atheism converts

[Mr Spinkles]

Originally Posted by Iti oj

what Author helped you decide and/or reaffirmed your atheism?

Mine was Victor J. Stenger with God: The Failed Hypothesis. Richard Dawkins reaffirmed and expanded it the most. Have to thank Darwin as well.

I suppose I would say excerpts from David Hume, Thomas Jefferson, and Socrates. And especially, the documentaries of Carl Sagan and James Randi.

These authors did not make me stop believing in God, as their writings barely mentioned God (the writings I read years ago, anyway). But they did persuade me of the importance of science and skepticism, and the ubiquity of popular superstitions. And that ultimately lead me to doubt theism.

[Iti oj]

Originally Posted by Mr Spinkles

I suppose I would say excerpts from David Hume, Thomas Jefferson, and Socrates. And especially, the documentaries of Carl Sagan and James Randi.

These authors did not make me stop believing in God, as their writings barely mentioned God (the writings I read years ago, anyway). But they did persuade me of the importance of science and skepticism, and the ubiquity of popular superstitions. And that ultimately lead me to doubt theism.

Good point its not always straight forward but sometimes just showing you a way to think and see. In my case it put validite to my thoughts and feelings and brought be to the relization

[9Westy9]

not sure it was any particular author. Although the debate between WLC and Andrew Pyle started my search. I guess it was mostly down to youtube atheists than any particular book.

[cottage]

Originally Posted by Iti oj

what Author helped you decide and/or reaffirmed your atheism?

Mine was Victor J. Stenger with God: The Failed Hypothesis. Richard Dawkins reaffirmed and expanded it the most. Have to thank Darwin as well.

As a religious sceptic I've always made a point reading works by theists, from the famous to the obscure, while being in the general habit of not reading works by confirmed atheists, ie those whose philosophy is a fierce polemic against belief in God. (in order to avoid the effects of a self-affirming prophecy). But I broke that self-imposed rule when I bought a copy of The God Delusion. It is difficult to disagree with much of what Dawkins says, although he does come across as ranting in some respects. However I must give him due credit for this remark: 'Mystics exult in mystery and want it to stay mysterious. Scientists exult in mystery for a different reason: it gives them something to do.' He goes on to say that religion teaches us that it is a virtue to be satisfied with not understanding. So true.

[Iti oj]

Originally Posted by cottage

As a religious sceptic I've always made a point reading works by theists, from the famous to the obscure, while being in the general habit of not reading works by confirmed atheists, ie those whose philosophy is a fierce polemic against belief in God. (in order to avoid the effects of a self-affirming prophecy). But I broke that self-imposed rule when I bought a copy of The God Delusion. It is difficult to disagree with much of what Dawkins says, although he does come across as ranting in some respects. However I must give him due credit for this remark: 'Mystics exult in mystery and want it to stay mysterious. Scientists exult in mystery for a different reason: it gives them something to do.' He goes on to say that religion teaches us that it is a virtue to be satisfied with not understanding. So true.

I read equally parts both. I like to read atheist works because it allows me to better discuss things and make my points. I read theist works for intellectually honesty and curiosit. For a sense of fairness to myself. Good quote I'm glad you bring it up. last night me and my friend were reflecting on this line.

[Iti oj]

In my example i had already felt the lack of faith but was able to define it and realize through the book i read.

[Penumbra]

Originally Posted by Iti oj

what Author helped you decide and/or reaffirmed your atheism?

The authors of the Bible.

[Enlighten]

Originally Posted by Iti oj

what Author helped you decide and/or reaffirmed your atheism?

Mine was Victor J. Stenger with God: The Failed Hypothesis. Richard Dawkins reaffirmed and expanded it the most. Have to thank Darwin as well.

The bible.

Edit: I have to add, I don't know what I am when it comes to labels, but the bible certainly helped me move away from religion.

[Bob L]

Matt Dillahunty of The Atheist Experience. Not an author, but my biggest influence nonetheless.

[The Sum of Awe]

I was already convinced before reading atheistic books, and I hardly ever read, but afterwards I read a book that kinda made me more "atheist" like, I was more of an agnostic and apathetic. It was probably one of the rare philosophy books I can read and not get bored: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev.