Freedom from Religion
Thursday, January 31, 2008
I finished Christopher Hitchen's book God Is Not Great on Monday. I listened to it on audiobook. Hitchens did a pretty good job with the reading, although at the very beginning he sounded like he wasn't having much fun with it, but as he progressed he sounded like he was relishing the words.
A week or so ago I had it playing in my car when it came to Chapter 7: Revelation - The Nightmare of the Old Testament. As I listened the him talk, I felt suddenly very free. Hearing all of the rules and regulations of religion and realizing that none of them applied to me was exhilarating. Somehow, even though I haven't been a Christian in many years, the thought that I don't have to worry about what private thoughts I have or about doing obscure rituals to satisfy a jealous god, made me bubbly-happy.
OK, I should state, for those of you who think religion is necessary for morals, that I'm not talking about shrugging off morals. But it's incredibly freeing to know that being good isn't about doing this or that perfectly. In many ways religious ritual reminds me of magic. The same excuses are used for why both prayer and magical rituals don't work. And both require the believer to ignore reality.
None of this is new to me, but it was startlingly clear at that moment. And for that reason, that reminder, I'm glad I "read" the book.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 8:57:00 AM CST
You know, I read god is not great as well and while it was well written, it didn't really have much "punch".
It seemed to be Mr. Hitchens' re-write of many atheist arguments. In short well-written, pithy, but ultimately no impact.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 11:15:00 AM CST
I haven't read the book yet, but it's in the (growing) pile of books to read soon.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 11:47:00 AM CST
I enjoyed it, but Keith is right. I enjoyed it because I love the way Hitchens writes. I love his Slate columns, and his ability to say things with such understandable, blinder-releasing clarity. However, what he says isn't really new to this atheist, though it's well put together, and very convincing.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 1:07:00 PM CST
SI, I've really been of the opinion that these "atheist" books are really for people who haven't yet completely thought the ideas through for themselves. (NO offense, OG. Hey... I read them too)! But I am no longer really interested in reading them. This is not to say I'm not really happy that they are being written. Does that make sense? It does to me, so screw you guys. :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 2:19:00 PM CST
I actually stated very explicitly in my post that these aren't new ideas to me, Evo.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 3:16:00 PM CST
I hesitated about buying Hitchens' book at all because I figured he probably doesn't have anything unique to add to the conversation. If he were not such a skilled writer I wouldn't have bothered.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 4:31:00 PM CST
I actually stated very explicitly in my post that these aren't new ideas to me, Evo.
I know you did. That's why I explicitly said "no offense". They aren't new to me, and I still read them.
I just don't think I'll be doing it any more - unless I read a book review that tells me "It's AWESOME and a must read".
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 7:25:00 PM CST
Most of the unbiased (read secular) reviews of the Hitchens book said just that. In fact, it was short-listed for the National Book Award, which is probably the most prestigious American award behind the Pulitzers.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 7:42:00 PM CST
Evo, I'm sorry that I misinterpreted.
I'm a little sensitive because my point wasn't that everyone should read them. My point is that I found value in the book. Read it or not, I don't care, but it's like pissing on my parade to come here and only comment that you wouldn't find value.
But, I suppose a lot of people think the same as you judging by the comments. :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 10:56:00 PM CST
Just the title of the book made me laugh a little bit. People are constantly preaching god is great to anyone who will listen. How would they react if I just said, no, god is not great!
Friday, February 1, 2008 at 2:53:00 PM CST
What possible new arguments could there be? Seriously. So what, no new atheist books need be written?
I can't help but think of a musical analogy. There are covers, and their are Covers, where an artist takes an old song and makes it his or hers. Hitchens, imo, is that latter kind.
Friday, February 1, 2008 at 5:55:00 PM CST
I haven't finished it yet, but after watching him debate and reading his articles for the last couple years, I have to wonder what he would have been like if he had decided to join the clergy. He would have made one helluva Pope.