Letter to a Christian Nation

Letter to a Christian Nation
Average customer rating:

A good "starter book" for atheism

thin volume that should be required reading

Concise, articulate and enlightening

Quality

A solid overview of the problems caused by religion and faith

Letter to a Christian Nation
Sam Harris
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person's Answer to Christian Fundamentalism

ASIN: 0307265773
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Book Description

“Thousands of people have written to tell me that I am wrong not to believe in God. The most hostile of these communications have come from Christians. This is ironic, as Christians generally imagine that no faith imparts the virtues of love and forgiveness more effectively than their own. The truth is that many who claim to be transformed by Christ’s love are deeply, even murderously, intolerant of criticism. While we may want to ascribe this to human nature, it is clear that such hatred draws considerable support from the Bible. How do I know this? The most disturbed of my correspondents always cite chapter and verse.”

So begins Letter to a Christian Nation…

www.samharris.org

Customer Reviews:

A good "starter book" for atheism.......2007-10-10

"Letter to a Christian Nation" is, as it says, a letter. To a nation. Of Christians. As someone who is already a confirmed atheist, I wasnt't really the target audience for this book. As such, I found it a little lacking in comparison to other works of atheist thought, such as The God Delusion (a very good book), and God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything (a decent, but not as good, book).

Sam Harris makes many of the same points in his book as Dawkins and Hitchens do in theirs, but he doesn't go into nearly the same level of detail as Dawkins or the same amount of polemic as Hitchens. He does make his points, but I felt there was more he could have done.

On the other hand, this is a very, very short book (only about 90 pages... about the same as, to my understanding, Common Sense (Penguin Classics), which I haven't read and should). Due to the length, I guess he wasn't able to go into too much detail. Of course, he could have simply written a longer book...

If you, like me, are someone who is already firmly in the atheist camp, this really isn't the book for you. If you're someone who can feel your faith wavering, and know that you're getting to the point where you're about to divcorce from god (and there's a term I love and will have to use elsewhere), then perhaps you might want to give this book a go. After all, what do you have to loose?

Well, aside from your religion...

thin volume that should be required reading.......2007-10-10

The author doesn't belabor any points - but rather is concise and crisp. I wish I had written it.

Concise, articulate and enlightening.......2007-10-09

Bravo to Mr. Harris. This is a must-read for anyone with children who might consider placing them in religious schools. Mr Harris makes the point that religion is propagating fairy tales (at best) and training our children to be scientifically illiterate (at worse). Personally, I couldn't agree more. Between my graduation from a Christian high school to my PhD in Neuroscience, I had to overcome all the illusions taught in my Christian high school and learn how to think critically. Critical thought has led me on a slow but steady journey away from Christian indoctrination and on to free-thinking athesism. Where I have at times struggled to articulate my doubts, questions, rationale and reasons to 'true-believers' (or my parents for that matter) this book does so in remarkable clarity and brevity. Similar to Dawkins "The God Delusion", this book provides excellent tools to fend off the specious arguments of religious people, but it does so with a bit more tact and grace. While I absolutely loved the God Delusion, I would not recommend it to a Christian, as it is certain to offend their sensibilities from the start. Harris's book may actually get through to them (one can hope!).

Quality.......2007-10-08

This is a good, concise response to the many outlandish complaints against the member of society who have no interest in fabricating a diety to explain away their problems. Some points could have used flushing out, but then it wouldn't have been very concise. I recommend this book.

A solid overview of the problems caused by religion and faith.......2007-10-06

Sam Harris' Letter to a Christian Nation is an excellent overview of some of the major reasons why religion (he talks about Christianity for the most part) is negatively impacting American society. People of all faiths I believe will enjoy this terse review of the problems religion causes on all levels of practice, whether you be an extremist or moderate or not a believer at all. Harris does a good job getting to the point and making concepts easy to understand so that even a six year old might be able to follow - it's even comical at times.
I would recommend this book be read by anyone interested in religion or philosophy in any degree, whether you want to just get a preview of some of the topics being thrown around today between religious peoples and atheists, or as a primer that will prepare you for more in-depth books on religion such as Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

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Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
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Binding: Paperback

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History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Our Sacred Honor: The Stories, Letters, Songs, Poems, Speeches, and Hymns that Gave Birth to Our Nation

Average customer rating:

Our Sacred Honor...
One Inspirational Read
Bennett chose material well
The greatest generation speaks
Quite Enjoyable

Our Sacred Honor: The Stories, Letters, Songs, Poems, Speeches, and Hymns that Gave Birth to Our Nation

Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Moral Compass : Stories for a Life's Journey

ASIN: 068484138X

Book Description

Millions of American families have turned to The Book of Virtues and The Moral Compass by William J. Bennett for moral guidance in troubled times. Our Sacred Honor offers inspiration and instruction as well...this time of a particularly American sort.

The lessons it contains are especially welcome. We live in a time when the practice of representative government in the United States of America is under siege from both the left and the right. Scandals abound. We are first shocked, then wearied, to learn that our national leaders have feet of clay. We live in a time, in short, which demands that we return to our origins to discover the common principles that make us essentially American. Our Sacred Honor reveals those common principles. They are articulated by the flawed but deeply admirable men and women who first wrote what it is to be American. The pledge made by the Founders to one another that hot July day in 1776—the pledge of "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor"—has been redeemed many times in the centuries since, but the nation they founded has never failed to profit from their example.

It is time to profit from their advice.

In Our Sacred Honor, William J. Bennett has collected the best that has been thought and said by and about the men and women who founded America. And what a group they are: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John and Abigail Adams, and so many more that otherwise first-rate intellects such as John Dickinson, Benjamin Rush, and George Mason are relegated to the status of footnotes in the popular imagination. Not since Periclean Athens has such a small nation been led by so many larger-than-life figures. The only characteristic they shared more widely than revolutionary ardor was their talent (and inclination) for advice. Here is that advice on virtually every aspect of "the good"—good government, good relations between individuals and nations, and what it means to live a good life. Here are Thomas Jefferson on piety ("Adore God. Murmur not at the ways of Providence"); James Madison on justice ("It ever has been, and ever will be pursued, until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit"); and Patrick Henry on patriotism ("Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?"). Here are Abigail Adams on love ("When he is wounded, I bleed..."); Benjamin Franklin on industry ("Have you somewhat to do tomorrow, do it today"); and George Washington on friendship ("Be courteous with all, but intimate with few"). Here are the lyrics to "Yankee Doodle," Longfellow's celebration of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and the Declaration of Independence. Here are the stories of the Liberty Bell, Washington at Valley Forge, and Nathan Hale. Here are selections from The Federalist Papers, and Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Concord Hymn," with "the shot heard round the world." Here are Poor Richard's Almanack, the extraordinary correspondence between John and Abigail Adams, and George Washington's Farewell Address.

The stories, songs, letters, and speeches collected in Our Sacred Honor are an inspiring celebration of American exceptionalism, produced by a collection of exceptional Americans. It is the best book of advice in more than two hundred years.

Customer Reviews:

Our Sacred Honor..........2007-10-06

As always, Bennett tosses us a great story about our founding fathers. His writing is coordinated and he points out the best of the dramatic tales (real) that they endured--as individuals, as well as family heads. If only, when future historians look back on our current days, they would be able to say..."Those were great days." Alas, I doubt it. Although the founders were what might be called "normal mortals", to challenge each other to create our great nation makes one proud to be able to say "we belong!" They were clearly heroes.

One Inspirational Read.......2007-05-14

I was tasked to find an appropriate book to give to outstanding high schoolers for our local Rotary Club. I felt this book well represented the ideal of the club. This book should serve as a valuable resource in future years as these young men and women matriculate to higher learning, and careers.

Bennett chose material well.......2007-03-26

Bennett chose his material well. Historians may argue with some of the details in his commentary (e.g., that Burr shot to kill Hamilton, aiming directly at his chest). Others may take issue with some of the "nuclear family" biases inherent in his commentary. That isn't the meat of the book. The importance of the book rests in the quotes of the founding generation, and Bennett went beyond some of the most famous quotes and speeches, although these are represented as well, to give us a true feeling of a generation that approached life with a genuine goal of self-improvement. Most interesting were some passages from Abigail Adams, from her "tough love" to John Quincy through her disdain for french dancers. Anything regarding Bennett's personal life is irrelevant for assessing the value of this work.

The greatest generation speaks .......2006-07-09

The United States of America was blessed with a generation of founding fathers who were at the same time people of action, and people of thought. They were an incredibly brilliant group of political and moral thinkers. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison had a profound understanding of both human nature and the unique circumstances bound up with the founding of the United States. Their dream was of creating a nation like no other before, one based on principles of freedom, and dignity of the individual The ideal formulation is of course in one of the documents central to this collection, ' The Declaration of Independence' , life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In this anthology of the founding fathers' writings in story, letter song, speech and hymn we feel the spirit of a new and great nation and vision for mankind.
God Bless America.

Quite Enjoyable.......2005-12-31

Bill Bennett has collected some of the greatest pieces of rhetoric and stories of our founding fathers. This work includes everything from patriotism, the meaning of freedom, and romance to ethics and advice. It's a wonderful collection, one that will connect the listener to the intellect of the greatest Americans, at least the greatest of the early Americans. Bennett doesn't read any of his selected pieces, only some of the introductory material. However, the people who do read the work do a magnificent job. It's an abridgement of the source work and runs about 4 hours. It's a perfect collection for long drives.

Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point

Average customer rating:

Response to Harris' book "Letter"
SAME OLD SHEEP
A Very Good Christian Response. Three and a Half, really
Not an effective rebuttal
Don't Listen to the 1-Star Reviewers...This is a Great Book!

Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point
RC Metcalf
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Letter to a Christian Nation
Letter to an Atheist
God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything
The God Delusion
The Return of the Village Atheist

ASIN: 0595432646

Book Description

Is Christianity rational? Sam Harris, best-selling author of Letter to a Christian Nation offers a uniquely pointed perspective on Christian America. Mr. Harris views religion today, on the whole, as a highly negative component of American culture. R.C. Metcalf presents a compelling counter treatise challenging Mr. Harris' atheist worldview. Raised in an atheist home and trained in secular universities, Dr. Metcalf, now both scientist and Christian, speaks out in support of evangelical Christianity in America.

Does faith inhibit honest science?

Is Christianity a danger to society?

Are Christian morals irrational?

Does evil prove God doesn't exist?

Are humans good by nature?

Customer Reviews:

Response to Harris' book "Letter".......2007-06-25

First of all, I just need to point out that the rating system at Amazon is flawed. Ten of the 11 reviewers who rated this book before me gave the book either 1 star or 5 stars, with only one reader voting a 3. Too often I believe reviewers vote with their presuppositions rather than providing an honest critique of the book. While I think this book is worthy of your purchase, I will go against the flow and give it four stars.

I think the reader (like me) who picked this up without first reading Harris' book will not quite comprehend the flow of the argument, sometimes making it difficult to understand what is going on. If I were to do this again, I would recommend reading Harris first so the "counter point" would make more sense. I didn't do that, and thus I wish I would have, so that is my advice. The read is quick and not difficult at all. (So is Harris' book, I understand.) Metcalf does a good job in his explanation of Christian rationale while responding to Harris. Again, I don't pretend to be an expert because I did not read Harris beforehand. (Will I read it at all? Probably not. Having read Metcalf, it does not appear that there is anything earth-shattering or new here; if there is, please let me know and I'll see if it's worth the $12 purchase.)

One thing Metcalf may want to consider for future editions is some tighter editing. There were some grammatical/construction problems in several places, forcing me to reread the point he was making. Thus, a loss of one star. But as far as clear thinking and explaining the Evangelical Christian perspective, Metcalf does a good job. If you read Harris, you owe it to yourself to read Metcalf as well.

SAME OLD SHEEP.......2007-06-16

1. Misuse/Misunderstanding of Metaphysics
2. Lack of proper methodology on Epistemology
3. Swinging between subjective rights (to have a good feeling) to objective claims, depending on whether one can defend the latter.
4. Ignorance on latest research on Neurophysiology or Philosophy of Mind about the fallacy of Descartes' Dualism.
5. Ignoring negative socialogical impacts of what 'incorrect beliefs' are having on humanism.
6. Mixing up 'faith' (which is required even for science .. just that it comes with a proper methodology) with 'blind faith'.
7. Euphemism on obvious problems.
8. Misunderstanding of 'Rights' (which requires other people's obligation to fulfill)
9. Misuse of languages (see Wittgenstein) and rely on unsubstantiated analytics.
10. Clinging onto hope of living after death.
11. Intellectual dishonesty
12. Emperor's New Cloths
13. Systematic spreading of falsehoods
14. Ignorance of the problems relating to the concepts of 'Evil', 'Greatest of the greatest' and easy excuses for explaining away problems.
15. Ignoring the negative Mob Effect on the society.

A Very Good Christian Response. Three and a Half, really.......2007-06-13

`Letter to a Christian Nation Counterpoint' by Dr. R. Chris Metcalf is a rebuttal to Sam Harris' recent book, `Letter to a Christian Nation' which argues, summarized in simple terms, that Christianity (along with the two other major monotheistic religions, Judaism and Islam) should go away and die a quiet death, due to their history of irrational influences on national and international politics.

Dr. Metcalf replies from the point of view of a contemporary American Evangelical Protestant, although he is just a bit secretive about his current doctrinal affiliation.

Dr. Metcalf has a Masters degree in Theology, so, for starters, his replies to all of Mr. Harris' mistaken interpretations based on his `cherrypicking' (Harris' term) from the scriptures is thorough and, to my lesser knowledge of the scripture, quite accurate.

One of Dr. Metcalf's early arguments is that much of the unpleasantness over the past 2000 years which can be put at the doorstep of `Christianity' is due primarily to the Roman Catholic church, the church which is lead by the Pope, from the Vatican City, within Rome. The suggestion is that the Protestants, beginning with the Reformation precipitated by Luther and broadened by Calvin, Zwingli, and others are `the good guys'. Being a card-carrying Lutheran (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) who teaches adult Bible study in a Lutheran church on Sundays, I'm sympathetic to the argument, but I believe it doesn't fully answer Harris' points. It does blunt some of Harris' criticisms of Calvin by pointing out that Harris criticisms of Calvin, like much of his use of scripture is infected with the same `cherrypicking' and interpretation out of context.

One approach this Metcalf argument does bring up against Harris, although Metcalf does not pursue it fully, is that one can take the position that all the evils Harris documents are the result not of the doctrines of Christianity in themselves, but the result of specific church agendas over time. And, as Metcalf points out, the church, or at least major parts of the organized church, is quite capable of reforming itself and evolving toward a better realization of Christian values.

This brings up the two authors' understandings of morality. As I argued in my review of Harris' book, Harris doesn't really understand modern Ethical theory (the study of morality) and the fact that religious commandments are NOT, in themselves, an ultimate basis of morality. They are values for proper behavior of those people who bear witness to the faith in God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. True moral rules (per the famous categorical imperative of Immanual Kant) apply to everyone, whether they be Christian, atheist, Muslim, Buddhist, or Republican.

Regarding both morality and the connection between Christian cosmology, Dr. Metcalf overlooks one of the soundest (and oldest) principles behind the philosophy of Science. This is Ockham's Razor, formulated by a Catholic cleric, William of Ockham, in the Middle Ages, and is as true today as it was in 1200 CE The principle states that given two hypotheses for the same state of affairs, the one which assumes the fewer things is more likely to be true (apologies to Father William if I misquote, but you get the idea). Ockham's Razor shows that in order to conceptualize the physical world or the principles of morality, there is no NEED to posit a purposeful God to bring these into existence. They simply are, thank you very much. I must say that Dr. Metcalf has a far better handle than Mr. Harris on Ethical theory, as he refers to at least three famous proponents of what has become to be known as Utilitarianism, one of the principle theories for justifying the moral rules. The problem is that Utilitarianism has lots of holes, and the doctrine leads to a lot of especially difficult logical problems. A far better basis for Ethical theory is the work of Kant (see above) and those theories based on Thomas Hobbes' political theory in `Leviathan'.

That doesn't mean that in the moral world, Christian beliefs and values are not a powerful motive to doing the right thing, even if Mr. Harris misunderstands the Christian doctrine between faith and good works (See the Epistle of James as the best description of the connection between faith, grace, and works). This has two salutary results for both Christians and the polity in general. For Christians, it means that it does not make sense to bash non-believers for not signing on to some part of a Christian agenda, until you've convinced them of the value of the whole package and they line up to take Communion. For the atheists, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Democrats among us, it means that while a Christian faction can vote it's conscience, they have no SPECIAL license to hoist their values over those of everyone else. That's what the American democracy is all about (it's right there in the Constitution).

It is very important to realize that the positions of Harris and Metcalf do NOT cover all the options. In fact, both authors refer to what I think is the best position from which to address these issues, and both authors dismiss the position. Harris refers to a quote from the National Academy of Sciences, which he describes as `stunning for its lack of candor'. Metcalf cites exactly the same position, espoused by Stephen Jay Gould in his book `Rock of Ages', and finds it lacking in a statement which continues to violate Ockham's Razor. I will offer a third voice for this position separating the combatants to their respective corners, and cite Ludwig Wittgenstein's famous simile in the `Philosophical Investigations' which can be paraphrased to say that there are many different worlds of discourse, i.e., there are many different kinds of tools in our intellectual toolbox, and the hammer, which works so well on one task, will not suit tasks requiring a saw.

This dialogue is terrific, but it is far from over.

Not an effective rebuttal.......2007-06-05

After having finished reading Sam Harris's "Letter to a Christian Nation" I wanted to see what the Christian response was ( self disclosure: I am an agnostic). Metcalf's response is a poor rebuttal. Metcalf makes claims then doesn't follow up with supporting evidence. For example in a section entitled "Science and Christianity" Metcalf writes " ...I would suggest that while the essence of God Himself exists outside the physical universe,Christian claims about God can ( the word "can" is italicized for emphasis) be addressed scientifically" ( p50 ). Metcalf never states how. Bottom line, for myself, Metcalf does a poor job in rebutting Harris.

Don't Listen to the 1-Star Reviewers...This is a Great Book!.......2007-05-31

Have you noticed that this book only gets either 5-star reviews or 1-star reviews? If you loved Sam Harris's book, you probably won't like this one. OK, we all know that. Even so, you should read it to give yourself a chance to be fully informed. If you're looking for a good response to Sam Harris to share with a friend who's read "Letter to a Christian Nation," well, you've found it.

The reviewer that called RC Metcalf's book "rantings of the Christian Taliban" couldn't have actually read the book, or else totally missed the point. After all, Metcalf writes in his intro that "regardless of its effect on public policy, it remains [his] sincere desire that this book will provide the reader, along with Mr. Harris, a clearer picture of the reasonableness of the ... Christian faith."

Metcalf states, in no uncertain terms, that his book is not intended to have any effect on public policy, but rather on the individual reader. Dr. Metcalf's book was also not intended to present an extensive argument for the existence of God. It WAS meant to be a response from a Christian, who believes in God, to Sam Harris and his readers. Metcalf offers an excellent list of books that are good resources on the arguments for God.

As for the reviewer who accuses Metcalf of the fallacy of "appealing to authority"... at least Metcalf DOES cite authoritative resources for his claims. And he does so three times as much as Harris! Both Metcalf and Harris wrote books that are a little over 100 pages long. In Harris's "rantings" he only cites authorities 31 times, and one-sixth of those are references to articles in the New York Times, a highly liberal "authority" (to say the least). In contrast, RC Metcalf has 96 references in his book, including US & NZ government sites and websites of respected universities like Princeton. Or, Metcalf directly quotes sources like Harris, Dawkins and even Jesus.

Sam Harris's book has many more logical fallacies than RC Metcalf's book. Harris builds a straw man (another logical fallacy) by describing Christianity as he sees it, rather than for what it actually is. Such a straw man is easy to tear down. The problem is that most Christians have little in common with the religion Harris describes. In fact, from what I read, Metcalf corrects this version of Christianity by giving the reader an accurate picture of Christianity, which also has nothing in common with the Taliban. Rather than using ad hominem fallacies, Metcalf addresses concrete issues raised by Harris and corrects his faulty assumptions... and he does so with respect, not ranting.

I have to say, I was impressed with "Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point." RC Metcalf addresses Harris as one scientist to another, but writes clearly and doesn't mince his words. There are two other books that respond to Sam Harris. One was written by a historian, Michael Patrick Leahy and one by a theologian, Douglas Wilson. They all have their place, because Harris chose to tread on science, history and theology. I prefer Metcalf's response because, although he's a scientist, he obviously has a good grasp of theology. I think it can be harder for non-scientists to write about science, and those areas suffered in the other two books. If you can, read them all! If you can't, start with this one. If I could have, I would have given it six stars. Despite what atheist reviewers have written, you won't be disappointed.

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American History as the (his)story of PEOPLE!
Compelling!
Great Read
Letters reveal the true character of a person.
Voices of America's Past

Letters of a Nation
Andrew Carroll
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Our Constitution: The Myth That Binds Us
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Eyewitness to America: 500 Years of American History in the Words of Those Who Saw It Happen
The Frontier in American Culture
Letters of the Century: America 1900-1999

ASIN: 0767903315
Release Date: 1999-01-05

Amazon.com

The letters in this treasure-trove date from September 1630--when John Winthrop, newly ensconced as governor of Massachusetts, wrote to his wife in England--to August 1996, when a young adopted woman named Michelle Song addressed a moving letter to her yet-undiscovered birth mother. In between are more than 200 other epistles--written by the celebrated and the obscure, the powerful and the powerless--that in aggregate paint a revealing portrait of the United States. The collection's range is enormous--from Groucho Marx's hilarious 1947 tirade to Warner Brothers, which was trying to block him from using A Night in Casablanca as a movie title, to a June 1744 letter from "The Indians of the Six Nations" to William & Mary College, politely declining an offer to educate some of their young (and noting that some previous white-educated Indians "were bad Runners, ignorant of every means of living in the Woods, unable to bear either Cold or Hunger, knew neither how to build a Cabin, take a Deer, or kill an Enemy, spoke our language imperfectly, were therefore neither fit for Hunters, Warriors, or Counsellors.")

Whenever possible, editor Andrew Carroll presents the letters in their original form, complete with capitalization and spelling quirks (including misspellings), which adds to their vividness. His brief introductions tell just enough about each letter without overshadowing their subjects. This splendidly presented piece of research offers a revealing, eminently readable window onto America's past.

Book Description

Letters of a Nation is a unique and timeless collection of extraordinary letters spanning more than 350 years of American history, from the arrival of the Pilgrims to the present day. Many of the more than 200 letters are published here for the first time, and the correspondents are the celebrated and obscure, the powerful and powerless, including presidents, slaves, soldiers, prisoners, explorers, writers, revolutionaries, Native Americans, artists, religious and civil rights leaders, and people from all walks of life. From the serious (Harry Truman defending his use of the atomic bomb) to the surreal (Elvis Presley to Richard Nixon on fighting drugs in America), this collection of letters covers the full spectrum of human emotion, illuminates the American experience, and celebrates the simple yet lasting art of letter writing.

Customer Reviews:

American History as the (his)story of PEOPLE!.......2006-11-04

This book is one of the best investments I've made over the past year (I typically buy 3-4 books a month). I teach - and am passionate about - American History at the high school level. I discovered this book on Amazon and purchased it out of curiosity and a desire to add to my stash of "primary sources." What a great find! The letters are grouped thematically, not chronologically, and offer a great mix of subjects, authors, and viewpoints. While my primary motivation for purchasing this book was its potential use as a classroom source/reference, it proved an interesting "read," as well. History really comes alive, as do the "players" and events, through reading correspondence. While these letters were not necessarily intended for public consumption, it allows for real insight into the past, and into the psyche of the people who have helped to shape our country. Each letter is "set up" for the reader with an introduction explaining the context in which the letter was written. There are also "postscripts" to let the reader know what took place after the letter (a "conclusion," so to speak). Thank you, Mr. Carroll - it's obvious that a lot of work (and editing!) was expended here for the benefit of your readers!

Compelling!.......2004-12-09

Andrew Carrol writes an intresting novel compiled of historic letters in various stages of our Nations history. Whether they are from prominent, well known people, or lesser known, yet just as important members of our society, they keep us enthralled.

I'm 24 years old, young enough not to have lived through many of our Nations defining moments, but when I read these letters (and the helpful notes by the author!) it made me feel as though I knew exactly what was going on. Mr. Carrol did an excellent job, and I've let many others read this novel!

~Gina

Great Read.......2002-08-19

This book is easy to read and interesting. The editors notes in front of and behind almost every letter really make the book that little bit more. I found all of the letters interesting and many of them quite moving. Many of the letters illuminated subjects about which i was familiar but did not know that little part of the story. I recommend this book for any and every one. You do not have to be American (although much of the information is perhaps from an American perspective) to feel the things that are brought forth by the reading of these letters.

Letters reveal the true character of a person........1999-12-30

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the inner qualities of our nation's most well-known and respected figures and the lesser-known, who were the people who shaped our country. From the early settlers and our founding fathers to people of the present, this book offers a touching and rewarding look into the lives of people during war, hardships, family life, and many other aspects of life. Letter writing truly reveals the inner part of ourselves. A wonderful book!

Voices of America's Past.......1999-07-04

What a fantastic book. The letters I've read have brought voices to America's past. It's like reading a hundred stories in one book. For me, it's been an emotional read. The voices of people-slaves,soldiers, presidents and mothers that helped shaped our nation are still ringing in my ears. I'm recommending this to all my friends. A great trip though history.

Letters from Young Activists: Today's Rebels Speak Out (Nation Books)

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I know why Publisher's Weekly gave this book such a bad review...
A fun quick- read for kids of all ages!
Incredible book
Young people are the solution and not the problem

Letters from Young Activists: Today's Rebels Speak Out (Nation Books)
Chesa Boudin , Kenyon Farrow , and Bernardine Dohrn
Manufacturer: Nation Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Outlaws of America: The Weather Underground And the Politics of Solidarity
The Venezuelan Revolution: 100 Questions-100 Answers
SDS/WUO, Students For A Democratic Society And The Weather Underground Organization
Sing a Battle Song: The Revolutionary Poetry, Statements, And Communiques of the Weather Underground 1970 - 1974
Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination

ASIN: 1560257474

Book Description

Who will lead America in the years to come? Letters from Young Activists introduces America's bold, exciting, new generation of activists. These diverse authors challenge the common misconception that today's young people are apathetic, shallow, and materialistic. Aged ten to thirty-one, these atheist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, pagan, transgender, heterosexual, bisexual, metrosexual Americans are from every type of background and ethnicity, but are united by their struggle toward a common goal. They are the inheritors of their parents' legacy from the sixties, but also have the imagination and courage to embark on new paths and different directions.

In letters addressed to their parents, to past generations, to each other, to the youth of tomorrow and to their future selves, each author articulates his or her vision for the world as they work towards racial, economic, gender, environmental and global justice. As the editors write in their introduction: "From globalization to the war on terrorism and beyond, our generation is compelled to action in the midst of a rapidly changing, and unique political moment Our challenge, and yours, is to live our lives in a way that does not make a mockery of our values."

Customer Reviews:

I know why Publisher's Weekly gave this book such a bad review..........2006-11-12

The book starts off by telling you how the current government administration is deluding us with one sided facts. Fair enough, maybe they'll go on an prove this... nope. And thus, a major theme of the book has been unveiled: a one sided presentation of unsubstantiated opinion. Unfortunately, the perpetrators are the authors.

I couldn't say I read one convincing argument throughout the entire book. I realize these are informal letters, but it comes across more as whining than a plan of action, unified by a sense of need for change (which the editors purport it to be).

As an example:
"I believe it is the fault of the United States educational system that my mother has been on the streets since she was thirteen years old; that my parents and many other parents divorce; that I, and many other children, have been sexually molested; that incest continues to occur; that my mother, like many others, abandoned my siblings and me; that my mother, father, other parents, and youth have been in and out of prison, that my sisters and brother word at fast food restaurants; that my sisters get pregnant at a young age; that my cousins and friends are dying because of gangs; and that the cycle of violence continues."
-Jessica Vasquez

That's some belief. A lot of the letters, this one especially, ooze a total lack of self responsibility. Not to say that this isn't a bad state of affairs, and that schools can't be improved, but try to find any proof of the correlation in this article and you'll be wasting your time.

Don't let your children read this if you're worried about exposing them to poor ideals of self-responsibility, or if you're worried that their idea of what an argument (with facts...) might be negatively affected.

A fun quick- read for kids of all ages!.......2006-03-28

I don't understand why Publishers Weekly gave this book such a poor review. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I do have a few minor criticisms of it that deter me from giving it the 5 stars that perhaps it really deserves. While the majority of the essays are insightful and well-written, a few smack of a wishy-washy liberalism, rather than providing a more radical social analysis. For example, some argue for more government spending for public education, rather than advocating for homeschooling or freeschooling. (To learn more about the homeschooling movement, check out Grace Llewellyn's wonderful book, "The Teenage Liberation Handbook.") Likewise, while there isn't consensus among the young writers about gay marriage, some support it, rather than critiquing marriage and monogamy as oppressive, patriarchal institutions of social control. Moreover, there were not any essays written by young environmentalists, which surprised me, given the enormity of the ecological crisis we are in. Nevertheless, it's encouraging to read essays by activist youth interrogating issues of gender, race, class, disabilty and sexuality. Despite some of its flaws, I highly recommend this book for kids, parents, young adults and progressive youth allies.

Incredible book.......2006-03-16

this book is well-written, well-organized, and very inspiring! it is crucial to bring forward the voice of young people in this day and age, the people who are so often unheard, but who are actually mobilizing to create radical change. i highly recommend that every parent, organizer, teacher, youth, and anyone who interacts with youth read this book.

Young people are the solution and not the problem.......2005-11-16

Our society loves to gush about how 'pro-child' it is. Then it places youth in deplorable situations, and becomes surprised when those youth actually want a better deal out of their life. Even among some adult activists there might be a desire to 'protect' youth by doing community organizing for them as opposed to with them.

This is an anthology of writings by young activists trying to make the world a better place. I am impressed that this collection communicates with both other generations of activists and parents--letting them know that they are going to communicate their politics. Northwestern University Law Professor Bernadine Dohrn (a former member of the Weather Underground) provides an introduction giving her own experience with community organizing, but does not patronize the contributor perspectives.

It also acknowledges that inter-movement politics themselves are not as egalitarian as we sincerely want them to be. Because we have lived under the dominant society, activists also are prone to racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and ableism despite our wanting to believe that we are automatically above it. Changing the world is impossible when the movement itself is not in order.

Reading their impassioned words took me back to my own burgeoning political consciousness and the frustration I felt at being the only one who 'saw' and cared about issues. A book like this is essential to inspiring youth and letting them know that they are not alone.

I've since found that my best activism comes from my first noticing problems in my own environment. Thus, it's not at all surprising that the youth are tackling the same issues which personally confront them. The best activism comes from something which you feel very strongly about, and it is going to differ among people.

Acknowledging young people's desire and capabilities to make the world a better place is very inspiring. This book is a great pick me up for anybody. It would be especially beneficial for a young activist to read. They are not alone.

Letters Concerning the English Nation (Oxford World's Classics)

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For those who can take A LOT of Voltaire.
Good, mild introduction to a great satirist

Letters Concerning the English Nation (Oxford World's Classics)
Voltaire
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Persian Letters (Penguin Classics)
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Preliminary Discourse to the Encyclopedia of Diderot
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Christianity and the Crisis of Cultures

ASIN: 0192837087

Book Description

Inspired by Voltaire's two-year stay in England (1726-8), this is one of the key works of the Enlightment. Exactly contemporary with Gulliver's Travels and The Beggar's Opera, Voltaire's controversial pronouncements on politics, philosophy, religion, and literature have place the Letters among the great Augustan satires. Voltaire wrote most of the book in English, in which he was fluent and witty, and it fast became a bestseller in Britain. He re-wrote it in French as the Lettres philosophiques, and current editions in English translate his French. This edition restores for the modern reader Voltaire's own English text, allowing us to appreciate him as a stylist at first hand. It is the only critical edition of the original text and, as well as providing an introduction and notes, it includes intriguing accounts of Voltaire by contemporary English ovservers.

Customer Reviews:

For those who can take A LOT of Voltaire........2002-02-15

Before this 1994 Oxford University Press Edition, ENGLISH-language Readers of Voltaire's famous Book had to make do with Translations from the FRENCH 'Lettres Philosophiques'. Voltaire, however, began writing the Book during his two and a half year stay in ENGLAND, and wrote over half the Letters in ENGLISH. This first critical Edition of the 'Letters' in ENGLISH (the remaining eight Letters are presented in contemporary Translation) are immediately more fresh, more witty, more pointed, more fluid, more Voltairean, than the pallid Translations of other Editions on offer, and, with their characteristic 18th century Spelling (e.g. today's words ending in 'c' ending in 'k', like 'Publick') and Orthography (Nouns capitalised, proper Nouns italicised), give one the pleasurable Feeling of reading a Contemporary of Swift's or Pope's.

Anyone hoping for a Bill Bryson-like Travelogue into the Manners and distinctive Details of the ENGLISH, or a FRENCH 'Gulliver's Travels', will be disappointed. The 'Letters' are a Travelogue of Enlightenment Ideas, and can be divided into three Sections - Religion (Voltaire celebrating the Tolerance of many Religions in ENGLAND compared to the Catholic Tyranny in FRANCE); Philosophy/Science (offering a breathless Digest of exciting new Theories and Discoveries by Locke and Newton), and Literature (decrying the barbarous Irregularities of English theatre compared to the coolly classical French, but praising the occasional poetic Vividness and greater dramatic Force of Shakespeare - how nice of him!). Voltaire often distorts political Conditions in ENGLAND (e.g. the economic Persecution of Catholics) to extol the Country as a Beacon of Liberty.

Although Voltaire writes ENGLISH very well (considering he had only begun learning it the Year before commencing the 'Letters'), his Language lacks the satiric Bite and linguistic Inventiveness of a Swift or Gay, and so feels comparitively thin. Although there is a complex Irony working throughout, with the 'I' of the fictional Letter-Writer shifting functions (satirical, explanatory etc.) depending on the Subject, the most enjoyable Parts are those most straightforwardly polemical, such as the Attack on Reactionaries hostile to the Growth of Science, or the refreshingly irreverant Approach to the Bard.

How you enjoy these Letters depends on how much Voltaire you can take. His brave Attacks on Intolerance, Fanaticism and Absolutism can never be forgotten, and his Advocacy of the actively Intellectual over the submissively Superstitious was crucial in developing the modern Era; but his relentless Promotion of Reason can itself appear intolerant, shortsighted and incapable of dealing with more inexplicable Mysteries. He mocks the Ancients' philosophical and scientific Errors, asserting the linear Progress of History and human Endeavour, assuming, as did those ancients, that his Age has got everything right. The 25th Letter exposes the limits and inflexibility of Voltaire - taking uncontextualised Excerpts from Pascal's 'Pensees', he attempts to demolish the Jansenist's Christian Logic, but only exposes himself as a poor Reader forever closed to true Mystery, Poetry and Complexity.

This critical Edition includes a valuable Introduction detailing Voltaire's Experiences in England, contextualising the Letters and proving the Importance on his artistic Development of the Writer's Contact with the ENGLISH Language. An interesting Textual Note explains the Genesis of the Work, and the Status of the various national Editions. Appendices include a long Excerpt from Voltaire's Essay (in ENGLISH) on Milton, and a biographical Appreciation by Goldsmith. The Apparatus is somewhat let down by the Notes. Because this Edition is considered a primary Text, rather than a Translation, Cronk assumes the reader to be a Student in FRENCH Literature, and neglects to translate Quotations on occasion, or to identify unfamiliar (to this Reader, anyway) Personnages.

Good, mild introduction to a great satirist.......2000-09-13

This book is, justifiably, not as famous as _Candide_, but is still a great sample of Voltaire's thinking--and therefore a great example of Enlightenment discourse. In these letters Voltaire criticizes France by praising England, and begins to develop ideas about religion, democracy, and social convention that he continued to work on throughout his life. For my taste, _Philosophical Dictionary_ is more exciting, but these letters are more inviting, and also give insight into the connections between England and France that obviously lie at the heart of their historical antipathy.

Yankee Correspondence: Civil War Letters Between New England Soldiers and the Home Front (Nation Divided)

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Yankee Correspondence: Civil War Letters Between New England Soldiers and the Home Front (Nation Divided)

Manufacturer: University of Virginia Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0813916682

Intersections: Gender, Nation, and Community in Arab Women's Novels (Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East)

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Intersections: Gender, Nation, and Community in Arab Women's Novels (Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East)

Manufacturer: Syracuse University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0815629761

Book Description

A true "intersection" of Arab women's texts that challenges and rewrites the traditional boundaries of nation, gender, and community.

Nation of Letters: A Concise History of American Literature

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Nation of Letters: A Concise History of American Literature

Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1881089908

Book Description

Nation of Letters evokes the wisdom and artistic literary expression inherent in the American experience at its best. The editors have produced an anthology of manageable size and affordable length, one that can comfortably be carried to the classroom.Beginning with Twain and Howells, the 127 selections include poetry, fiction, and essays, and span the decades through the poems of Ginsburg and Plath.

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