Richard Dawkins is considered a prominent evolutionary biologist and advocate of atheism. In his book "The God Delusion", he makes several key arguments: 1) Natural processes like evolution can spontaneously generate complexity without a designer; 2) Therefore, God is not needed to explain the universe or life; 3) Belief in God or the supernatural is a delusion caused by a "meme" infecting human thought; 4) Religion is not just false but dangerous and the enemy of science. However, the document outlines several problems with Dawkins' arguments, such as logical fallacies, biased reasoning, and assertions that cannot be scientifically proven. It argues that materialism/naturalism is based on circular logic and is ultimately false

1. The God Delusion:The God Delusion:
A ResponseA Response
oror
The Dawkins DelusionThe Dawkins Delusion
John Oakes, PhD June, 2008John Oakes, PhD June, 2008

2. RichardRichard DawkinsDawkins
 Considered by many the preeminent evolutionist of ourConsidered by many the preeminent evolutionist of our
time. A popularizer of science and an avowed atheist.time. A popularizer of science and an avowed atheist.
 River out of EdenRiver out of Eden
 The Blind WatchmakerThe Blind Watchmaker
 The Selfish GeneThe Selfish Gene
 Unweaving the RainbowUnweaving the Rainbow

4. Key Points of “The God Delusion”Key Points of “The God Delusion”
 There exists a known mechanism by which organicThere exists a known mechanism by which organic
evolution creates greater complexity through geneticevolution creates greater complexity through genetic
mutation, gene crossing, natural selection etc.mutation, gene crossing, natural selection etc.
 Therefore it is settled that nature can spontaneouslyTherefore it is settled that nature can spontaneously
create complexity as a general rule (although hecreate complexity as a general rule (although he
proposes no mechanism for this outside of Darwinism).proposes no mechanism for this outside of Darwinism).
 By analogy, there must be some sort of complexity-By analogy, there must be some sort of complexity-
creator which can explain why the fine-tuned universecreator which can explain why the fine-tuned universe
we live in was created. (and the multiverse speculationwe live in was created. (and the multiverse speculation
is assumed to be true, by the way)is assumed to be true, by the way)

5. Key Points of “The God Delusion”Key Points of “The God Delusion”
 This being proved (that the universe canThis being proved (that the universe can
spontaneously create complexity andspontaneously create complexity and
information), then there is no need to invoke theinformation), then there is no need to invoke the
Anthropic Principle or the idea of a designer.Anthropic Principle or the idea of a designer.
 Therefore it is proven that there is no God, noTherefore it is proven that there is no God, no
supernatural presence. All of reality can besupernatural presence. All of reality can be
explained by random action of material forces.explained by random action of material forces.

6. Key Points in “The God Delusion”Key Points in “The God Delusion”
 It being proven that there is no designer, noIt being proven that there is no designer, no
supernatural presence, then belief in God, in thesupernatural presence, then belief in God, in the
soul, in spiritual reality is a delusion—asoul, in spiritual reality is a delusion—a
psychological illness.psychological illness.
 The tendency—common to almost all humans—The tendency—common to almost all humans—
toward religious belief is the result of thetoward religious belief is the result of the
formation of a “meme”. A meme is a gene-likeformation of a “meme”. A meme is a gene-like
evolved cultural idea. Like a virus that infects aevolved cultural idea. Like a virus that infects a
culture. The religion meme is an artifact of brainculture. The religion meme is an artifact of brain
evolution—a very unfortunate one.evolution—a very unfortunate one.

7. Key Points in “The God Delusion”Key Points in “The God Delusion”
 Not only is all religious thought a delusion, it is in fact theNot only is all religious thought a delusion, it is in fact the
most dangerous, pernicious, destructive force in humanmost dangerous, pernicious, destructive force in human
culture. It is the natural enemy of the only true source ofculture. It is the natural enemy of the only true source of
knowledge: the scientific method.knowledge: the scientific method.
 Those who refuse to give up all religious belief are atThose who refuse to give up all religious belief are at
least indirectly responsible for all the evil in the world.least indirectly responsible for all the evil in the world.
Religion has had absolutely nothing positive to offer toReligion has had absolutely nothing positive to offer to
humanity. The sooner we abandon belief in morality andhumanity. The sooner we abandon belief in morality and
absolute ethical beliefs, the faster humans will approachabsolute ethical beliefs, the faster humans will approach
their ultimate potential.their ultimate potential.

8. One More ThingOne More Thing
 The existence of God is a scientific hypothesis, to beThe existence of God is a scientific hypothesis, to be
decided by empirical scientific experiment.decided by empirical scientific experiment.

9. Problems with Dawkin’s arguments.Problems with Dawkin’s arguments.
 Extremely biased and emotional argument.Extremely biased and emotional argument.
 Religionists are:Religionists are:
 ““silly”silly”
 ““weird”weird”
 ““unworthy”unworthy”
 ““the root of all evil”the root of all evil”
 ““not enlightened”not enlightened”
 Etc.Etc.

10. Problems With Dawkin’s Argument (cont.)Problems With Dawkin’s Argument (cont.)
 A prevalent use of logical fallacy to make his argument.A prevalent use of logical fallacy to make his argument.
 Ad hominemAd hominem argumentsarguments
 No True ScotsmanNo True Scotsman
 Begging the Question (circular reasoning)Begging the Question (circular reasoning)
 Straw man argumentStraw man argument
 Etc.Etc.

11. Problems With Dawkin’s Reasoning (cont.)Problems With Dawkin’s Reasoning (cont.)
 ““The God Delusion” is pseudoscience.The God Delusion” is pseudoscience.
 Argument by analogy (virus of the mind)Argument by analogy (virus of the mind)
 Claims of persecutionClaims of persecution
 Quoting authors out of contextQuoting authors out of context
 Bogus use of statistics (correlation vs. cause and effect)Bogus use of statistics (correlation vs. cause and effect)
 Appeals to mystery and myth (the bicameral mind)Appeals to mystery and myth (the bicameral mind)
 Proposal of theories which have no experimental support at all.Proposal of theories which have no experimental support at all.

12. “The God Delusion makes me
embarrassed to be an atheist” Michael
Ruse

13. A Response to Dawkin’s ArgumentsA Response to Dawkin’s Arguments
 One can concede that random mutation/natural selectionOne can concede that random mutation/natural selection
can produce complexity.can produce complexity.
 However to argue by analogy that life wasHowever to argue by analogy that life was
spontaneously generated or that an Anthropic Universespontaneously generated or that an Anthropic Universe
is naturally selected is not scientific.is naturally selected is not scientific.

14. A Response to Dawkin’s ThesisA Response to Dawkin’s Thesis
 It is true that evil had been done in the name of God.It is true that evil had been done in the name of God.
 Islamic extremismIslamic extremism
 Crusades, Inquisition, etc.Crusades, Inquisition, etc.
 But Jesus certainly would not have accepted this behavior at allBut Jesus certainly would not have accepted this behavior at all
(and perhaps neither would Muhammad have, for that matter)(and perhaps neither would Muhammad have, for that matter)
Matthew 5:38-48Matthew 5:38-48
 Christianity has done more to improve the human condition than anyChristianity has done more to improve the human condition than any
other force in human history.other force in human history.
 Woman’s rights.Woman’s rights.
 Abolition of slaveryAbolition of slavery
 Human rights in generalHuman rights in general
 Christian groups do the majority of all benevolent acts in the worldChristian groups do the majority of all benevolent acts in the world
James 1:27 Micah 6:8 etc.James 1:27 Micah 6:8 etc.

15. Naturalism/Scientism/MaterialismNaturalism/Scientism/Materialism
 The belief that the only reliable or validThe belief that the only reliable or valid
instrument to deciding the truth or even theinstrument to deciding the truth or even the
value of any proposition is the scientific method.value of any proposition is the scientific method.
 No ethics, no morality, no supernatural, no God,No ethics, no morality, no supernatural, no God,
no truth (except that found by science), nono truth (except that found by science), no
consciousness, no “I.” Justice is a figment of ourconsciousness, no “I.” Justice is a figment of our
imagination.imagination.

16. Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins
 In the universe of blind physical forces and geneticIn the universe of blind physical forces and genetic
replication, some people are going to get hurt andreplication, some people are going to get hurt and
other people are going to get lucky: and you won’tother people are going to get lucky: and you won’t
find any rhyme or reason to it, nor any justice. Thefind any rhyme or reason to it, nor any justice. The
universe we observe has precisely the properties weuniverse we observe has precisely the properties we
should expect if there is at the bottom, no design, noshould expect if there is at the bottom, no design, no
purpose, no evil and no good. Nothing but blind,purpose, no evil and no good. Nothing but blind,
pitiless indifference. DNA neither knows nor cares.pitiless indifference. DNA neither knows nor cares.
DNA just is, and we dance to its music.DNA just is, and we dance to its music.

17. Thomas HuxleyThomas Huxley
 We are as much the product of blind forces as is theWe are as much the product of blind forces as is the
falling of a stone to earth, or the ebb and flow of thefalling of a stone to earth, or the ebb and flow of the
tides. We have just happened, and man was made fleshtides. We have just happened, and man was made flesh
by a long series of singularly beneficial accidents.by a long series of singularly beneficial accidents.
 A Question for Huxley: If you believe in scientism, thenA Question for Huxley: If you believe in scientism, then
in what sense is itin what sense is it beneficialbeneficial that we exist?that we exist?

18. Aristotle:
The truth is
known through
human logic and
reason
Aristotle’s science
was very bad.

19. Augustine of Hippo
354-430 AD
One’s Scripture cannot
contradict what we know
from nature. Rejected
Manichaeism because
Mano contradicted science.

20. Roger Bacon
1214-1294
To acquire truth about
nature, use “External
experience, aided by
instruments, made
precise by mathematics”

21. The Fundamental Presuppositions of ScienceThe Fundamental Presuppositions of Science
 These men began with an assumption: The universe was created by aThese men began with an assumption: The universe was created by a
single, all-powerful, loving, unchanging God with the single purpose insingle, all-powerful, loving, unchanging God with the single purpose in
mind: that we can live in it and experience a relationship with him.mind: that we can live in it and experience a relationship with him.
 The universe is ordered and essentially unchanging.The universe is ordered and essentially unchanging.
 The universe is observable and understandable. There is aThe universe is observable and understandable. There is a
1:1 match between how the human mind works and how the1:1 match between how the human mind works and how the
universe in which live functions.universe in which live functions.
 The universe is governed by mathematically precise laws.The universe is governed by mathematically precise laws.

22. Galieo Galilei
1564-1642
For the Holy Scripture
and the phenomena of
nature proceed alike from
the divine Word, the
former as the dictate of
the Holy Spirit and the
latter as the observant
executor of God’s
commands.”

23. 1919thth
Century Materialism/Naturalism (cont.)Century Materialism/Naturalism (cont.)
Charles DarwinCharles Darwin
1809-18821809-1882
““Origin of Species”Origin of Species”
““The Descent of Man”The Descent of Man”
Modernism/MaterialismModernism/Materialism
seems triumphantseems triumphant

24. The 20The 20thth
CenturyCentury
 Science appears triumphantScience appears triumphant
 Scientism proposed. Beyond Morality. Eugenics.Scientism proposed. Beyond Morality. Eugenics.
 Quantum Mechanics. Is determinism reality?Quantum Mechanics. Is determinism reality?
 WWI WWII Hiroshima Modernity loses its luster.WWI WWII Hiroshima Modernity loses its luster.
Humans are not getting better and better.Humans are not getting better and better.
 Scientific Materialism cannot answer our deepestScientific Materialism cannot answer our deepest
questions. Scientism is hubris.questions. Scientism is hubris.
 Enter, Postmodernism!Enter, Postmodernism!

25. A Response to Naturalism/Materialism/ScientismA Response to Naturalism/Materialism/Scientism
 It is a faith/religious belief based on circular reasoning.It is a faith/religious belief based on circular reasoning.
 It is patently and demonstrably false.It is patently and demonstrably false.
 It is dangerousIt is dangerous

26. MaterialismMaterialism
 ““We exist as material beings in a material world, allWe exist as material beings in a material world, all
of whose phenomena are the consequences ofof whose phenomena are the consequences of
material relations among material entities." In a word,material relations among material entities." In a word,
the public needs to accept materialism, which meansthe public needs to accept materialism, which means
that they must put God in the trash can of historythat they must put God in the trash can of history
where such myths belong.”where such myths belong.”
Richard LewontinRichard Lewontin
Retrospective essay on Carl Sagan in the January 9, 1997Retrospective essay on Carl Sagan in the January 9, 1997 New York Review of BooksNew York Review of Books,,

27. Circular ReasoningCircular Reasoning
Unprovable assumptions of science.Unprovable assumptions of science.
The universe is ordered and essentially unchanging.The universe is ordered and essentially unchanging.
The universe is observable and understandable. i.e.The universe is observable and understandable. i.e.
There is a 1:1 match between how the human mindThere is a 1:1 match between how the human mind
works and how the universe in which live functions.works and how the universe in which live functions.
The universe is governed by mathematically preciseThe universe is governed by mathematically precise
laws.laws.
Language is adequate to describe the natural realm.Language is adequate to describe the natural realm.
None of these assumptions can be proved by experiment. InNone of these assumptions can be proved by experiment. In
a sense, science is not scientific.a sense, science is not scientific.

28. Materialism is Patently FalseMaterialism is Patently False
If Materialism/Naturalism is right then;If Materialism/Naturalism is right then;
 ““I” do not exist. Consciousness is just random moving around ofI” do not exist. Consciousness is just random moving around of
chemicals.chemicals.
 No soul, no spirit, no non-physical reality.No soul, no spirit, no non-physical reality.
 Belief in God is just a “meme” the unfortunate accidental result ofBelief in God is just a “meme” the unfortunate accidental result of
brain evolution.brain evolution.
 Life has no value. Human beings have no value. What is value?Life has no value. Human beings have no value. What is value?
 Love is chemicals moving around (vs. God is love)Love is chemicals moving around (vs. God is love)

29. If the Materialist is right, then…If the Materialist is right, then…
 Religious thought is absolute nonsense. Prayer isReligious thought is absolute nonsense. Prayer is
chemical moving around in your brain.chemical moving around in your brain.
 Art, Literature, Music have no intrinsic value.Art, Literature, Music have no intrinsic value.
 Justice is a meaningless word.Justice is a meaningless word.
 Human rights have no basis.Human rights have no basis.
 Etc….Etc….

30. Scientism is Patently False Because….Scientism is Patently False Because….
 The universe was created.The universe was created.
 Life was created.Life was created.
 The Anthropic Principle. The universe is ridiculously wellThe Anthropic Principle. The universe is ridiculously well
fine-tuned for us to exist.fine-tuned for us to exist.
 The Bible is inspired by God.The Bible is inspired by God.

31. Naturalism is a Dangerous (Evil?) PhilosophyNaturalism is a Dangerous (Evil?) Philosophy
If the naturalist is right then:If the naturalist is right then:
 Good and evil are meaningless ideas.Good and evil are meaningless ideas.
 Stealing is not wrong.Stealing is not wrong.
 Any kind of sexual behavior is as right as any other.Any kind of sexual behavior is as right as any other.
 There is nothing evil about genocide.There is nothing evil about genocide.
 Racism is not only acceptable, it is supported.Racism is not only acceptable, it is supported.

32. If the Materialist is Right Then…If the Materialist is Right Then…
 Violence and greed are acceptable behavior.Violence and greed are acceptable behavior.
 Justice is a meaningless construct.Justice is a meaningless construct.
 The words “ought and should” are meaningless.The words “ought and should” are meaningless.
 There is no such thing as sin or wrong behavior.There is no such thing as sin or wrong behavior.
 Consider the only societies in human history controlledConsider the only societies in human history controlled
by atheists. USSR, Communist China, Khmer Rouge….by atheists. USSR, Communist China, Khmer Rouge….
 Is this where human beings want to head?Is this where human beings want to head?

33. Jesus Christ: “I came to testify to the truth.”
Pontius Pilate: “What is truth?”

34. So, What is Truth?So, What is Truth?
 John 14:6 I AM the way the TRUTH and the life. noJohn 14:6 I AM the way the TRUTH and the life. no
one comes to the Father, except by me.one comes to the Father, except by me.
 Why are Postmodernism and Scientism and every otherWhy are Postmodernism and Scientism and every other
ism wrong?ism wrong?
 Because Jesus is truth.Because Jesus is truth.
Two Possibilities: Either Jesus is truth or he is not…..Two Possibilities: Either Jesus is truth or he is not…..

35. Jesus is Truth
John 8:32-32
John 1:14

36. Christian Theology Answers the Big Questions
 How did I get here?
 Why am I here?
 Where am I going?
 Why are human beings able to comprehend the
universe?
 Why is there pain and suffering and evil in the world?

37. Christianity Offers Solutions to the Big Problems of
Human Beings
 The Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death of Jesus)
 Romans 7:24,25
 The Problem of Suffering (compassion)
 Matthew 9:35-36
 The Problem of Death
 1 Corinthians 15:54-56

38. Jesus: Miracle Worker
 Acts 2:22 “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by
God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God
did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”
 Jewish Talmud (1st
Century) “Yeshu… has practiced
sorcery.”

39. Jesus: Miracle Worker
 John 10:30-38.
 Is this a mere man? Look at the
response.
 Even though you do not believe me,
believe the miracles…

40. Jesus, Miracle Worker
 John 6:35 “I am the bread of
life. He who comes to me will
never go hungry, and he who
believes in me will never be
thirsty”
 John 6:1-15 Jesus feeds
5000 men, plus women and
children.

41. How Do I Know Jesus is Truth?How Do I Know Jesus is Truth?
 John 8:42-51 Can anyone prove me guilty of sin?John 8:42-51 Can anyone prove me guilty of sin?
 temple and I will raise it in three John 2:18-19 Destroytemple and I will raise it in three John 2:18-19 Destroy
this days.this days.

42. Jesus, Miracle Worker
 John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who
believes in me will live, even though he dies.”
 John 11:17-44 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
 John 11:45-54 Two reasonable responses to Jesus.

44. What is Your Response?
 Mark 16:25 “But what about you?” he asked, “Who do
you say I am?
A mere man?
A myth?
A dangerous man?
Messiah, Lord and Savior who is calling you to
repent.

45. The Resurrection
 John 2:18-19 Destroy this temple and IJohn 2:18-19 Destroy this temple and I
will raise it in three days.will raise it in three days.

46. The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead
 Romans 6:5,11 “If we have
been united with him in his
death, we will also certainly
be united with him in his
resurrection… In the same
way, count yourself dead to
sin but alive to God in
Christ.