Book Review: God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
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Written by Emily Roma
God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything by Christopher Hitchens, Read by the Author Audiobook, Hachette Audio, Unabridged, Approx. 9 hours. Available online at Amazon.com.
In Christopher Hitchens's latest book, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, he takes on religion and the existence of God. Quoting numerous philosophical, scientific, religious, and historical sources, he sets out to prove a few things: that God does not exist and is human-made; that religions of all kinds are behind some of the greatest human atrocities in history; and that, if God did exist (and assuming that He would be behind our creation and would watch over us our entire lives, as well as, eventually, in some sort of afterlife) it surely makes Him/Her/It seem more like a tyrant or or dictator (a little like Philip Pullman's Authority from His Dark Materials series) than a benevolent being.
The book is a great argument; which is something that Hitchens does very well, and seems to enjoy above all else (do an online search for videos to view some of his "discussions" and interviews; he is not shy). He manages to cover the histories of a number of religions (both west and east), and focuses a large amount of time on Christianity and its bible. I was amazed at the history of the Mormon religion - and at the realistic views of some of the eastern religions (zen? Maybe, maybe not).
Without getting into any sort of religious argument and whether or not I or any other reader believes in what he is arguing, I will say that I enjoyed the book tremendously. But, in my opinion, the only way to truly enjoy this book is by listening to the audiobook. Hitchens himself provides the voice, and his acerbic wit, intelligence, and attitude are very prevalent in the reading. I'm not sure I would have finished the book had I read it directly, but that is only because some of the material drags on, and some is a little boring. He does a wonderful job of covering a multitude of angles in his arguments, but in doing so would have definitely lost me as a reader. That is probably more of an argument against my intelligence than the book. But, it does at times seem as if it is written specifically for his intellectual bracket of which many readers may not be a member.
As far as opinion and fact and whether or not this book will change a person's stance - it will depend solely on the person. Many will have an opinion about the book and its intention without ever reading it; much in the same way many have that opinion about the Bible. But in either case, some of the most well-rounded Atheists and well-rounded Christians I have ever known have never shied away from reading anything. I think there is enough information quoted, and opinions put forth, and examples made aware, to bring about a number of healthy arguments - if people are interested in arguing.
About the Author
Emily Roma is a proud, strangely calm (inebriated?), strict, doting, and placating mother of no children. Her husband Clive would be extremely supportive of her non-work ethic and frequently opposing mental forces of self-congratulation and humble non-certitude if he would stop doing movies and finally come home. But until that time, she is quite happy applying an objectively opinionated view on the philosophical colors of the world.
My curse is my gift. My nightmares, deep sensitivity, and emotional instability gives the best (and most uncomfortable) inspirations I could ever have. For me, art is passion - and visions are the mirror, which show my feelings and connect me with the rest of the world. Read More...
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