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sbsantiago's review against another edition
5.0
Very informative and thought provoking. I'm glad I read this.
daniherz's review against another edition
3.0
This book is a nice and short summary on the basic arguments against Christian theism and it would likely be helpful to someone looking for proof that theism isn’t true. However, as an atheist of many years, Sam Harris comes off as a brand new, angry atheist. I doubt that this letter would actually convince any one out of their faith because the tone of it is so sarcastic and know-it-all that it would be an immediate turn off. However, if you’re already looking for arguments that God doesn’t exist, I’m sure this book would be a great resource.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
jasperburns's review
5.0
View my best reviews and a collection of mental models at jasperburns.blog.
alyshadeshae's review
5.0
I have to say, in spite of the title "letter to a christian nation," I still didn't expect it to be written in letter format. I liked it. It was unique, easy to read (although I switched between reading it and listening to it), and fascinating.
nikshelby's review against another edition
4.0
>>> “I know of no society in human history that ever suffered because its people became too desirous of evidence in support of their core beliefs.”
>>> "In fact, "atheism" is a term that should not even exist. No one ever needs to identify himself as a "non-astrologer" or a "non-alchemist." We do not have words for people who doubt that Elvis is still alive or that aliens have traversed the galaxy only to molest ranchers and their cattle. Atheism is nothing more than the noises reasonable people make in the presence of unjustified religious beliefs.”
>>> “When considering the truth of a proposition, one is either engaged in an honest appraisal of the evidence and logical arguments, or one isn't. Religion is one area of our lives where people imagine that some other standard of intellectual integrity applies.”
>>> "“The truth, however, is that the conflict between religion and science is unavoidable. The success of science often comes at the expense of religious dogma; the maintenance of religious dogma always comes at the expense of science.”
>>> "In fact, "atheism" is a term that should not even exist. No one ever needs to identify himself as a "non-astrologer" or a "non-alchemist." We do not have words for people who doubt that Elvis is still alive or that aliens have traversed the galaxy only to molest ranchers and their cattle. Atheism is nothing more than the noises reasonable people make in the presence of unjustified religious beliefs.”
>>> “When considering the truth of a proposition, one is either engaged in an honest appraisal of the evidence and logical arguments, or one isn't. Religion is one area of our lives where people imagine that some other standard of intellectual integrity applies.”
>>> "“The truth, however, is that the conflict between religion and science is unavoidable. The success of science often comes at the expense of religious dogma; the maintenance of religious dogma always comes at the expense of science.”
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
2.0
I have a brother who worships this guy so I wanted to see what he was all about. He could have done better to not be so hostile. Overall he's just as biased, narrow-minded, and retarded as those religious people he's speaking out against. He's like the Michael Moore of religion bashing. Although he spoke favorably towards eastern religions. Probably because he hasn't been offended yet by them.
Who are the people that think dinosaurs were on the ark? Or that the earth is 6,000 years old? If anyone, they are a very small minority that should not be held up as an example to the whole Christian nation. That's like me saying all atheists are as stupid as this guy.
He does bring up a good point about Jesus actively objecting or preaching against slaves. As well as how Muslims behave in hosts' countries.
Atheists are not the most reviled minority in the US. Idiot.
I wouldn't say the United Kingdom is not religious, nor are they among the healthiest.
Not every religious person thinks the Bible is perfect in all its parts.
Why does he think the Bible "has" to say anything?
Who are the people that think dinosaurs were on the ark? Or that the earth is 6,000 years old? If anyone, they are a very small minority that should not be held up as an example to the whole Christian nation. That's like me saying all atheists are as stupid as this guy.
He does bring up a good point about Jesus actively objecting or preaching against slaves. As well as how Muslims behave in hosts' countries.
Atheists are not the most reviled minority in the US. Idiot.
I wouldn't say the United Kingdom is not religious, nor are they among the healthiest.
Not every religious person thinks the Bible is perfect in all its parts.
Why does he think the Bible "has" to say anything?
alanrussellfuller's review against another edition
1.0
There is no God because evil exists in the world. Harris writes as though he is the only one to ever think of this. Much of the evil he speaks of is simply Nature, and yet he talks of the beauty of Nature in his concluding remarks. Which is it? He starts out with some very poor biblical exegesis. Harris claims that Mat 5:18 "jot or tittle," means that Christians are supposed to follow the laws given to Israel in the wilderness.
I expected a little more interesting arguments from Harris.
I expected a little more interesting arguments from Harris.