reviews/recommendations
I was wondering what the general feelings would be about creating another section in the forums for reviews and recommendations of various media, e.g books/documentaries for reference purposes and entertainment.
I often go to the library and/or buy new books and it would be great to see some more recommendations! They need not even be reference material I suppose, for example I recommend anybody read Poul Anderson books, especially Tau Zero! They're very pro-human and science.
Thoughts?
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FWIW, I think that's a pretty spiffy idea. I don't do the programming, however, so I don't know how much of a pain in the ass it would be vs. the potential gain.
I'd be happy to contribute some synopsis style reviews of a few of the books I've read that aren't commonly mentioned.
Also, FWIW, I think if any atheist hasn't read "The Authoritarian Specter" by Robert Altmeyer, they're kind of like a surgeon who didn't bother to read a basic anatomy text.
Critical reading for those who wish to understand the mind of a fundamentalist theist of any brand name.
Atheism isn't a lot like religion at all. Unless by "religion" you mean "not religion". --Ciarin
http://hambydammit.wordpress.com/
Books about atheism
Awesome! I've not put that on my list of things to get, that's quite a pricey book though, will have to save up hehe.
Keep them coming!
Hmm...this idea would be absolutely great for me, I know that much. With as interested as I am in learning of atheistic media, whether in book form or in video. Being able to avoid wasting money by knowing what is actually worth the price would be extremely helpful.
Amazon.com often has used books. Just keep checking there, and you can probably get it much cheaper.
Atheism isn't a lot like religion at all. Unless by "religion" you mean "not religion". --Ciarin
http://hambydammit.wordpress.com/
Books about atheism
Pardon me, that was a typo on my part. When I said I had "not" put it on my list of things to get, I intended to write "now".
However, yes, it is still very expensive, so I will periodically check amazon for used copies.
Here's an 'odd' request. My library of reference books grow, but they are somewhat one sided in favour of atheism. I don't have a great problem with this, as most reference books of this sort are rebuttals of specific theistic arguements. I also watch and read transcripts of debates when I can.
However, I'd like to get a book or two that is entirely pro-theism, and sets out the theistic arguements without contention at every turn. I know it's a hard task, but I'd also like to not completely waste my money on complete garbage.
So, all that said, does anybody have any recommendations for anything of this sort? I've had one recommendation for Lee Strobel's "the case for faith" any thoughts? any others?
Sure...
C.S. Lewis - Mere Christianity, is a staple of the repertoire.
More than a Carpenter, Josh McDowell...
In fact, you could spend weeks just reading Josh McDowell... Evidence that demands a verdict, Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics ask about Christianity (or something like that... It's not on my shelf anymore.)
The Edge of Evolution by Behe...
Honestly, if you read all of that, you'll have a pretty solid grasp on most theist arguments. Once you read a few dozen books, you'll know for sure that there really are only a handful of arguments, and each book just puts a different wrapping paper on a previously trounced idea.
Atheism isn't a lot like religion at all. Unless by "religion" you mean "not religion". --Ciarin
http://hambydammit.wordpress.com/
Books about atheism
The God Theory by Bernard Haisch
God's Universe by Owen Gingerich
Captain, the review of The God Theory sounds an awful lot like pantheism to me. Is he espousing a god beyond nature, or a natural phenomenon?
Atheism isn't a lot like religion at all. Unless by "religion" you mean "not religion". --Ciarin
http://hambydammit.wordpress.com/
Books about atheism
Yes, his arguments are basically pantheism
Thanks for the recommendations guys, I've put them on my wishlist and will now keep an eye on the prices while I wait for a bargain. So much to read and only finite time... I picked up the Lee Strobel book as I spotted it for £0.01.
Here's a quick recommendation for Voiderest (sp?) due to one of his threads in the Science forum:
Genesis by Poul Anderson
"Artificial intelligence has been developed to a point where human intelligence can be uploaded into a computer, achieving a sort of hybrid immortality. Astronaut Christian Brannock welcomes this technology, technology that will make it possible for him to achieve his dream and explore the stars.
A billion years later, Branock is dispatched to Earth to check on some strange anomalies. While there he meets Laurinda Ashcroft, another hybrid upload. Brannock and Laurinda join forces and investigate Gaia, the supermind dominating the planet, and learn the truth of her terrifying and secret plans for Earth."
Well, the Lee Strobel book arrived today.... call me optimistic, but I had thought the case for faith would be a little bigger lol
ROFL
Wait til you read it. It's about 3 pages of actual "case" and about 180 pages of fluff.
And, it's one of the better ones out there, according to most theists.
Atheism isn't a lot like religion at all. Unless by "religion" you mean "not religion". --Ciarin
http://hambydammit.wordpress.com/
Books about atheism