Hyped as the book that will destroy the foundation of Christianity, Divinity of Doubt: The God Question by Vincent Bugliosi is actually an excellent foray into philosophy, basics of the foundation of religion, and is peppered with personal stories that seemingly have nothing to do with the particular chapter. Yet the reader will be challenged as never before, while totally enjoying the process of self examination of personal beliefs.
Challenges Basic Beliefs Through Logic and Heart
Yes, the beliefs will be challenged, but Bugliosi does not preach nor implore the reader to take his point of view as the only view. What he cleverly does instead is ask innocent questions; to point out the many absurdities of any religion or dogma. And demands the reader come up with his/her own solution.
While supporting his statements and views from theologists, philosophers, and of course Darwinism, Bugliosi uses humor while pointing out basic contradictions in the three major religions. His main point is how to reconcile when bad things happen to good people - and others shrug it off as "God's will be done" or "It was God's will." He even challenges the accepted notion of the necessity of evil for readers to understand happiness.
No stranger to controversy, Bugliosi is the New York Times bestselling author of Helter Skelter (on the Manson murders) as well as Outrage (on O.J. Simpson). His background is that of prosecutor, and while many may expect his latest book to be in the style of courtroom drama or presented as a trial case, Bugliosi instead shuns the expected and creates a world of systematic pondering substantiated with history, politics, philosophy, and the human heart.
Personal Stories to Support Points Provide Humor
In his musings on Darwin and Evolution (Chapter 5), Bugliosi starts on what seems a rambling but very entertaining sequence on his cat, officially known as Sherlock but affectionately called "egg" (with another smile-provoking episode on how the name "egg" may apply). His point is to question why man is considered the only one of God's creatures to be able to contemplate his own existence, and how the gift of reasoning as shown by the "egg" could only come from a creator - or why would evolution need to provide this species with the particular refinement? He states what many seem to forget - that Darwin and God are not incompatible. Indeed, Darwin's book is entitled "On the Origin of Species, not On the Origin of Life." (pg. 74)
Reminiscent of Philosophers' Personal Discussions
Readers who have a basic understanding of philosophy, history, religion and politics will find this book filled with the kind of thinking spent in university days of old, when thoughts were challenged for the sake of challenging but still based on personal examination. Yet even the novice thinker will find Bugliosi not amiss in explaining the basics. He takes nothing for granted. An excellent read for those looking for more than just trite answers, and who dare to challenge personal beliefs through self-examination.
Book courtesy of FSB Associates.
References:
Bugliosi, Vincent. Divinity of Doubt: The God Question. New York, NY USA: Vanguard Press, 2011
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