The Good · The Bad · The Ugly

The Good.

We receive many positive and supportive emails. Readers and visitors continue to send us stories of deconversion, a new understanding of reason and science, and a positive change of direction in their lives. This section is filled with stories of atheists coming out of the closet, struggles with religious family members, and many other situations you might have personally experienced!

1

An excoriating classic, and an absolute must read,
29 Sep 2006
Reviewer: Shuman Hussein (London)

An incredible and powerful work, written with a passion and precision that, even by Dawkins' own dizzying standards, is an absolute joy to behold.

Throughout, Dawkins shows a dogged determination to get to the heart of the issues, unshackled from the usual political correctedness, polite convention, or just plain bone-headed denial that plagues most discussions and debates on this subject. Aside from Buddhism, which he considers to be more a philosophical construct than anything else, no major religion is spared his scrutiny, and it makes powerful reading.

Yet, despite the unflinching analysis and forensic dissection of all the many guises of faith and religion that Dawkins endeavours to tackle in his book, there is also much warmth and humour to find here and I suspect many readers will be surprised by this considering Dawkins' usual style.

To put it simply, it is a cracking good read, but that is to grossly understate the significance and importance of this book in our current times. 'God Delusion' is a vital book, and one, more than any other that I can think of in recent times, that should become essential reading for anyone and everyone with the slightest interest in the subject of God, whichever side of the fence they sit. Of course, that is wishful fantasy, as most religionists will be avoiding this book like the proverbial plague. Perhaps that should be no surprise as this book is likely to be nothing short of devastating for any reader of 'faith' who may be courageous enough to pick up this book with the genuine interest of re-examining their ideas and belief systems.

Still, it is certainly most heartening to see that the 'God Delusion' is now number one in the Amazon UK bestseller list, and close to that position in the US chart even before it's official release there. Without a doubt this book will become an established classic text, even more so than his other works, and will be talked about and debated over for many years to come.

2

I realize Mr. Dawkins probably won't read this, but I compose it anyway out of the slim chance. I am 17 years old and I live in Ohio, in America. I am surrounded by religion, mostly Christianity and I am forced to be accepting and cordial with many of my peer's and community's beliefs. You, Richard Dawkins, are one of my champions. I love America and I want it to be the greatest country it can be, which it is far from, for it still has many shortcomings. As of right now my drive is in the direction of science, atheism, secular humanism, and the propogation of such practices thoughout our society. You are a great source of wisdom for me, and its wonderful to have someone as remarkably intelligent as you to look up to. You have changed my life, while I can't give you complete credit for my beliefs (or lack thereof) you make me confident and solidify my reasoning. I can only hope that some morning you will come across this note and give you a good start to your day of heresy, hell-raising, and blasphemy. Thank you Mr. Dawkins, and please don't stop, for it will be carried on across the land my many people, including myself who still need your wisdom and guidance. If Mr. Dawkins does happen upon this note, it would be self-gratifying to know that he did. Thank you for your precious time.

3

After nearly lifetime of slavery, I broke free from the cephalopodic clutches of the Evangelical Assemblies of God about one year ago this month. Having graduated from an Assemblies of God college and worked as a pastor, I always managed to drown my nagging doubts and rational impulses in a well of faith. But what started as a simple reexamination of my beliefs quickly became a full-fledged deconversion, partly because of "The Root of All Evil" and "The Blind Watchmaker". The depth of truth and the affirmation of rationality as a method of knowing truth struck to the core of my existence - it freed me from a horrifically superstitious and irrational worldview. Although this change has been the source of an unimaginable amount of pain and dislocation in my family and circle of friends (what friends?), I still wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart and my newly free mind . I would not trade an ounce of my newfound freedom for a pound of my previous ignorant security.

Now for the question. As a Christian I had made it my habit to contact the writer of any work that I read and respected to ask them to answer the following:

"If you had to pick ten books that every human should read, what would they be?"

I received many answers and populated my library shelves with what I know now to be literal nonsense. If only I could recover the years spent reading and studying . . .

As a non-Christian who is rebuilding after a lifetime of ignorance, this is doubly important to me now. My library walls have been slowly repopulating with works that exalt rationality and truth, but I have a long way to go. I assure you that any recommendations that you make will be purchased and studied with the fervour that only a recovering Christian can muster.

I realize that you are certainly a busy man and I would appreciate any tidbits of thought that you could drop my way.

Virginia, USA

4

Thank you a thousand times over for your continued efforts in defense of reason. I unfortunately attend a University besieged by religious idiocy, but I find strength in your writing to continue fighting their madness. I'll be making the 500 mile drive to see you in Lawrence, KS this October, and I'll be sure to have a copy of your new book in hand. Take care, and thanks again.

5

What an incredible web site this is! Thank you so much--it's not only beautiful to the eye, but its content is invaluable. My wife and I feel like we're among the only sane people stuck inside an asylum ruled by the patients. It's deeply saddening to know that such marvelously written arguments for reason will fall on so many deaf ears.

I wish Mr. Dawkins would stop in Chicago on his tour!

Thanks again to everyone involved in this website--it truly is an oasis.

6

After having to hear all the idiocy in my town (Colorado Springs, home of Focus on the Family), it is great to be able to read someone who relies on reason and intelligence to view the world. I am sure you are aware that there is a strong correlation between a people who have religion and a people who have violence and crime. Fancy that, following a book that is inherently violent.

7

I just wanted to say thank you for your work setting up this Foundation and working on behalf of reason and science. This frustrated scientist from Texas appreciates the support from across the Atlantic. Keep up the good work!

8

All the best in this site, at a time when UK science appears to be losing ground to superstition we need sites like this. I can't help but feel the royal society should be doing a lot more than they are.

9

Delightfully witty and informative, this website has instantly made its way into my very exclusive favourites list. I can now honestly say that I am slightly more optimistic in regards to reason, knowledge, and its place in society.

Keep up the good work!

10

Courageous of Richard Dawkins to bear this standard, and timely too. If we continue to do nothing, the Third World War will be a war of the superstitions - a nuclear-armed Islam against a nuclear-armed Christian/Jewish entity. During the Cold War, Mutually Assured Destruction was enough to stay the hand that hovered over the button; but with religious fanatics, MAD is a goal. It's time to stand up and say loudly, a plague on all your houses, and an end to your prating tripe.

11

I have just taken delivery of my copy of The God Delusion from Amazon. I opened it with great excitement. The excitement turned to tearful gratitude when I saw Richard Dawkins' dedication to Douglas Adams at the front.

I still feel bereaved by the passing of dear Douglas, though I never met him. I want to express my appreciate for this touching tribute. Thank you!

12

Thank you for putting into words what I have been struggling with the last 50 years. I am a product of 12 years of catholic school with all the associated guilt. I could never buy into the teachings of the catholic church; teachings that are contrary to rational thought.

How could one be damned to hell for eating meat on Friday, or for having premarital sex. These and many other church laws just didn't make any sense to me.

Your book answered all the questions that have been floating around in my mind. Questions that would be ridiculed by the general public.

Thanks again!!

13

Please direct this to Professor Dawkins or at least carve another notch on to the receptionist's desk.

I received my copy of The God Delusion yesterday and read the first two chapters right away. Good stuff.

My girlfriend came to visit, found the book, read the first pages and then some more.

So while I was doing the dishes, she came out of the bed room, exclaimed "That's it! I'm leaving the church this year!" and went back to the book.

Congratulations to Professor Dawkins. Mission accomplished.

(She has been quite clear about her atheism for years, though, but was still a member of the church.)

14

words to my new song

You've gotta say nope to the Pope
Tish to the Archbish
Say ba bye to the Rabbhi
For Life's a lot dullah with a mullah
Religion does your muja heed een*.

*in a Glaswegian accent

15

I do not write letters to celebrities. I do not write to authors, actors, singers or scientists even though Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke are among the people I admire most. This is the first time, in my almost 67 years, I have done so and it will likely be the last. I tell you that so you understand how important I think your message is.

I want to thank you for your book "The God Delusion". It helped me take the final step in my relationship with religion. For several years now, I thought I was agnostic. Now I understand I was really an atheist all that time. I was making the mistake, about atheism, that you described in your book.

My purpose in writing is to encourage you to keep writing. Keep talking, because I agree with you that there are a lot more of us than is normally suspected. When people like you and Bill Mahr and George Carlin speak out it gives the rest of us the courage to do likewise when the opportunity presents itself. If that courage spreads, who knows, maybe someday those who benefit from the ignorance of others will be forced to show some shame.

Understand that I do not suggest you and others like you should feel responsible for educating the world. I'm just saying that is gives me an uplifting feeling to know I am not the only sane person in world full of religious loonies. It is very satisfying to hear my own conclusions supported by others who are a lot better at it than I am.

I am genuinely fearful for the future of the human race if it cannot somehow free itself from this religious nonsense.

Your other books were also very helpful to me in my lifelong struggle to understand why reality is the way it is.

Thanks.

16

I am a high school student at an advanced high school program for biology, focusing on the molecular side of things, but biology nonetheless. Despite having a firm rooting in evolution and great professors, some (actually all) of my most intelligent peers contine to reject evolution as a sufficient explanation for the origins of complexity out of simplicity on the ground that it contradicts their holy book. They acknowledge that it makes complete sense and is plausible, but it contradicts an ancient text and therefore is false regardless of the massive scientific evidence. They can argue against creationism brilliantly if they have to on an exam, yet they are blinded by a book to denounce the entire scientific method. In contrast to some of your experiences, I've found that education cannot counter ignorance in the case of some incredibly intelligent people. Should one just give up on these kinds of people?

17

I just wanted to express my delight and appreciation of the experience of reading Prof. Dawkins' book. As someone educated and brainwashed in the Catholic religion and a student of Theology , I had nonetheless serious doubts as to the moral and intellectual basis of church teachings. These doubts were always allayed by my being referred to Aquinas and Augustine as implacable authority.

Prof Dawkins has managed, for the first time, to make me realise the error of these teachings and I can now claim to be a proud Atheist and a signed up "Bright".

I look forward to reading more and attempting to convince my friends to do the same.

18

I'm not sure if you'll get this but I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your book The god Delusion. It's one of the best books about the absurdity of religion I've read for a while. I also thought your documentary The Root of All Evil, which I found online, was outstanding and I hope they show it here in the states. TheU.S. needs to see it more then anywhere I think.

I was reading on your website the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly section and it just amazes me how so many christians, who preach about the love and compassion of their religion, can say such vile things, but I think they really need to look in the mirror when they say atheists are "dumb, clueless and hateful", as was quoted in one of the letters from your site. I don't see atheists trying to brainwash people, or telling people that they're doing to burn in some imaginary hell...that's awful. Atheism has never caused any wars or mass murders.

I'm worried about the future of the united states, and the rest of the world, and wondering if us atheists can get organized enough to fight back, and I'm hoping with your foundation; Sam Harris' projects, and all the other free thought organizatons, we can get this country back to its original secular roots...or better yet wipe out this god delusion (no pun intended) once and for all, and leave the christian god back with zeus, poseidon, and all the other made up gods that man has created over the years.

Thank you for creating your organization...we need all the help we can get over here! :-)

I look forward to more great books and documentaries in the future.

19

My parents were "Hardshell" southern baptist. I never subscribed to their beliefs and did not push my children toward any religion. I am proud to say that I do not believe there is a god. I retired from the Air Force after almost 30 years service. Men who I supervised used to tell me I was the fairest, straightest shooting person they had ever met that was not religious. I told them religion had nothing to do with it, that an individual does not need a religious belief to be a good, honest, moral person. I have read most of Dawkins books and just purchased "The God Delusion", which I am really looking forward to reading. My children are all grown up and scattered around the world. I am going to send each of them a copy of "The God Delusion". I know they will enjoy it as much as I.

20

Though I was forced to be a Catholic, in my heart, from my earliest memories, I was an atheist. When leaving my home at the age of eighteen, I was able for the first time to declare this fact when asked what my religion was. It was the most wonderful feeling that I ever experienced, to be honest in this respect. However, I would listen to the other side without presenting mine, feeling strongly that I did not want to do to others what was done to me during my religiously abusive childhood.

Because of this perspective, I was critical of Dawkins all out approach of challenging religious conviction and beliefs. I did not want to become like them.

Now with reading this fantastic, superb, and perfect presentation of his, he has won me over to his argumentative style. Bully for you, Richard!

Atheists have been bullied hard and long enough by supporters of religious superstition. Believers in religious superstitions may not be the majority of people on the planet after all, as most atheists, for various reasons, do not even admit their atheism to themselves, less to others.

If armies of atheists begin challenging and not just listening to everyday religious superstitions like the uttering of 'In God we trust' (I trust only in my ability to find out what is right to do on my own, and learn from my mistakes, a wonderful experience that I have never cease to love, giving endless meaning to my life), then logical and rational reasoning will exponentially increase on earth. The dwindling supporters of religious superstitions will be replaced by rational thinkers, thriving to truly improve our human lot, because it is just us chickens here, no God.

Atheists Unite!

21

I was raised in the liberal United Church of Christ, but was born again as an emotionally vulnerable thirteen-year-old, whose parents had just divorced. I experienced peace of mind, and so vowed to enter the Christian ministry. After high school, I attended a Calvinist junior college, where I began to experience doubts about the existence of the supernatural and, therefore, the efficacy of worship and prayer.

I transferred to a marginally more liberal Anabaptist college with a solid history of human service, but even this failed to assuage my doubts. I attempted to enter the ministry but after two weeks in a liberal Seminary I knew it was not for me. How could I talk to parishioners about their faith when I couldn t even define my own? Nevertheless, I stayed in the Seminary, earning a Master s degree in religion, with a concentration in theology and ethics.

Still, I was doubtful, and ultimately came to think about theologies as interesting and (perhaps) even important, not as realistic explanations of the universe, but to the extent to which they motivate human behaviors. Frankly, I think I became an agnostic (perhaps even an atheist) twenty years ago, but simply failed to admit it to myself until recently.

One of the reasons, I think, was that I had nothing scientific or philosophical with which to replace my religious world view; as a Christian college student I had learned straw man versions of Darwin, Spinoza, Marx, Nietzsche, Russell, Sartre, and any other public intellectual who dared criticize religious belief. This, clearly, left a huge void in my understanding.

Around 1998, a colleague of mine introduced me to Richard Dawkins books. I began with River Out of Eden and moved on to The Blind Watchmaker. At last, I encountered true reason! And through my reading of Dawkins I have been introduced to the writings of Stephen Pinker, Dan Dennett, Jared Diamond, Sam Harris and Bart Ehrman, all of whom I consider to be my intellectual mentors.

I remain in the process of educating myself, even as I teach three subjects—Sociology, Ethics and Comparative Religions—to college students. In many of my students I see myself twenty-five years ago, struggling with the same issues of human existence, behavior and meaning. My teaching always contains a discussion of relevant evolutionary history, with the simple goal of offering students a rational alternative to their baseless myths and crippling superstitions.

Thank you, thank you, Professor Dawkins! Since—in Dawkins own words— my consciousness has been raised by Darwin, I feel more confident in my place in the universe, more useful as a teacher, and more hopeful about the future (goodbye Armageddon!).

22

I would just like to thank you for opening my eyes to the wonders of
evolution. I first discovered your books at the age of 17, when I was given The Selfish Gene and A Devil's Chaplain as gifts. I loved these books, and A Devil's Chaplain in particular inspired me to read both The Lion Children and Snake Oil, both of which I greatly enjoyed.

Your books have also inspired me to read books by Stephen J Gould, Matt and Mark Ridley, Daniel Dennett and others. I am now 20, and studying science at university, and I am now strongly opposed to the "theory" of creationism.

23

Much to my delight I was able to ever so briefly express in person to you how much I have appreciated your writing over the years, especially when it came to my dealing with the intense childhood psychological abuse at the hands of southwest Missouri Southern Baptists.

As an adult, I earned an MS in biology and have worked in the field for several years. For one year I taught high school science in small rural Missouri school and refused tochoose appeasement and compromise science education by omitting the basic foundation of Biology. Naturally that led to intense conflict--especially from the religiously zealous math teacher.

Also as an adult, intellectually I came to easily realize the fraudulency and psychological oppression of religion, but that intense fear they drove deep into my scull was more of a challenge to outgrow. Your writings provided enough clear insight to make the emotional challenge much more manageable.

Last night, a friend and I traveled from the Columbia, MO area to hear you speak [in Lawrence] and weren't disappointed.

Thanks again for all the important work you are doing.

24

Please pass along to Mr. Dawkins that we loved his spot on The Colbert Report and will be buying "The God Delusion". Nice to find a kindred spirit!

25

Thank you for bringing some sanity to the Western mainstream through your interviews on FOX and The Colbert Report. I truly hope that The God Delusion will enlighten or, at the very least, cause dogmatic religionists to open their minds a crack. For my part, I have not yet read your newest book, so I am basing this hope on the content of your interviews. However, I do plan to read it as soon as I get a chance: I look forward to exploring the arguments you make against a Creator.

26

Great to see you on Comedy Central! For his "schtick," Colbert tries very hard to act like as big an a-hole as O'Reilly or Limbaugh, but of course, he isn't even close. I think he was a little awed by R.D.-he was more reserved than usual.

I hate to beat a dead horse, but it's a shame that one gets better information from the Daily Show and the Colbert Report than from CNN

27

Just wanted to say how much I loved seeing Dr. Dawkins on the Colbert Report. As an agnostic American I hardly feel that I can share my views with others because there are so many people around me who seem to feel that there can be no such thing as an agnostic American. Having respectable people in the public eye sharing this viewpoint means a lot. Thank you.

28

Saw Richard Dawkins on The Colbert Report. Glad to hear that I have a champion in terms of what I believe about the world. Please keep up the great work and let us know how we can help.

29

Hi Richard and Team,

Totally chuffed with the site, just been watching Huw Edwards interview-
really lucid good answers. Getting very powerful. The Colbert iv was great
too!!

Ive got my tickets reserved for Oxford. Ill be bringing my 80's copy of the
Blind Watchmaker. Its the book which convinced me. The evidence of evolution
does it- its just a shame the religous dont actually read about evolution.
You must get so so bored of the same old questions!!!!

Just a point for the RD net team- if you type Dawkins or Richard Dawkins
on Google you get the old unofficial site- with no events etc. this has not
been updated since 2001!! Any chance you can get rid of this as it looks
bad considering how proffesional the .net is!!!

Well done and good luck in USA Richard!!

30

I would like to say thank you to Richard. After I found your books, I really opened my eyes. Also, I would like to say simply, 'keep it up!'The God Delusion was a wonderful read, and a book that makes you think. I look forward to more writings, and lectures, if St Pete is lucky enough. As a freshly out of the closet atheist, I find comfort knowing I am not the only one who thinks like this. Coming out to my mom, a bible beater of the less volatile stripe, was a hard thing to do. This is a strange time in my life. Thanks for being the bedrock and pillar for many of us out there.

31

I just wanted to send Dawkins a message. And that is that he has won. I was raised in an evangelical [read: fundamentalist] christian home in the midwest United States...I attended Christian Schools until the 10th grade, and was expected to go to a Christian university. I however never felt a "connection" or "personal relationship" with Jesus Christ, and thus realized I must then by default believe in evolution. Had I just accepted this, I would have had a very weak, agnostic type approach towards life. But - I chose to read Richard Dawkins. The Selfish Gene, followed by Watchmaker, and then all the rest right to the God Delusion [which I awaited anxiously for the past six months!]. It was his structured explanation that opened my eyes to the mystery of the world. I can no longer be a fence sitter, I feel a strong desire to become an activist in my new atheist principals [perhaps because I live in the US the feeling is amplified]. I am a filmmaker by trade and now find myself compelled to interject evolutionary truths into my films...I rewrote a scene from a feature I am shooting next year to include a reference to Carl Sagan.s Pale Blue Dot photograph. Life is truly amazing seen through the Darwinian view...I find myself caught at different moments everyday marvelling in it.s simplicity and it.s completeness. Richard Dawkins certainly does not deserve so much credit as I am quick to heap on him...he did not "invent" [or should I be an ass and say design?] evolution...but he did open my eyes to it...and for that, I am eternally grateful.

32

I just wanted to say thank you to RD for writing about the irrationality of religion. The only thing I believe in is that we are born, that we live and then die. And that unites us all to every living thing on this planet. Prof Dawkin's articulation of evolution (I'm reading the Ancestor's Tale at the moment) shows the real beauty of the world. This shared humanity is what should unite us in this world. All I can say is thank you.

33

I have just read your book. I was an agnostic holding out hope for some
existence after this one but you have shown me the light of reason and
evolution. I am taking Mark Twain's approach to the afterlife!

I really feel as though I light has been turned on. Death is an
inevitable but I continue to live on through the passing of my genes to
my children and other younger relatives(nieces and nephews). I am amazed
at the fact that I actually live. With all that had to happen it is
truly incredible and I certainly appreciate my place in the universe.

I see the irrationality of religion. My hope is that other will see the
true light. Thank you again. I won't hesitate to speak my mind and
support my position if challenged by an irrational religious person!

34

Thank you changing the course of my life. I know that doesn't quite cover it, but it's all I have to offer.

35

I have only read a few chapters of Richard Dawkins’ book, “The God Delusion”, but am compelled to write now in order to express just how important this book is.

Had I read this book before my conversion to born-again Christianity, (at the age of 19 while at University), I would have been better prepared for the process of proselytization that I had become a part of. I have neither feelings of bitterness at all for those who evangelised their faith to me, nor feelings of shame for my acceptance of the Christian myth. Theirs was an act of genuine sincerity, propelled by the deep convictions of their belief; mine was the typical response of an open-minded, impressionable youth, unprepared and ill-equipped to challenge the plausibility of such beliefs, and ignorant of their origins.

My de-conversion, 15 years later, was a long, exhausting and lonely experience. It began with the simplest of beginnings, while struggling with various questions that simply wouldn’t go away. I found myself daring to ask the following: “How do I know that what I believe about the Bible, and the God it speaks of, as well as the very personal experiences associated with this belief, is actually true?” Furthermore, would I be prepared to challenge what I believe, no matter what the implications? The answer was yes, and though this has had profound implications on my personal relationships with family and friends, I do not regret this personal renaissance for one moment.

As I gradually untangled each thread of indoctrination, I began to see more clearly the reality of my faith. That it was simply a belief, based on an unsubstantiated premise, and nothing more. There was no evidence in the least to demonstrate that any of it was true.

Never was the Biblical axiom “the truth shall set you free” more appropriate to my life, than when I rejected the Bible’s infallibility.

Most born-again Christians would not read “The God Delusion”. They have already made up their minds about its credibility. Only when they are prepared to challenge themselves like I was, will they venture into such territory. There will, of course, be some who read it for the sole purpose of attempting to counter its arguments, using the very same mental gymnastics that Richard Dawkins has exposed in this book.

The fervour with which exponents of religious ideals evangelise their beliefs on an un-informed public, needs to be met with an equally zealous counteract, to educate and inform. For every Gideon’s bible in a hotel room, there should be a copy of this book! It is possible, in fact I would go as far as to say highly probable, that Richard Dawkins’ latest book will spare others the wasted years under religious delusion that I have experienced. That is why this book is so important.

36

I am so pleased to find this website; the more I read of Richard Dawkins, the more I appreciate his clarity of thought and gift for presentation.

As an activist in the Minnesota version of the Democratic Party (DFL, or Democrat-Farmer-Labor); I was dismayed to find so many people talking about how we lost the 2004 election because of the "values" vote. We lost the presidency for other reasons, including the turnout of people with fundamentalist values.

The response has been to add "People of Faith" caucuses to show the Republicans that We Too have Values based on faith. Well, some of us do, but then, some of us don't. And, I think that this bleating obscures the real necessities of governing. The most important things that government should be doing are solving problems that face the governed, with the consent of the governed, and using the best research-based advice.

Whether it comes from sociologists, biologists, geologists, oceaonographers or from whatever science; the solutions that we try to find must be testable. Faith is not testable in relation to its effect on the outside world, it can be revelatory only (and so error can't be tested in a reliable way.)

Richard Dawkins, thanks for being so outspoken. I hope that with you as well other writers such as Sam Harris, that eventually mankind will be led by reason to create a better world.

37

Loved the book. I'm giving it to everyone on my Christmas list.

38

I have just finished my first reading of the God Delusion, and I cannot resist emailing to thank Richard Dawkins for writing it. For maybe 3/4 of my 60 years I have been a convinced if inarticulate atheist. Now at last I feel that there is a substantial intellectual underpinning to my own conclusions.

39

You have no idea how gratifying it is to have someone so erudite and articulate as a spokeman for atheism. I'm an old codger who managed to retain a functioning mind despite 12 years of Catholic education (including four college years with the dreaded Jesuits). I promote atheism by writing for Web sites and responding to unbelievably foolish letters that appear in the local paper.And I consider myself no slouch as a debater.But I'm quite in awe of your intellect (and your unfailing ability to remain civil regardless of the provocation). So please accept my sincere thanks for your efforts. And be assured that you have sizeable and very enthusiastic fan club. More power to you, sir.

40

I only recently got my own copy of The God Delusion and recently discovered your website and I would like to send many thanks, and all my support, your way. I found myself absolutely fascinated and engaged by Dawkins' witty, articulate, enlightening, and insightful presentation, analysis, and writings.

I am a 16 year-old from Seattle, Washington, USA, and in the height of junior year of high school, the work of Mr. Dawkins (and others like Sam Harris) has inspired me to bring religion, science, and reason to the forefront of the foci of my life as I head for college, graduate school, and a career(s). Someone in another letter mentioned being "an atheist, if inarticulate" and this is perhaps applicable to myself, and Mr. Dawkins work has given me an arsenal of arguments, founded in reason and science, some of which support underlying ideas I have, yet have been unable to articulate, even in my own head. As a junior in high school, I have a lot of work and a stack of Mr. Dawkins work that is currently trumped simply by my pressing academic priorities - for my classes. But, I look forward to the summers and breaks when I can indulge in some of the most insightful and engaging writing on some of the most current and pressing matters in America and the world generally, presented by Mr. Dawkins.

I frequently scoff at the entire humorous concept of fan-mail, but I truly hope that I will be able to see Mr. Dawkins speak, and maybe even MEET him one day. Come over to America and get out to Washington!

With my thanks and support.

Sincerely,

An American Youth

41

Below please find a copy of my letter to the editor of
the Washington Post today in response to their article
on teaching a required course on Faith and Reason at
Harvard University. Having just heard Richard Dawkins
speak at Harvard Book Store in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, I am very enthusiastic about his
ideas....



Reason and Faith at Harvard

By John I. Jenkins and Thomas Burish
Monday, October 23, 2006; Page A21

Editor:

If there is to be a required course for students at
Harvard University on Reason and Faith, I recommend
"The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. One can only
imagine, after a few years, the result of all students
studying this course, the birth of a new
Enlightenment.

42

I am a high school senior in the "bible belt". It has been hard to come to the revelation of the truth, which in essence is taking responsibility for my actions rather than pray to "god". I grew up a casual Christian, but rarely attended church due to my parents working, ironically, on the sabbath (part of that cherry picking Christian values). I would like to thank you for opening me up to the truth, which I have frequently tested various religious and spiritual paths to try to find looking for the easy shoulder to lean on. Your documentary, Root of All Evil, really made me take another look. It also gave me the curiousity to really study and critique theology and what i've been told. I am still unsure about coming out of the religious closet. I live in a very, very religious area of the United States. I am confident that with your work and the work of others, this might be a revolutionary change in rational thinking. I haven't been able to buy a copy of "The God Delusion" yet, but I am hoping to find it as soon as possible.

43

I just want to send Richard a note of thanks and appreciation for his book 'The God Delusion'. I bought 'The God Delusion' after reading the review of it in The Economist. I have just read the book and found it elightening, entertaining and liberating. So I just want to say thank you very much indeed, Richard.

44

I "lost" a few hours today, in the re-reading of your book, _The God Delusion_, and I was very much literally STRUCK by the words following the last sub-heading, "The Mother Of All Burkas."

I realised at that moment, closing the book, that I must tell you this: Those last words, under that particular sub-heading, are the most valuable in the entirety of this most recent tome.

I have read much of your work, and these words are your most eloquently, powerfull, and beautifully, phrased. You would do well, I think, to release them on your website, that others might be able to read them before making the purchase of your book- and also to send others in their direction, that they might be tempted to do the same.

45

I am a retired Assoc. Prof. Emeritus of Music living as a 77 yr. old widower in the Rockies facing Pike's Peak.Between you and Daniel Dennet I have found answers that I have been searching for during my past life time. Thank you so very much for your intelligent noncombative book. I must say it has caused me to loose sleep as I can't stop reading once I start.

46

I have just finished reading the God Delusion and about to begin reading it again. Thank you for expressing so eloquently and elegantly the irationality of belief in any God. In future, the next time I am God bothered on my doorstep I shall try to overcome my oh so English politesse and go further than my usual "no thank you" and invite the botherers in so that I may read aloud to them portions of your book.

47

After I read TIME's God vs. Science article/debate, I felt compelled to write to you (via this wonderful forum of opinion) to congratulate you. Your points came across very clear and consistently, as they always do.

On the other hand, Dr. Collins (an outstanding individual, no doubt) portrayed himself as a Scientist, who does not really believe in Science. His "God outside of nature" explanation for god's existence, is just as insane as a real mathematician fabricating a cardinal number "outside of mathematics" to support an equation's result.

I am no Scientist but I consider myself a man of Science. I have empirically come to the conclusion, that the believing-in-God-position must be associated with a chemical agent in our body. Like my loving wife of 26 years says, "I know it does not make much sense (believing in God), but it sure makes me feel good".

Nevertheless, I was deeply perturbed to hear once again, but now from a "Scientist", that human beings are still regarded as the grandest, ultimate achievement of a god (any god). Talk about hyper-Narcissism. That morals and ethics are the exclusive realm of religious faith (Judeo-Christian faith, of course). And that the nature, reasoning, and will of this super-god that rules over the Universe, have ultimately been understood by a modern "Scientist"

Having said as much, I will continue to dangerously stray from the majority, aspiring for a world-society free of mysteries and the super-natural. One truly based, upon understanding and reason. This belief makes my feel-good-juices flow :)

48

After reading 'The God Delusion' I feel compelled to write to you. I
have been pretty close in the past, after reading all of your other
excellent books.

With regard to the chapter that discusses the abuse of children by
religious indoctrination I thought I would relate a conversation I had
with my mother about 10 years ago in Belfast.

After a glass of wine or two we had turned our thoughts to the 'Irish
problem'. We were both in agreement that the indoctrination of
children received at school and church was one o the major reasons why
the unreasoned hatred for the 'other' community was perpetuated,
seemingly with now end in sight.

Our conclusion? Simple, we decided to suggest to our government that
no child under the age of 16 be allowed into a place of worship, to
worship, until they had reached their 18th birthday (21st Birthday in
the US!). A bouncer checking 'IDs' outside the church every Sunday
morning should be provided (maybe by the United Nations)!

Visiting a church with an atheist adult for history classes and
cultural ventures would be allowed.

Incidentally my atheist enlightenment came from understanding that the
attraction of two magnets could be explained by physics! I used to
carry two plastic magnetic turtles into my Belfast Sunday 'school' in
the hope that they would repel the irrational lunacy that I was being
force fed, and attract some rational thought.

Anyhow, please keep writing.

49

Surfing the net on Sunday evening, November 12, I heard your closing remarks to the college audience, and was fortunate enough to be watching when you told Liberty students to go to a real college.

It was indeed a rousing moment and deserved the thunderous applause.

Especially to someone who dumped catholicism at the age of 20 because her religion forbade her to consider marrying a harmless Presbyterian. I have since then been looked on as a wayward, stubborn, opinionated woman who will be greeted on my demiseby St. Peter at the gates saying, "We tried to tell you".

Incredible the number of thoughtless zombies who are afraid of death and
trying to take out insurance on a seat in heaven. I am not afraid of death. I am "deathly" afraid of pain and hope to be one of the fortunate few who shuffles off this mortal coil "of natural causes".

At eighty-one I am so comforted finally to discover such an intelligent and humorful gentleman who has smoothed the way.

50

Thank you for all of your books (I have read 5 of them) and your television special. You have helped me to "come out" as an Atheist. I appreciate all that you have done and look forward to meeting you as possible. You have inspired me to return to school to pursue my PhD and hopefully help to educate others in the future. Thank you again and all the best!