The God Delusion begins with Dawkins questioning why it is that in popular society, religion is exempt from serious criticism. According to Dawkins, religion serves as a kind of “trump card” which ends discussions, and thereby, closes minds. Dawkins insists that we treat religion just as we would any other domain – with rigorous scientific inquiry. He goes on to examine various claims for the existence of God, and (dare I say?) destroys them quite easily. Next, is a discussion about how we can have morality and meaning in a world without God.

Religious readers may not enjoy this book, but I am certain that atheists will! Dawkins is brilliant, sharp, and witty. His humour is thoroughly British, and I can almost imagine the perpetual smirk which must have been present during the wrting of this book. It’s worth reading if only as an example of how criticism – of any topic – can be simultaneously trenchant and funny.

Those who enjoy The God Delusion may also be interested in books by Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens.

- katherine