The End of Faith by Sam Harris

[Ted_Danson]

This book is amazing. I am not very far into it, but so far it makes a lot of great points that aren't all extremes. It focuses on a lot of different aspects of faith and is pretty hardcore about it. I think that everyone should at least read it, but it is a book you have to read with an open mind.

I won't comment too much more, but if you have read it I'd love to talk about it.

[ollie]

I haven't read it, but I have read a few of his articles (I usually agree with the overarching points but disagreeing in significant ways too). I like the idea of having one of our somewhat free-wheeling hot topic throwdowns being grounded in some specific readings though: that focus might make them more interesting and/or productive.

Maybe rather than a book we could find some of his other writing? (Or some other writing entirely, if people like the idea but not the author.)

Actually, a more extensive book club idea might work too. I've never been involved in one but that seems like it might take a little more commitment (but maybe that threshhold commitment would translate into better conversation?). Thoughts?

[Ted_Danson]

Sounds good to me! I'll finish this book over the next week, so in that time we can find some articles as well.

I think a debate in this topic won't get as crazy or heated as it would out in Gen Pop, only because there aren't a ton of people looking over the books topics to argue.

I look forward to it!

[Ted_Danson]

My wife took this book to work with her, so I have not been able to finish it yet. I did watch a great debate on the Jewish TV Network on-line between Sam Harris and Rabbi Wolpe.

http://www.jewishtvnetwork.com/?bcpid=533363107&bctid=1329234778

This is a very intense rational debate, and I watched it for an hour and a half without ever realizing how long it was.