"If this book doesn't change the world, we're all screwed"*

[Purrybonker]

Originally posted by jluetjen
So -- Did anyone else listen to both of the first-person interviews from NPR with Dawkins and Collins?

Before I throw out my own thoughts stemming from the interviews, I'd be interested in other people's responses. Or is everyone too busy shouting at each other to actually listen to the other side???

Yes, I listened to both. I don't really think that Collins is an obverse to Dawkins in the sense of representing a counter-argument. There really is no argument/counter-argument on this subject matter.

Belief is without rational foundation (Collins and company repeatedly acknowledge that) - so there is no rational argument against Dawkins' material. If you were to read The God Delusion you would find that Dawkins deals with each of Collins' talking points which are intended to be "arguments" for the existence of God.

I will say that Collins does take remarks from renowned scientists somewhat out of context. (like referencing the "anthropic principle" - as supporting the existence of God). Also the point at the end of the Collins interview that atheists are more religious than theists (in the foundation for their thinking) is completely ridiculous.

Also the statistic that 40% of "practising scientists" believe in God. I'm not sure how that that really helps his argument much...

Both sides are preaching to their respective choirs.

[kang]

Originally posted by jluetjen
As far as "taking the bait" on abortion, you were the person who brought it up.

Actually I just listed it as one line item that “religious nutjobs” are responsible for. You are the one that tried to turn this thread into a thread about abortion. That’s what I meant by bait.