SECULARISATION: The Dawkins Delusion

Question 1

Give 3 of Dawkins’ key points from The God Delusion

Answer 1

1. Religion is a primitive error which has spread like a virus
2. Teaching religion by parents and schools is mental abuse
3. People can be morally good without the influence of religion

Question 2

Who is Alister McGrath?

Answer 2

Author of The Dawkins Delusion. Christian theologian

Question 3

What does The God Delusion raise in the context of secularisation?

Answer 3

Most people find meaning in life without reference to religion
Attitudes to gays, abortion, inclusiveness, and freedom of choice in matters of religion or religious education

Question 4

Quote from The God Delusion

Answer 4

‘The majority of us … don’t cheat, don’t kill, don’t commit incest’

Question 5

Give 3 of McGrath’s key points from The Dawkins Delusion

Answer 5

1. Science can’t demonstrate the true nature of reality because this is not testable/observable
2. Dawkins ignores the liberal response to religion. Complains supernatural religion isn’t open to argument, but holds to its beliefs unquestioningly
3. Dawkins opposes one form of fundamentalism with another

Question 6

Quote from The Dawkins Delusion

Answer 6

‘Dawkins is clearly entrenched in his own particular version of a fundamentalist dualism’

Question 7

Weakness of McGrath

Answer 7

He suggests atheism may be a response to the human need for moral autonomy and that atheism’s an excuse for immorality