1. The New Atheist Movement

Comment #123453 by Max Mullen on February 7, 2008 at 7:58 am

Sometimes it’s hard being English.

I was absolutely doubled up with embarrassment for that idiot John Turner and his entirely predictable little story about the assistant to the unnamed atheist author in the plane (and the rest). It will be days before my toes uncurl.

If anyone doubts that religion puts the poop into nincompoops they just need to watch that video.

Incidentally, someone mentioned Hitler. It is often noted that he was an atheist. What is not generally recognised is that Hitler was extremely superstitious. If anyone can tell me the difference between superstition and religion I would be grateful. Even better I would like to know the difference a superstitious person and a person who thinks there is a god. Any takers?

2. Hitchens and Prager Debate

Comment #46103 by Max Mullen on May 30, 2007 at 8:24 am

Maybe I didn't understand, but I found the debate between Dennis Prager and Christopher Hitchens too shallow to be interesting. Prager's propositions had no substance and Hitchens gave them too much credence.

For example; the question about the ten men was ridiculous and ought to have been beaten into the ground. Even in a debate with children it would have required context. How about if it were two or three hundred years ago (in the USA as Mr Prager prefers), and you were suspected of being a witch, would you be reassured to know that the men coming towards you had just left bible class? Or would you hope they were just a bunch of drunks?

Similarly; Prager's assertion that it must be better to believe that one is the product of a plan by a sentient creature than to believe that one is just the product of chance, required a better answer.

Can anyone really be comforted by the belief that this world is the result of careful planning by a super being? This world, with all its misery, disease and suffering children. A recent radio programme about what it can be like to be asthmatic brought this atheist to tears. Even the animals suffer.

Surely it must be much more reassuring to know that the world has not been planned, and is just the product of a random process: on the other hand, the belief that one will have to meet a monster responsible for creating this hateful world must be the opposite of reassuring – it must be terrifying. (Thank goodness it isn't going to happen).

I don't believe the 'debate' was genuine. It was too childish, superficial and cosy - simply a conversation between friends in love with themselves, or each other, or maybe it was only about the money and the publicity. The only certainty is - there was no intention of changing minds and no minds were changed.

3. Send The God Delusion to your MP

Comment #18964 by Max Mullen on January 24, 2007 at 3:33 am

A good idea, but some MPs will receive a several books and others none. Perhaps better to subscribe to a fund to ensure at least one book to each. Why stop at MPs? Should also include local political leaders, USA politicos and "divines".