Darwin's Angel: An Angelic Riposte to "The God Delusion"

Yet again another critic attacks Dawkins for his apparent lack of theological scolarship. Not only is this book aggressive in its direction, it is dishonest in its interpretation of Dawkins' arguments (particularly those relating to Dostoyevsky) and most importantly shows absolute zero reason for me to believe in any kind of supernatural entity that offers even a half - decent explanation of the universe. One of Dawkins' main arguments is that until you can show atheists reasonable evidence for the existence of a supreme being then you have no case. Dawkins destroys any recognisable evidence for Abrahamic deities in his book The God Delusion. Not surprisingly he cannot address every philosophocal and theological argument in one book, which has lead to a number of critics criticising him for being apparently unlearned in these fields. You can postulate all you like about Dawkins' methods but his reputation and works are based on empirical science and not woolly superstition and as such he will remain one of the most respected scientists and thinkers of his generation. As Christopher Hitchens points out, religion has poisoned this world long enough - why don't you let those of us who believe in facts have a go?

Sometimes, it's best to keep quiet. (1/5 people found this helpful)

There is a need for ripostes to people like Dawkins, who in my opinion is simply insulting to those who want, choose, or simply do believe.

It's not a bad book, and is amusing in parts. But it's not really a thought-provoker, and tends to read to literally like "you said this; our reply is:" Fair enough, but it doesn't make for a readable book.

Final assessment: it got shoved on the shelf after a few pages. It remains there.

II purchased this book from a sense of fair enquiry (6/12 people found this helpful)

I purchased this book from a sense of fair enquiry having read `The God Delusion'. Richard Dawkins may not be the most charming personality (compare his style with Stephen Pinker), but his honesty is radiantly refreshing when compared to the patronising, simpering, holier-than-thou pap of John Cornwell.

In my opinion neither book offers any great revelation. No one should read `Darwin's Angel' or `The God delusion' with the expectation of ultimate enlightenment. However, whereas Dawkins wishes his readers to open their consciousness and attempt an escape from their hunter-gatherer brain, Cromwell wants his readers to bathe in self-satisfaction and limitation; they, have of course been privilege to `personal experience of God'. Well lucky them - but meanwhile world leaders commit acts of international crime because their similar privilege, humans are prepared to kill each other and indeed themselves because of theirs, unwanted babies are born with AIDS, while others die slow and agonizing deaths because of their `original sin', little girls are mutilated and our beautiful planet is ravaged because God gave man `dominion' over it - need I go on?

Recently the primate of all England wrote that when he read `The God Delusion' he kept saying to himself "No, that's not it." Well, perhaps our senior cleric should stand up and say unequivocally `What IT actually is'. Maybe, as Dawkins suggests, he considers IT within the realm of belief and therefore not open for discussion.

Human beings are at their best when they co-operate; indeed this is precisely why we have been such a phenomenally successful species. This thread runs through all great philosophy, so surely a deeper understanding of our brain and what motivates us is essential for the future of mankind and our planet - only an honest, open and above all non-egotistical scientific method can achieve this.

I am most definitely.... on the side of the monkeys.

Remove the ad hominem and there's no book (10/20 people found this helpful)

Of all the multitude of anti-Dawkins books that have sought to cash in on the true believers' discomfort induced by the best selling "The God Delusion", Cornwell's is possibly the most slyly personal attack on Dawkins the man rather than on Dawkin's ideas.

Framed dishonestly as a caring lecture from a guardian angel, the book is little more than a collection of ad hominem digs about Dawkins' personality hung upon what appear to be willful misreadings of what Dawkins actually wrote.

Why it took Cornwell as long as 160 pages to produce an argument that is little more than "Dawkins is wrong because he appears arrogant" is a mystery.

Beautiful! (5/13 people found this helpful)

A wonderful, subtle, intelligent, well-reasoned, highly readable work which destroys 'The God Delusion' without (apparently) even trying. Beautiful!

Darwin's Angel: An Angelic Riposte to "The God Delusion"

John Cornwell

Reader Reviews:

How very boring (1/5 people found this helpful)

Sometimes, it's best to keep quiet. (1/5 people found this helpful)

II purchased this book from a sense of fair enquiry (6/12 people found this helpful)

Remove the ad hominem and there's no book (10/20 people found this helpful)

Beautiful! (5/13 people found this helpful)

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