Very persuasive book with strong evidence in belief in a creator
359405
I have a science background and have been curious as to how some religious people can explain away evolution.
Well, after reading this book, I was blown away! The evidence presented was clear, concise, and irrefutable! I am impressed at how thorough it is as it presented practically every evolution example I learned in college. I was amazed at how reasonable and moderate this book is, as I know it is written by a religious organization, who obviously was trying to refute the evolution theory (of which they surprisingly do well).
After reading this book, I'd think anyone would start doubting evolution -- no joke.
It's a fun read anyway for those curious about the arguments on the "other side".
1567545
As Dr. Collins comes to the end of his book, he quotes Einstein's salient remark: "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." It seems to me that it took alot of courage to write this "dialogue" between religion and science - Collins is attempting a sincere search for a common ground in the overheated rhetoric that has dominated any "debate" between the two for several centuries.

Francis Collins believes the overwhelming evidence of evolution leads inexorably to the existence of a Designer, ie, apriori mind and the teleological process. He lays out a cogent argument via what is termed "theistic evolution": a synthesis of scientific fact and religious-based belief. DNA is God's instruction book while knowledge of the Moral Law within are the two pillars of this viewpoint.

The plausibility of theistic evolution is pretty convincing, given that it combines elements of what used to be called the Argument from Design and the Ontological Argument and backs it up with the latest science via the decoding of the DNA molecule. I think Collins makes a pretty persuasive case for the christian to believe in evolution and the materialist to believe in a designer/deity. It would be interesting to have an astrophysicist elucidate the macrocosm in much the same way Dr. Collins has surveyed the world of DNA and the microcosm.

Yet, there are some inconsistencies that detract from an otherwise good book. As an evangelical Christian, Dr. Collins is tempted to start witnessing for us on page 225; yet, on the same page he denies he is evangelizing and that other spiritual traditions are equally valid. And to his credit, he does rebuke the dogmatic intolerances of his fellow christians. Collins also falls back way too much on C.S. Lewis and the prior stances he wrote about seventy years ago; the amount of quoting from Lewis is way overdone. The stifling of yawns gives this one away.

All in all however, Dr. Collins has done a good job on balancing many viewpoints; yet, he doesn't cut the fundamentalist christians any slack either. He uses his persuasive powers of reasoning to support his synthesis of belief and evidence.

Recommended reading for the thoughtfully inclined.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Parataxis/dp/1934289884/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Parataxis</a>

Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts

The Cloud Reckoner
1463307
In clear, easy-to-understand prose, John Wathey marshalls much evidence in support of his hypothesis that there is a biological cause of the "feeling of god's presence" that so many people claim have experienced.  Covering everything from evolution to neuroscience, Wathey carefully and systematically builds a strong case, citing study after study in support of his position, and anticipating many of the counter arguments that are likely to arise.  Henceforth, the subjective "feeling of god's presence" can no longer be considered as evidence for the existence of a deity.  This is yet another great book that religionists will need to ignore in order to continue pretending to know things that they don't know.
2962061
This book explains how our current understanding of the universe points to our universe having sprung from nothing. It's goal is to remove the necessity of a creator. While I found the book absolutely fascinating and convincing, I am an atheist so I am predisposed to believe in a world without a god. I don't think that this book will convince someone who strongly believes in a god that there is not one. The existence, or lack there of, of a god is simply outside of the purview of science. A believer can aways find a place to insert their deity into the unknown. So while I don't think this book accomplished it's goal, it is nonetheless a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.
1539623
One of the most important books presenting precise, unrefuteable, scientific evidence that the Bible was not written by mere men, but by a Creator whose intelligence is far beyond ours. Any atheist who reads this with an open mind will have to concede that there is at the very least an intelligent Creator. To deny this would mean to deny scientific fact altogether, thus plunging science into the realm of personal preferences rather than factual research. The Genesis Factor adds a brilliant sparkle to any believers library. I highly recommend it.
4337170
I read the book on vacation and was impressed.  Dr Meyer makes cogent arguments for his intelligent design (ID) perspective without descending into personal attacks against those who disagree.  His discussion of information theory was particularly enlightening, the highlight of the book.

Overall I thought Meyer made a good case.  He even included a dozen predictions generated by ID, which should make for interesting discussion a few years from now!

Is he right?  Well, time & further research will tell.  What is clear, though, is that his arguments are based on empirical evidence, not theology or the Bible.  Despite the claims of some, the intelligent design put forth here is definitely a scientific hypothesis.  Those who wish to refute it should do so with counterarguments based on evidence, not ad hominem attacks.

Signature in the Cell is readable, informative, and generous in crediting the work of great scientists such as Watson and Crick.  The design hypothesis is daring, but has some, possibly growing, empirical support.  Whether you love or loathe ID, this is a book worth reading!
2995042
I was totally awestruck by God from cover to cover in this book..absolutely the best scientifically confirmed evidences for our wonderful loving personal theistic Creator, our Father in Heaven.  If after reading this book, the Reader still isn't convinced, then its for a personal ulterior motive  with pride as the catalyst.  Any non biased Person would be totally convinced that this universe didn't come along willy nilly and, for no good reason.
1106041
In Darwin's Pious Idea, Dr. Conor Cunningham eviscerates the atheist perspective of evolution typically argued by Richard Dawkins while delivering a powerful argument for a theistic version of the theory. Although the book isn't light reading by any stretch of the imagination, Cunningham manages to hold the reader's attention over 420 pages absolutely packed with information.

He interweaves his meticulous research into a cohesive narrative arguing that God and Darwin are not incompatible, effectively destroying the strict materialist view of the world espoused by Dawkins, Dennett, Harris, and Coyne.

After vacillating over whether to give the book four or five stars, I decided there was not enough of Dr. Cunningham in his own book. The brilliant analytical mind he displays in the "Why Study..." videos on You Tube got a little lost in the shuffle along with a wealth of information presented using direct quotes of his sources.

On the other hand, the reader can't help being impressed by the breadth of knowledge displayed by Dr. Cunningham's detailed analysis of Darwin's theory. There is a bit of a problem with what I call "drinking from the fire hose," where information comes so fast and furious it becomes a little difficult to process. It was difficult to read more than one chapter in a sitting.

The book also deserved a better job of editing, in my opinion. Sometimes paragraphs went on for two pages like one long, uninterrupted thought.

Overall, this book was very thought-provoking and well worth the time to read. I highly recommend Darwin's Pious Idea, especially for anyone who read Dawkins's book The God Delusion and had their faith shaken by the strict materialist/atheist's perspective of evolution.
2086353
Most books like these are from powerhouse authors who once disbelieved, and actually set out to disprove the gospel, and in so doing, discovered the supreme veracity of Scripture. The author of this book does admit to certain doubts, as all people do, but claims no such journey of discovery. Maybe I'm spoiled when it comes to apologetics because of such names as Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, and J. Warner Wallace, who all have compelling testimonies to back-up their desire to seek objective evidence.

I don't want to say that an author must have a Pauline-style conversion to write a winning book regarding the evidence of the resurrection, however, because everyone's testimony about life-change is valid and helpful for building God's kingdom.

Besides, every capable Christian must be asking and answering these essential questions about their faith. The Resurrection is the pinnacle of history, the reason for our faith, the reason why Jesus was exactly who he said he was. Every author who can correctly put this into perspective is doing the world a service. These sorts of books are not just a fad, but finally a focus on the most convincing truth for being a Christ-follower: the resurrection!

The author has not limited his audience to the secular skeptic alone, however, and makes his appeal to the doubting Thomas. He paints a new light on this disciple, and those like him, and applauds their desire for evidence. This is not a secret club of blind believers, after all, but a confident knowledge in what was publicly acknowledged, seen, and heard. This is exactly the allure of the book's subtitle: Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection. There is nothing wrong with wanting evidence, a reason to believe. And that is why Christianity, and only Christianity, is true.

So I do recommend this book to read and to have available among your other apologetic novelettes like More Than A Carpenter, Cold-Case Christianity, and The Case For Christ. The authors also made this a short read, short enough that you'd be comfortable giving it to your doubting friends as an encouraging gift, and it is conversational enough for anyone to pick it up and understand its precepts.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookbloggers.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
3462702
Brilliant book. A much needed science based argumentation against some of the most widely preached atheist theories. The author speaks with convincing authority
4390942
Dan Barker is one of the most fascinating personalities in the atheist circles. A former evangelical that "you would not want to sit next to on a bus" (pg. 16), Barker begins his story in Godless by describing just how deep a believer he was. He started evangelizing young, and went on to be an ordained minister, Christian songwriter and playwriter, missionary, bible-thumper and soul-winner. His belief in Jesus Christ was complete, humble, immersive, inspirational, and honest. He seemed like the most unlikely person to lose his faith, but as he tells in this book, that is exactly what happened.

After describing his years of evangelical work, he talks about the years during which he began to honestly question some of the things he believed, and found that his doubts only got stronger the more research he did. Eventually, he accepts his deconversion and renounces his former passion. His handling of the Kalam Cosmological Argument is very solid and one the book's strengths, as is the interesting 'Dear Theologian' chapter, whereby Barker assumes the role of a lonely and isolated Judeo-Christian God questioning those who assume they understand 'his' needs and desires.

The third section of the book is the strongest in terms of refuting apologists and directly arguing for an atheistic mindset. Barker has done his research and then some. This part, titled "What's Wrong With Christianity" leaves no argument for God and Jesus Christ unanswered. Barker deals solidly with the ideas of morality and biblical murder, goodness and ethics. He goes deeper in examining the numerous biblical contradictions and discrepancies, mistranslations and outright forgeries, including very strong arguments that Jesus was a character largely created out of legend and propaganda, with nearly zero evidence of his life available in sources outside of the Bible.

Finally, Barker sums up this book with a few chapters analyzing his life as an atheist and his work with the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which actively challenges issues dealing with Church and State consitutionality.

I challenge any Christian believer to read this book and not come away with some serious doubts about faith and the idols they worship. The case for Christianity is so flimsy that it is very hard to understand how so many millions of people believe its central tenats completely. Barker is not out to offend or antagonize (unlike some other atheist writers), but he offers his arguments in an unapologetic and reasonable manner and directly challenges the reader to examine his/her beliefs with honesty and integrity. Non-believers of all stripes can find an excellent source of ammunition for countering religious apologists, and even believers can gain insights and reasonable interpretations of the mythologies they hold dear. Five big stars and very highly recommended as one of the very best books I've read in years on the subject.
3462657
I picked up this book with some skepticism, as I'm an avid Cayce fan and hesitant to accept the claims of someone who asserts he is Cayce's reincarnation.  While I still don't feel I can say for certain that I believe David Wilcock IS Cayce, I certainly find Wilcock plausible, mostly because the voice of Ra sounds a great deal like Cayce's Source.

To Wilcock, Ra speaks far more directly than did Cayce's Source, however I tend to accept the explanation offered by this book's author, Wynn Free, that as Cayce's "Source," Ra presented ideas and information to Cayce in a form consistent with Cayce's fundamentalist Christainity.  What's important here is that the concepts offered by Ra to Wilcock are highly similar to those offered to Cayce by his Source.

But whether Wilcock is, or is not, Cayce's reincarnation isn't that important, and finding the answer to that question really is not the reason to buy this book.  The book is valuable for the elegant language and powerful ideas expressed by Ra to Wilcock, as well as for the two final chapters, which are reprints of text written by Wilcock that describe an astounding, and believable, way of understanding the nature of reality.  Also, one of the final chapters is an exposition of what Wilcock calls "the energetic engine of evolution," which in and of itself is worth the purchase price of the book.

Many of the ideas attributed to Ra are not new to me.  What is new is Ra's fresh and clear way of explaining them, and the inspirational impact of the readings that Wilcock channels from Ra.  These are so good that I have shared them with several like-minded friends, and also made copies for myself so that I can read portions immediately before or after I meditate.

One of the things I find convincing about Wilcock is that he has consistently presented free of charge nearly all of his research and readings on several web sites, the addresses of which are noted in the book.  His motivation appears to be a genuine desire to share Ra's message with others, rather than to enrich or glorify himself.

There is a lot of junk in print these days, and a lot of people claiming to be psychic when what they actually are is opportunistic, but Wilcock, and probably by extension those individuals who are associated with him, is the real deal.  Buy this book and judge for yourself.  I don't believe you'll be disappointed.
480090
It is my goal to provide an honest review of this book, as seen from my perspective.  I appreciate what Dawkins says, from the viewpoint of his arguement.  Dawkins also, surprisingly, admits that the existance of God is a 50/50 chance.  He does, however, provide arguments for why he believes God is improbable.  The book is split into two parts.  The first half of the book is Dawkins' argument against religion.  The second half is a scientific history of religion and a hypothesis for why it began.

Regardless of if you are Atheist or Theist, I think both sides can appreciate (not neccessarily agree with) Dawkins' arguments.  For Atheist's, Dawkins provides a central scientific argument for Atheists beliefs.  Saddly enough, Atheist's are persecuted everywhere, simply because of what they believe.  This is eerily reminiscent of the persecutions of jews and christians elsewhere.  Theist's should not look at this book in disdain, but see it as a resource.  Challenge makes people stronger, and "The GOD Delusion" is definitely a challenge.

This book was written for the Atheist, not the Theist or Christian.  Dawkins states repeatedly that its not his intent to convert people, but to provide his arguments to those who share his belief.  I found his arguments well thoughtout, a bit over explained, and quite stimulating.  For the Athiest this book is a true breath of fresh air and a source of solace.

While I have no doubt, that because I said positive things about this book that my review will be terribly rated, I felt compelled to share my view.  As an Atheist living in the christian dominated American society, I'm often smothered by the religious beliefs of others.  While the Constitution provides freedom of religion, it does not afford freedom FROM religion.

Mr. Dawkins, Thank you sir.  Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in my beliefs, and thank you for your richly inspiring arguments.
2896815
This was the milestone book in my deconversion process from religious indoctrination. I had had doubts about the truth of religion for a long time and it was a courageous effort on my part to even dare buy this book. However, I soon realized that it wasn't in fact written by Satan but proved instead to be a real page-turner of clear, concise and factual arguments against the doctrines of religion; Christianity in particular. David Mills has taken a lot of effort to explain what should be obvious to anyone not blinded by religious dogma. He does not impose his ideas on anyone but lets us decide for ourselves based on the evidence presented. I also found myself laughing so many times at his witty way with words and dreading that the book would end. It is a rather slim book but in retrospect I can see that this is a good thing since it makes for much lighter reading, to the benefit of a wider audience. I would also recommend 'Natural Atheism' by David Eller for a more detailed discussion on certain aspects of critical thinking and free thought.

Update: I recently purchased the "2nd edition" of this book (because I like it so much!) by Ulysses Press which features an introduction by Dorion Sagan, son of the late and great astronomer/teacher, Carl Sagan. It also includes a new chapter on Intelligent Design (available as a free PDF at the author's website) and has the added touch of quote boxes throughout the text. I usually read "heavier" material these days but I just had to add this to my library and would recommend it to everyone. David Mills, please continue to keep us informed and entertained through your writing.
1108499
No matter how good the argument, some won't believe it. In the case of this book, the author makes a good argument for the idea that the law, as well as many of the scientific discoveries of Western Civilization, were made as a result of some who believed not only in God, but the teaching of the Bible. If you want to learn why Christians believe what they believe, then this book is a great place to start.

The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible explains how the Bible has influenced not only Western Civilization but also the world as a whole. It covers a wide variety of topics, including slavery, and what the Bible has to say about it, as well as Old Testament Law and how it was really applied. For Christians, as well as non Christians, this is an excellent way to find out what the Bible actually has to say about these, and many more topics.

I learned a long time ago that it's arrogant to believe you know everything there is to know about any topic. Even though this book is written at a basic level, similar to a 100 level college course, there's still a lot to learn. The author covers just about every subject that has caused controversy. He also covers, in some detail, how atheism has been used to hijack some of the relevant discoveries of Western Civilization. What makes this book really useful though is that the author includes many resources, i.e. additional books you can read, to explore further and decide for yourself whether or not what this book has to say is true. It's a fascinating study of a complex topic, and it's well worth reading.

Regardless of what your stance is on God, the Bible, or even religion, you'll find something interesting in the book, and I'm sure, as I did, you'll learn something you didn't know. There's plenty of quotes by famous atheists like Christopher Hutchins and Richard Dawkins. Reading what they have to say on some of these topics is also fascinating, and it can either reinforce your faith or make you reconsider your opinion of the Bible. It's well worth the exploration, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in what the Bible really has to say, not what you've been told. It really doesn't matter if you're a Christian or not. There's something here for everyone.
977313
If any review you read says this book makes a "God of the gaps" argument, then that person has not read the book.  This is the exact opposite.  The author goes into his research not having a side on chance versus intelligent design.  He bases studies, experiments, findings, books, papers, etc on making his decision.  He shows how it is near impossible that the origin of life could have arisen by chance, and painstakingly gives evidence after evidence over why this is and why ID is a much more rational explanation for the origin of life.  There is no "the Bible says this" or "God says we need to do this".  It is all based off of scientific research and reasoning.  After reading, it would be hard to argue that chance was the reason.  It would almost be foolish to.  This was an amazing book; very detailed, very organized, and very deep.  A+++
871107
Moses Hull was one of the great Spiritualist speakers, writer and debaters. In this book, he defends the new faith, and takes on questions and objections. He consistently points of Spiritualist phenomena and shows the Hebrew prophets to be mediums, exhibiting mediumistic behaviours. He even points out some of the reformers as having spiritual occurrences, such as Martin Luther and John Wesley. Hull is a fine writer, so even if one is skeptical, much can be learned from this author. He challenges you to think and decide for yourself, based on the evidence.