Which book is better? The God Delusions or God is Not Great? (believe, scientific)

[nep321]

Help, I want to start reading either The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins or God is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens, and because reading is time consuming, I want to know which one I am better off reading, if I had to choose one. Let me know what you would suggest. Thanks.

P.S. So far, i have read Atheist Universe by David Mills and I am currently finishing up Godless by Dan Barker. Both very good books.

[Milleka]

I've wondered that too. I'm anxious to see which one wins out. Although, any of them would be really interesting.

[peppermint]

I liked The God Delusion more, but I did like Hitchens, don't get me wrong. If you can only read one, I'd vote Dawkins.

[catman]

I agree. Dawkins is more even-handed and analytical, IMO. God is not Great by Hitchens is a fun book to read, though.

[achickenchaser]

I'd had to give the edge to The God Delusion here.

Hitchens book mainly points out why religion is stupid and the stupid things people do because of it. Much of it came across as a long rant more than anything to me, which is all well and good, but it's all stuff just about any atheist already knows.

Dawkins book also points out things such as just how stupid and cruel the Bible God is, but he only devotes a fraction of the book to it. His book covers more than Hitchens does and is more of a thinking person's read, if I may put it that way.

I was a little annoyed that he spent time on the whole atheist vs agnosticism comparisons. It was really pretty pointless. That and he does have a tendency to ramble on and on and on and on at times when it doesn't feel necessary.

[fishbrains]

Go with the God Delusion. It is a slightly tougher read, but a more thorough consideration of the topic. Hitchens is a great writer, and the book is a quick read, but there is much less substance.

[DrummerBoy]

Originally Posted by nep321

Help, I want to start reading either The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins or God is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens, and because reading is time consuming, I want to know which one I am better off reading, if I had to choose one. Let me know what you would suggest. Thanks.

P.S. So far, i have read Atheist Universe by David Mills and I am currently finishing up Godless by Dan Barker. Both very good books.

I enjoyed "God Delusion" alot more. For one, Dawkins has a much better sense of humor than Hitchens, and some of his sarcasm will habe you laughing out loud, whereas Hitchens' book is mainly a lament and a diatribe--albeit a well-deserved one--against organized religions, especially the fundamentalist ones.
Also, Dawkins is a top-flight, world-renowned Biologist, so he takes on the scientific reasoning why God almost certainly doesn't and couldn't exist. Hitchens, meanwhile, primarily attack the True Believers, which are such an easy target anyway. Most of what Hitchens tells you, you probably already know. The God Delusion is alot more thought-provoking. It will also give you some good scientific ammo next time you go up against a fundie.
Not that it will help! LOL.

[cncracer]

I have the both, and started with the God Delusion but think both are good books to expand your knowledge.

[caitlindwarf]

The God Delusion, but both are good!

[axemanjoe]

I have both, about half way through The God Delusion, excellent book, very informative and intelligently written. Havent started Hitchens book yet, cant wait.