Dawkins' God
Author: McGrath, Alister
ISBN: 1-4051-2538-1
Publisher: Blackwell
Review:
--------------
Having only heard of Richard Dawkins indirectly, and never having read any of his books, I am not qualified to offer an informed review of this book (but then again, am I ever?). However, I will comment on a few things.
First of all, McGrath is very thorough (as far as I can tell) in his critique of Dawkins' work and does not isolate his argument to a single book but rather spans Dawkins' oeuvre. Not only that, but McGrath draws from a wide spectrum of sources against which to compare Dawkins' theories and make excellent use of theological authors as well as scientific authors.
Secondly, McGrath does not mount an all out offensive, rather, as he himself declares, he has merely "opened up some questions for further discussion". Thus, he has limited himself to drawing our attention to some of the problems and assumptions contained in Dawkins' writings. There are many profound and varied concerns at play in these discussions and a single book cannot attempt to answer them all. The "Meaning of Life" after all cannot be limited to a pithy phrase. I believe that McGrath shows considerable and respectable restraint.
McGrath does not, however, pull any punches. I especially love the following quote, "Dawkins atheism seems to be tacked onto his evolutionary biology with intellectual velcro". He tries to be respectful, but his incredulousness at some of Dawkins' blatant hypocrisy is very apparent and he uses Dawkins' own words at times to roast him on his own skewer. For instance, he quotes Dawkins when Dawkins "lambasted philosopher Mary Midgley for criticizing his 'selfish gene' hypothesis without any awareness of how scientists used language." See some of their discussions here in the "Issues in Darwinism" section. Dawkins goes on about her ignorance of biology and how his ignorance would be just as obvious if he were to critique her area of expertise. McGrath is astounded because this is the same Dawkins who "...knowing nothing about Christian theology, rushes headlong into the field, and tells theologians what they really mean when they use their own language...". I can almost see McGrath shaking his head in disbelief.
In this book McGrath is exposing the ridiculous transition that Dawkins has made between evolutionary biology the notion that there is no God. Essentially, McGrath makes a long (but needful) argument to show that Dawkins' belief in atheism is not supported by science and in fact, is supported mainly by his rhetoric and polemicizing. The one maxim that most scientists seem to adhere to (apparently apart from Dawkins and his neophytes) is that science cannot prove nor disprove the existence of God. As Stephen Jay Gould, a noted proponent of evolution, writes about the existence of God, "We neither affirm nor deny it; we simply can't comment on it as scientists."
The exciting thing I found in this book, which may appear to be a stumbling block to some readers, is the detailed technical knowledge that McGrath demonstrates. Quiz question, what does DNA stand for? With a PhD in molecular biophysics and as a professional theologian, he is eminently suited to tackle the mess that Dawkins has created (no doubt about my bias here). He dives right into the technical foundation (written for lay readers though) upon which Dawkins has constructed his worldview and can meet Dawkins at just about every point. In fact he is more suited to discuss the theological aspects of Dawkins' writings than Dawkins' himself.
This book is not for everyone, indeed, only those with an interest in the relationship between science and religion should attempt to read it, otherwise, you'll probably read about five pages and quit. There are some excellent gems of argumentative logic and some priceless examples of Dawkins' work which exposes just how important it is that you confirm your sources. The only problem that some inclined readers will have with this book is the apparent assumed validity of evolutionary biology. McGrath did not use this book to attack evolution, and in fact, appears to concede it in order to attack those precise points where Dawkins leaves himself defenceless. At times it is necessary to concede certain points, albiet temporarily, in order to argue other points. Not knowing McGrath's view of evolution it is impossible to assess whether he has conceded this point temporarily or permanently.
I found this book to be stimulating and very well organized in the presentation of the subject matter. McGrath is a very lucid writer and is quickly becoming, in my case, a preferred author.
ISBN: 1-4051-2538-1
Publisher: Blackwell
Review:
--------------
Having only heard of Richard Dawkins indirectly, and never having read any of his books, I am not qualified to offer an informed review of this book (but then again, am I ever?). However, I will comment on a few things.
First of all, McGrath is very thorough (as far as I can tell) in his critique of Dawkins' work and does not isolate his argument to a single book but rather spans Dawkins' oeuvre. Not only that, but McGrath draws from a wide spectrum of sources against which to compare Dawkins' theories and make excellent use of theological authors as well as scientific authors.
Secondly, McGrath does not mount an all out offensive, rather, as he himself declares, he has merely "opened up some questions for further discussion". Thus, he has limited himself to drawing our attention to some of the problems and assumptions contained in Dawkins' writings. There are many profound and varied concerns at play in these discussions and a single book cannot attempt to answer them all. The "Meaning of Life" after all cannot be limited to a pithy phrase. I believe that McGrath shows considerable and respectable restraint.
McGrath does not, however, pull any punches. I especially love the following quote, "Dawkins atheism seems to be tacked onto his evolutionary biology with intellectual velcro". He tries to be respectful, but his incredulousness at some of Dawkins' blatant hypocrisy is very apparent and he uses Dawkins' own words at times to roast him on his own skewer. For instance, he quotes Dawkins when Dawkins "lambasted philosopher Mary Midgley for criticizing his 'selfish gene' hypothesis without any awareness of how scientists used language." See some of their discussions here in the "Issues in Darwinism" section. Dawkins goes on about her ignorance of biology and how his ignorance would be just as obvious if he were to critique her area of expertise. McGrath is astounded because this is the same Dawkins who "...knowing nothing about Christian theology, rushes headlong into the field, and tells theologians what they really mean when they use their own language...". I can almost see McGrath shaking his head in disbelief.
In this book McGrath is exposing the ridiculous transition that Dawkins has made between evolutionary biology the notion that there is no God. Essentially, McGrath makes a long (but needful) argument to show that Dawkins' belief in atheism is not supported by science and in fact, is supported mainly by his rhetoric and polemicizing. The one maxim that most scientists seem to adhere to (apparently apart from Dawkins and his neophytes) is that science cannot prove nor disprove the existence of God. As Stephen Jay Gould, a noted proponent of evolution, writes about the existence of God, "We neither affirm nor deny it; we simply can't comment on it as scientists."
The exciting thing I found in this book, which may appear to be a stumbling block to some readers, is the detailed technical knowledge that McGrath demonstrates. Quiz question, what does DNA stand for? With a PhD in molecular biophysics and as a professional theologian, he is eminently suited to tackle the mess that Dawkins has created (no doubt about my bias here). He dives right into the technical foundation (written for lay readers though) upon which Dawkins has constructed his worldview and can meet Dawkins at just about every point. In fact he is more suited to discuss the theological aspects of Dawkins' writings than Dawkins' himself.
This book is not for everyone, indeed, only those with an interest in the relationship between science and religion should attempt to read it, otherwise, you'll probably read about five pages and quit. There are some excellent gems of argumentative logic and some priceless examples of Dawkins' work which exposes just how important it is that you confirm your sources. The only problem that some inclined readers will have with this book is the apparent assumed validity of evolutionary biology. McGrath did not use this book to attack evolution, and in fact, appears to concede it in order to attack those precise points where Dawkins leaves himself defenceless. At times it is necessary to concede certain points, albiet temporarily, in order to argue other points. Not knowing McGrath's view of evolution it is impossible to assess whether he has conceded this point temporarily or permanently.
I found this book to be stimulating and very well organized in the presentation of the subject matter. McGrath is a very lucid writer and is quickly becoming, in my case, a preferred author.
posted by Tony | 4:00 PM
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