Atheist Universe: Why God Didn't Have A Thing To Do With It

Rating:
Summary: Better than the Bible -- By Far!!!
Review: As an atheist, I naturally believe that any book promoting atheism is better than the Bible. But Atheist Universe truly is an exceptional work. The book riveted my attention throughout the 243 pages. My favorite chapter was Chapter 2, "Interview With An Atheist," which, better than anything else I've ever read, beautifully summarizes and defends the atheist position in laymen's conversation. Atheism is a thoroughly misunderstood philosophy, and this book fully addresses those misconceptions with very satisfying answers based on science and logic. With the exception of one chapter, the entire book was very easy to read. The writing was superb and, at times, quite comical when putting down the arguments of so-called Creation Science. Mills puts them in their rightful position as charlatans and science illiterates. The only chapter that gave me a tiny bit of difficulty was Chapter 3: "Origin of the Universe: Natural or Supernatural?" The reason that I perhaps had minor difficulty with this section was due to my lack of background in astronomy and astrophysics. By contrast, my son found Chapter 3 the most enlightening and his favorite chapter in the book! (There are 12 chapters in all and a very comprehensive index.) There is one major reason why this is the best book on atheism I've read. Most of the other books on this subject, pardon me, are horribly boring -- not all of them, but most. However, Mills' book is totally entertaining throughout, while nonetheless maintaining a scholarly tone. Mills has a rather lighthearted way of dealing with complicated subjects. When I say "lighthearted," I don't mean that the book is trivial nor simplistic. I just mean that it's exceptionally well-written in that it's in a conversational mode. Most of the time, I had no thought that I was even reading a book. I felt like I were having a chat with a knowledgeable friend. I loved this book and the message it has. The message is that science, rather than superstition, is our key to understanding the universe in which we live. The glossy cover alone was worth the price of the book, which showcases a hi-res color photo taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Rating:
Summary: The Universe is Natural, not Theistic
Review: I discovered Mills' book after he discovered mine, and I appreciate the collegial support he has given me. It is great when atheists, independent spirits that we are, can agree and aid one another.
I am happy to have read this book. I am even happy that Amazon often offers his and mine in a bundle for one price! Mills' book has a very different project from my own. His is a straight-forward and fun approach to the issue of the existence of god, in particular the Christian god. People who do not already know the literature on atheism will learn a lot here, and people who know all the arguments will enjoy the tone and clarity of this presentation.
There are two small things I object to in Mills' work. One is his use of the capital "He" or "Him" when talking about the Christian god and his purported son. That is what Christians do, but for those of us who do not believe there is a god or that he ever had a son, I see no reason to conform to their style. In fact, in my book "Natural Atheism," I always refer to "god(s)" so that readers know I am not just taking on the Christian god but all gods. In fact, they need to know that there ARE lots of other god-claims out there and that they contradict each other. As I always say, the best argument against any religion is all the other religions!
The other is his use of the word "belief" when no belief is at issue at all. Atheists do not "believe" there is no god; they conclude so from good evidence. Scientists do not "believe" in evolution; evolution is a good conclusion from solid evidence. Nor does a person "believe" that their foot is at the end of their leg nor that liver tastes bad. Those are not matters of "belief" at all. I think it is really important for us to separate belief from knowledge and all the other things that are not belief in any way. What is left for belief is claims that are either based on no evidence or actually fly in the fact of contradictory evidence.
My project is very different from Mills', and in that way we are complementary. Visit www.naturalatheism.us to see the contents of my book, which starts with arguments for/against god(s) but goes on to explore issues of knowledge and reason, relativism, culture and history, toleration, fundamentalism, science and religion, and more.
Good work, David, on an entertaining and informative book.

Rating:
Summary: Funny, easy to read, fact-filled, but a bit short.
Review: I found David's book to explain and debunk several theistic theories in a very efficient manner. The book covers a wide array of topics from evolution to internet porn. I found every chapter to be full of relevant information and easy to read analogies.

I gave the book 4/5 stars as opposed to 5/5 stars for one reason and one reason alone: I wanted to keep reading!!! The book is so efficient, that you can cover many topics in a very short period of time, but because David Mills is such a good writer, you just want him to talk more and more and more.

PS: My name James, not Mary, but I think that's what Amazon may show... Mary is my mom.

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I was agnostic, but after reading this book I am a full fledged atheist. Much of the book deals with the history of science Vs. religion with some funny subtle political jabs thrown in there.

One of my favorite chapters is "The Myth of Hell". Here, in talking about whether sending people to hell as punishment would fit the crime, Mills wrties "Let's suppose that, during a person's particularly mischevious lifetime, he commits a sum total of 100,000 sins, each of which God avenges singularly through fiery torture. If a 'sinner' were sentenced to one year of uninterrupted torture for each sin he committed-an unimaginably sadistic judgment-that his punishment would be over in 100,000 years. But, according to Christian doctrine, the torture continues longer than 100,000 years.....Even a million years of torture per offense would be a light sentence compared to everlasting torture. So if you'd perfer to watch football on Sunday, instead of going to church, then you will be tortured more than a million years for this single offense."

Mills also shows quotes from many great people in history criticizing religion including Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon Bonaparte, Ganhdi and others. In another part of the book Mills says even if he personally witnessed John F. Kennedy get out of his coffin and start walking that he would think that A) he had gone insane, B) it wasn't Kennedy, C) he was witnessing the filming of a movie, D)someone had slipped him a hellucinogenic drug or E) he was making the whole thing up long before he would actually believe the John F. Kennedy had risen from the dead. Mills concludes that a natural explanation of the orgins of our universe, no matter how far fetched, is infinetley more plausible than a supernatural one.

These are just examples of the gems you'll find in this book. Agree or not, you must concede that Mills makes some strong arguments and delivers them with clarity and wit.

Rating:
Summary: It has all been said by other customer reviewers!
Review: In a way, this review is superfluous because the other reviewers have really said it all. I merely want to add my voice to those who have written glowingly about this book. Mr. Mills has a fine talent as a clear and convincing author. I especially liked the scientific data included in the book in a manner that is very accessable to the layperson.

Rating:
Summary: Mills Is Thought Provoking and Entertaining
Review: Mills' book is an outstanding book that looks at the Atheistic universe. The book, which will be a smorgasbord of information for the beginning Atheist, a delight to read for the lifetime Atheist, and a resource for the questioning theist, has it all. Mills' book dives in full-tilt into subjects like "fine tuning," the "god of the gaps," the "miracle" of life, creationism, Hell, miracles, and many others. Mills' creative writing style, which doesn't require a PhD to understand, mixed with his use of humor and witty sarcasm (where appropriate) makes the book fun to read. Mills also leaves nothing to be desired when tackling the issues in his book. Mills does not hold back in discrediting creationism's claim to be scientific and says what needs to be said. In other words, Mills gets straight to the point. The book includes an "Interview with an Atheist" that covers a lot of the questions that people have when they first meet an Atheist. Mills then goes into chapter after chapter breaking these questions down further and expanding greatly on the answers to give the reader a greater idea of what Atheism is, what Atheism is not, and why Atheism is a justified and rational position for anyone to hold. You may or may not agree with everything that Mills has to say in his book, but you will not be lacking when it comes to a read that is both thought provoking and entertaining.

Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists
Director, Alabama Atheist
Creator, Atheism Awareness
Columnist, Bible Belt Blasphemy

Rating:
Summary: Truly Comprehensive
Review: Other reviewers have written on Amazon and other websites about the readability, quality of writing and pleasurable experience in reading Atheist Universe. While I concur with the other reviewers on these points, I'd like to concentrate on something else for a moment. This is the only atheist book I've read that really is comprehensive in nature. For example, George Smith's books focus on the philosophical rebuttals to theological arguments. (I highly recommend them as well). Other books, such as the new edition by Victor J. Stenger, concentrate principally on the scientific arguments. Atheist Universe covers literally everything. I regret that, at present, Amazon hasn't yet placed this book in its Search Inside the Book program. (Perhaps by the time you read this posting). If you could scan inside the book or read the index, you'd see what I mean. I'm not a scientist or philosopher or theologian, but I honestly can't think of a single argument for God's existence that was omitted in the book, though I'm sure religious conservatives will come up with something loony. I had never heard of the author, David Mills, until I read the complimentary statements by Albert Ellis and Ashley Montagu on Mills' past writings. Since I admired both of these men tremendously, I gave this book a chance. They were right. This is a fine book and, now, one of the favorites I own.

Rating:
Summary: Truly Comprehensive
Review: Other reviewers have written on Amazon and other websites about the readability, quality of writing and pleasurable experience in reading Atheist Universe. While I enthusiastically concur with the other reviewers on these points, I'd like to concentrate on something else for a moment.

This is the only atheist book I've read that really is comprehensive in nature. For example, George Smith's books focus on the philosophical rebuttals to theological arguments. (I highly recommend them as well). Other books, such as the new edition by Victor J. Stenger, concentrate principally on the scientific arguments. Atheist Universe covers literally everything. If you Search Inside the Book or read the index, you'll see what I mean. I'm not a scientist nor philosopher nor theologian, but I honestly can't think of a single argument for God's existence that was not fully analyzed and thoroughly rebutted in the book, though I'm sure religious conservatives will come up with something loony.

I had never heard of the author, David Mills, until I read the complimentary statements by Albert Ellis and Ashley Montagu on Mills' past writings. Since I admired both of these men tremendously, I gave this book a chance. They were right. This is a fine book and, now, one of the favorites I own.

Rating:
Summary: Fast, Factual, Fun, and educational!
Review: Simply put, David's book gets to the meat and potatoes of the issues that seperate "believers" from "free thinkers." Like Mike Shermer, Carl Sagan, and other modern writers, David Mills infures no shortage of wit and wisdom which, if one is not carefull, will lead to learning. Like The Demon Haunted World, Why People Believe Weird Things, and Dinosaur in a Haystack, this is truly a A must own book!

-Dr. W. S. Davis,
Author of HERETICS

Rating:
Summary: Great Book! Logical answers to life's many questions
Review: This book is well written and easy to follow. I couldn't put it down after the first chapter. There's no beating around the bush in this book. It's up to date on the latest scientific discoveries, and provides new ideas even for long time Atheists.

The book covers in-depth, the long debate between Creationists and Evolutionists. It provides good insight into the flaws of Creationist thinking, with strong arguments.

One of my favorite chapters is "Can Genesis Be Reconciled with Modern Science". This chapter not only provides strong evidence as to why these two cannot mix together, but even goes as far as showing Bible texts which talk about Unicorns and Dragons, which with new current translations of the Bible have been removed or called something else. I found this information very revealing. While "double-checking" these references I also found some other holes in the Job chapters.

In the end this book will surely provide a good solid case of why this Mythical God cannot exist.