Reviews on “The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins”
This is a superb book that has sold million copies in the
world and I’m in no surprise if it is not going to hit into the Malaysian market.
Why? We all know.. However for those with serious religious beliefs, I will
discourage you from reading on in case you are not willing to face this
worldwide controversial issue as yet.
Don’t worry, I’m not encouraging any rage against any
religions here but as a leisure reading that could possibly prove worthwhile. (And
I’m definitely not inviting rage) Why? Because I believe most of us have been “living
in a box” (brainwashed) by many less mainstream or other belief systems that
could be restraining us from being open-minded and creative with possibilities and
discoveries of our past, current, and future lives. Please note that the above belief system I referred
to does not specifically refer to the moralistic religions most of us uphold
now. On a contrary, I refer it more to some controversial belief systems that
are less adaptive and receptive of (or more extreme) the disparity now hotly
happening and debated around the world (thanks to Professor Richard Dawkins).
Here are one of the stronger points suggested by Dr Richard
Dawkins in an interview, revised according to my interpretation, an atheist is
capable of living a full life because he or she is not led by the belief that
there’s a second life after death, which means he should reasonably live a more
complete and satisfied life!
Other hot points I understood include atheists can better
rationalize logics with scientific reasons instead of resorting to god’s
decisions, which could prove more viable in today’s reasoning-based and
competitive life. Atheists are not restricted by certain god’s consent that
might not in every situation be proven as the best solution or action. For instance,
some strictly religious people might not tell even a practical or sincere lie
out of benevolence. I don’t think I need to give further examples on that.
Even though I’m a free thinker, I too believe in the Karma
thing, or whatever it’s called upheld by almost all religions.
“Thy shall not do things that thy hope not from others unto
others.”
There are loads more hot debates on it out there, do feel
free to click on the following suggested link,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaOVPaYf780&feature=related.
Do allow your mind open for reasonable critics which might
positively influence people around us. But do stand firmly on the grounds of
your moral principles and values too to make the right decisions for
yourselves. For instance, I might not find the kinky sex ideas by atheists
appealing if that goes against my moral values. But that doesn’t mean that I have
to go against them! Unless they are harming me or the society in any intruding
fashion. And atheists are definitely not by nature evil.
On a contrary I do respect all sorts of mainstream religions
positively impacting people’s lives and moderating the society out there. I’m
happy that we Malaysians are living in such a peacefully moderated country
where religions are not forced upon any individuals and at the same time widely
respected.
The reason I review on this controversial issue is because I
was unpleasantly shocked by the US little daily happenings in their little Christian
towns despite their vastly publicized democracy and freedom, which definitely
opened up my mind. Check out this clip
that opened up my mind. I didn’t know how discomforting even common religious
actions can have their toll on nonbelievers until I see this clip (The Price of
Atheism). Never educate your kids that people who believe in differing belief
systems from you are bad or evil. It will come back to you in the cycle if
everyone does so. As a result, it might cause minor discriminations and
collectively into devastating wars to your peaceful lives!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTRDRP2n4Sk&feature=related
I personally believe that fellow Malaysians should learn
from the Americans’ mistakes and be more thoughtful and considerate as we
progressively develop and change our nation. Religion should never rule a
country or a person’s life but instead rationale and logic coupled with sincere
moral beliefs or goodwill as fundamentals. Learn from the American’s wisdom,
the America not only protects people of different religions but from religions
(the Atheists or free thinkers).
That’s all for now, do feel free to drop by your comments.
