivalent drivel. But I would be delighted to be corrected.

Liddle erroneously claims that " the point Harris is trying to make is that the Bible should have told us absolutely everything there is to know about the world." No Rod, he's trying to say that the Bible (if it is the word of God) should have told us something (anything) that isn't obviously available to the mindset of iron-age, superstitious and credulous middle-eastern mystics and certainly shouldn't include simple errors that wouldn't have been made by educated people writing centuries before then.

Liddle also claims that Harris writes from "an unreconstituted left-liberal position." No-one who has read Harris's The End of Faith could argue that he is an unreconstituted left-liberal. He goes on to say that Harris " would do better to offer rigorous and respectable atheist opposition to abortion and stem-cell research (of which there is plenty)." Really Rod � well it would be interesting to see some. Harris is not trying to offer respectable argument, what he offers in spades is exquisitely written rational argument backed up by evidence. Something of which Rod Liddle seems completely incapable.

As Harris points out:

"Atheism is not a philosophy; it is not even a view of the world; it is simply a refusal to deny the obvious. Unfortunately, we live in a world in which the obvious is overlooked as a matter of principle. The obvious must be observed and re-observed and argued for. This is a thankless job. It carries with it an aura of petulance and insensitivity. It is, moreover, a job that the atheist does not want."

Yours,
Derrick Byford

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38. Comment #22464 by maryhelena on February 19, 2007 at 6:56 am

Hi, gimlibengloin

The very fact that the arguments for the non-existence of Jesus are about to be put to the test, as a "testable hypothesis" according to the website, is a very big step forward. No longer is biblical scholarship going to content itself with questions about the character of their claimed historical Jesus. No longer is 'Who was Jesus' a sufficient avenue of biblical research. The question now being asked is a very different one - the question being asked is "If", "What if the most influential man in human history never lived". Not who was Jesus but did Jesus actually live, was he an historical person.

Obviously, many scholars and academics have vested interests in how they might proceed to deal with the project. Book sales and job security will possibly lead to some of those involved wanting to seek a positive outcome. Perhaps the best possible outcome would be a result that shows a high level of probability that Jesus did not exist as a historical person. Given the research over the last number of years in this subject - the next few years could well see some sort of consensus on this issue among serious biblical historians.

Better minds than mine have dealt with the 'evidence' that you mention - so I will not enter that debate here. For those unfamiliar with the debate a good starting place would be Freke And Gandy's 'The Jesus Mysteries' - or Earl Doherty's 'The Jesus Puzzle'.

Tantalizing question - What IF Jesus never lived��..What's needed now is perhaps a book with the eye catching title 'The Jesus Delusion'�.maybe Sam Harris has the wherewithal to run with this one�..

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39. Comment #22467 by Deoradh on February 19, 2007 at 4:31 am

If you are buying a copy of The God Delusion at a bookstore, before taking your copy to the check out. Take out the bookmark and put it in a copy of the bible, and for good measure put the Bible in the horror section

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40. Comment #22497 by olly on February 19, 2007 at 11:19 am

just enjoyed my lttle read of all your postings, so im off for my tea and i will look forward to getting sams book

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41. Comment #22513 by gimlibengloin on February 19, 2007 at 12:50 pm

maryhelena (40)

"No longer is 'Who was Jesus' a sufficient avenue of biblical research. The question now being asked is a very different one - the question being asked is "If", "What if the most influential man in human history never lived". Not who was Jesus but did Jesus actually live, was he an historical person."

But this isn't a new question, maryhelena. Its the same one with different dressing. For example
Bertrand Russell questioned his existence as you will see on the website I gave you.

Albert Einstein expressed his view on it when he was asked "You accept the historical existence of Jesus, then?" to which he replied, "Absolutely...I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene....no myth is filled with such life".

There is nothing new in what is being questioned but its simply the same escapism under different exterior. "Escapism" because the words attributed to the man in the gospels are obviously reflective of a genuine personality. For example

"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies of me, and I know that the testimony which he gives about me is true. You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was the lamp that was burning and shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony which I have is greater than John; for the works which the Father has given me to accomplish � the very works that I do � testify about me, that the Father has sent me. And the father who sent me, he has testified of me. You have neither heard his voice at any time nor seen his form. You do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he sent. You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about me; and you are unwilling to come to me so that you may have life."
5:31-40

And then:

So the Pharisees said to him, "You are testifying about yourself; your testimony is not true." Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. But even if I judge, my judgement is true; for I am not alone, but I and the father who sent me. Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. I am he who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me."
8:13-18

This is clearly genuine, historical dialogue. The force of his personality is evident to all except those who have chosen to make themselves unable to see it.

Also "If I testify about myself my testimony is not true" (5:31) and then the retort of the Pharisees "You are testifying about yourself; your testimony is not true" (8:13) to something Jesus said later in 8:12 is definitely historical reportage.

Regards GBG

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42. Comment #22621 by tatsie on February 20, 2007 at 2:09 am

4th read, again while pooing.. amazing what you can learn as you poo.

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43. Comment #22718 by Richard Dawkins on February 21, 2007 at 6:14 am

44. Comment #22691 by Beth on February 20, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Has anyone the URL for the Rod Liddle review of Harris' book? DerrickB mentions that it is in the Sunday Times - but I've no luck located it.

Beth: Thanks for pointing out that we were never told the url of Liddle's review of Harris. For what it is worth (not a lot) you can see the review at
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/book_reviews/article1382617.ece
It is a joint review of Letter to a Christian Nation and Chris Hedges' book American Fascists. The heading of the review is The Blind Leading the Blind
Richard

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44. Comment #32032 by vegas2kc on April 15, 2007 at 10:03 am

[QUOTE]
Where I, as a scientific educator, am dismayed by the 50 percent of the American population who believe the world is 6000 years old (an error equivalent to believing that the distance from New York to San Francisco is shorter than a cricket pitch)[QUOTE]

Just one of many erroneous stereotypes stated as a simple straw man in the book. It's easy to sterotype others when you lie about them. A young earth is one of many, many "theories" within the Christian faith. Meanwhile Harris completely ignores the dozens of laughable and unscientific assertions evolution makes, throwing out phrases like "hundreds of billions of years" and "trillions of years" etc., all completely absurd and unmeasureable by any scientific method yet swallowed blindly by those that want to deny that life can in no way come about without intelligence. Nothing comes from nothing... think about it.

Harris conveniently darts crticism of evil with individuals that claim "faith" yet don't live thier "faith." Fine! What about the millions and millions annully around the world in non-Christian countries who personally come to faith in Christ and claim to have prayed and He changed thier lives! Harris avoids this like the plague, it's easier to potshot the goofball TV preachers, blowhards, and murderers of the world who claims they know God than deal with real believers.

And despite the basic fact that every hospital, school, orphanage, homeless shelter, disaster relief program, university, art gallery and music conservatory in the western world was founded by Jews and Christians up until the last 100 years or so that the government started getting involved. Take away those contributions and what's left? Again, it's easy to take potshots at the Crusades and inquisition while ignoring the infinite benefits people of faith have performed.

Mr. Harris, Jesus Chrsit is Lord and Savior and every knee will bow to Him. Repent of your evil and turn to Christ for forgiveness, only then will the world change... only then.

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45. Comment #43500 by Steve Wrathall on May 21, 2007 at 7:30 pm

Has it been translated into any other languages? Ditto with God Delusion, Breaking the spell &c

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46. Comment #52977 by lordfenriz on June 28, 2007 at 9:12 pm

"Atheism is a belief system the way not crossing my fingers is a superstition."

I like this quote as well (Richard Morgan post #29)
It reminds me of George Smith's excellent book "Atheism: The Case Against God." One of his main points in the book is that Atheism isn't a positive belief like religion. It is simply the lack of theistic belief. The statement, "I believe that God doesn't exist" is much different than "I don't believe in God". Thus, the Christian is the one with the belief. The Atheist simply doesn't believe until he/she has good reason(evidence) to believe.

I agree that Sam's book is great. The UK edition looks cool compared to my American version. Perhaps I can get a copy via Amazon UK.

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47. Comment #69354 by RichardBembridge on September 11, 2007 at 1:18 am

To vegas2kc (46)

"Nothing comes from nothing... think about it."

I have, and I still don't understand what you are trying to say - could you please expand?

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48. Comment #69365 by Zamboro on September 11, 2007 at 2:18 am

"Nothing comes from nothing... think about it." ~Vegas2kc

Okay, let's assume this premise is true. Unfortunately for you, it causes a fairly predictable problem for theists:

Where did God come from?

Either God came from nothing or God has always existed. Either way, the moment even one exception is provided (God) the premise that "nothing can come from nothing" is shattered.

At this point, I could argue that if God has "always existed" then the Universe "always existed" in some form or another. This makes god unnecessary to explain the origin of the universe, and so he is eliminated via parsimony.

Check and mate.

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49. Comment #243851 by simonthesilent on September 7, 2008 at 2:22 pm

you know, i've learned every bit as much about writing from professor dawkins as i have about evolution. this snappy foreword is no exception.

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50. Comment #280569 by Julian Gore on November 7, 2008 at 8:57 pm

Thank you Richard Dawkins for a great book. P.s Vegas2kc you need to get some help with reading comprehension as Sam Harris did address all the things you quoted in your tyrade, you completely miss the point. Your "Nothing comes from nothing" quote is very theist in nature, have you never heard of infinite regress'

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