Here’s another book review by a friend of mine. It’s called “I Don’t Believe in Atheists” by Chris Hedges
The topics of religion, atheism, and fundamentalism have been hotly debated in the last decade or so as the West has become increasingly more secular. The related, yet more rudimentary debate of science versus religion has been discussed as far back as the Scientific Revolution when science as a discipline was starting to come into its own. It was at this time that science first started challenging a number of long held beliefs about nature, history, and the laws of the universe. Although the topics and debates are nothing new, Chris Hedges book I Don’t Believe in Atheists takes a very hard look at the fundamental nature of extreme religion and extreme “anti-religion” (which often tends to align itself with science) to argue that both schools of thought are essentially the same in nature and effect as well as being dangerously flawed.
The book discusses the “new atheists,” such as well-known atheist authors Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, and their arguments against religion of all forms. While simultaneously critiquing fundamentalist religion along with the new atheist arguments and beliefs, Hedges presents a strong case for how both ways of thinking are exclusionary, utopian, and intolerant. He talks about how the new atheists have propped up science as The Answer while fundamental religions have done the same with their belief systems, both taking extreme views that allow no room for deviation or questioning.
Hedges, author of the New York Times bestseller American Fascists, presents solid evidence to defend his arguments while also making a plea to end this extreme way of thinking and viewing the world. The book is very well written and leaves the reader with a great deal to think about in terms of their own beliefs and how they view the world. I Don’t Believe in Atheists is an excellent examination of the modern Western world belief systems and argues well the idea that fundamentalism of any stream is detrimental to society and humanity.
Thanks so much for the excellent review. I was not familiar with the book _I Don’t Believe in Atheists_. But I will definitely check it out. It has a catchy title needless to say. However, the topic is indeed a serious one that continues to be debated in which persons often become belligerent and unreasonable and, most of all, unloving. It will be interesting to read Chris Hedges’ approach to this controversial subject.
~Sharyn W.
the fundamental nature of extreme religion and extreme “anti-religion” (which often tends to align itself with science) to argue that both schools of thought are essentially the same in nature and effect as well as being dangerously flawed.