Gunning for God

[naomi24]

I’m currently reading ‘Gunning for God’, by John C Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, Oxford. It started quite promisingly, I thought, but quickly descended into the usual assault on the works of Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, et al. I’m about a third of the way through it now, and although the author is vigorous in his condemnation of atheism (often irrationally so), he has yet to explain his reasons for defending religion – and frankly, with works of this genre, this complete failure to address the fundamental issues is becoming rather tedious. I’m hoping the next two thirds will offer something a little more interesting, but in the meantime can anyone recommend a book that doesn’t depend upon atheist-bashing and that actually offers a good case for religion? And if anyone suggests the Bible, the Koran, or the Book of Mormon – wotchit! ;o)

[jomifl]

Mother Theresa was an obsessive who 'saved' souls whether of not they wanted to be 'saved. She only pulled dying people off the streets so that she could convert them. Whether or not she did any good is debatable.

[birdie1971]

Keyplus -

Watch this. It's all about Islamic science. It'll be right up your street...

[jomifl]

Excellent post Birdie, I am really impressed by the scholar's ability to find connections between things that would seem at first sight to be completely unconnected. The news about basalt being the oldest rock on earth and of extraterrestrial origin will have shaken the Royal Geological Society to it's very (basaltic)foundations. Where do we go from here? ....Ah yes breakfast!

[naomi24]

Birdie, I can't even laugh at that. So sad.

[Old_Geezer]

At 4 pages already before I find this (and my attention deficit disorder getting more established as I age) ) I'll just make the comment that books that are either anti or pro, god or atheism, always seem to descend to the level of unsubstantiated argument and sometimes even name calling. I tend not to read them as they annoy me. Yelling at a book doesn't get through to the annoying fellow who is making a fortune selling it to the likes of me. So your description of the book you are reading doesn't much surprise me.

[keyplus90]

Few will not believe him either.

[bigbadmarty]

jomifl , if you haven't heard the late great Chris Hitchens on mother teresa here's your chance ....
mind you he's a bit "warmed up" in this clip :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VqevZduWXE

[jomifl]

Thanks Marty, I hadn't seen it, my views on the Theresa creature were based on news reports over several decades that hadn't been sanitized by their eminences. I think Christpher Hitchens summed her up fairly well. All those lives destroyed so that she could book her place beyond the pearly gates, how utterly heartless and selfish.

[jomifl]

Keyplus, is there a point to the video that you posted?

[naomi24]

Keyplus, for goodness sake stop wheeling out that pathetic old video of poor Keith Moore at his most embarrassed. The man was working for the Saudis when he made it 40 years ago, he has never repeated what he said there, he refuses to be interviewed on the subject, and none of his books that are in use in the western world include that information. Think about it. A wise man indeed. He still has his head!!!

Ask yourself where all the reputable Islamic scientists are who agree with it? Have they put their reputations on the line for it? No, because like all reputable scientists, they know it’s utter rubbish – and, sensibly, they are nowhere to be found! You can rest assured that more than a few are not going to believe it. No one who knows anything at all about embryology believes it. When are you going to face reality?

[keyplus90]

As expected again. Nothing new.

[naomi24]

Keyplus, all I'm saying is think about it. Just think.

[birdie1971]

Keyplus - “As expected again. Nothing new.”

And clearly nothing new from you either – as usual. The reason there is 'nothing new' from those who oppose your particular views is because Mr Moore was under duress when he made the statements in the video. The fact that he has never repeated his lecture and that he also refuses to even talk about it, should tell you all you need to know.

But you know this already.

However, the habitual liar in you just can't help himself can he? He must continue to try and spread his lies even though those lies have already been shown to be nothing more than state funded propaganda.

While you're on the subject of science, why don't you tell us all about how the Koran 'revealed' that the element Iron is forged within the stars? I find that one fascinating.

Oh, hang on. Are you still ignoring me? Damn. I've typed all that for no reason. Oh well. I'll post it anyway...

[naomi24]

Keyplus, let’s make it simple. A few questions.

1. Why doesn’t the rest of the scientific world, including reputable Muslim scientists, agree with what Keith Moore said on that recording?

2. Why isn’t that information included in any of his books that are in use in the western world?

3. If it’s such a great discovery, why does he refuse to speak about it?

4. Why is it so important to you to claim that a western scientist has found some truth in the Koran?

5. Why did he say it?

[atalanta]

You could try some of Roger Scruton's stuff.
He can't convince me, but I don't think even the Second Coming would convince me. I have just read A.C. Grayling's "Against all gods" - very short, very cheap, very logical and very convincing.