Month: January 2007

Today I spent some time looking into critiques of Richard Dawkins’ book, the God Delusion. But the thing is, I’m not an academic (surprise: ;-), so while I can understand how some scholars (not theologians) can say his latest book is not that academically rigorous — I don’t get their arguments fully. I just don’t have the background knowledge — which is fine as I’m just a curious layperson. As a matter of fact, when I try to read almost anything academically rigorous my head hurts and I have an overwhelming desire to flip through home decor magazines.

I did visit Why Does God hate Amputees today and I thought it was rather interesting and more my speed.

I’m not sure why I’m so interested in this stuff lately. I think it has something to do with the rise of the Christian Right in the United States. In any case, I can add atheism to my usual topics of prisons, wayward youth and home decor.

I think I better get back to home decor soon. That way I can add some needed pictures to liven up this blog.

Today at the Spadina subway station — at the end of the long hall leading down to the Yonge-University-Spadina Line — I encountered a young teen asking for change. He caught me off guard when he asked because he didn’t appear to be in need of change (but one never does know another’s circumstance).

He was dressed in the latest high fashion of the youthful set and had on a very nice pair of running shoes so it did make me wonder what his story might be.

There really isn’t more to add to this blog item — just one thing that happened to me today.

Other things happened today too — it was a rather draining day — but I’m home now and the day is done. I may continue reading Arthur & George by Julian Barnes this evening. I’ve started it but I’m not totally immersed in it yet.

Period fiction can be hard for me to get into but I have read every book so far that my book club has chosen and I’m going to keep plowing ahead. In fact, it’s already interesting, so I’m optimistic.

There are two other books calling me thought. I just got Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris …

In response to The End of Faith, Sam Harris received thousands of letters from Christians excoriating him for not believing in God. Letter to A Christian Nation is his reply. Using rational argument, Harris offers a measured refutation of the beliefs that form the core of fundamentalist Christianity. In the course of his argument, he addresses current topics ranging from intelligent design and stem-cell research to the connections between religion and violence. In Letter to a Christian Nation, Sam Harris boldly challenges the influence that faith has on public life in our nation.

… and I can’t wait to start it. But I’m resisting. (I’m very good at resisting temptation.)

I also have another book on the go — Living with Darwin: Evolution, Design, and the Future of Faith by Philip Kitcher — and I hope to get back to that soon as well.

I know, I know. I live an incredibly exciting life. It’s no wonder I feel so compelled to share the details with the world.

Tomorrow we can only hope for a fashion disaster on the streetcar to help bring this blog back to life.