This is a link to video of Richard Dawkins getting interviewed about his new book in which he takes on Religion full bore. I think Dawkins was meant to do this. He seems quite a home with this conflict. But, of course, what does being meant to do something mean?

I was taken aback by two things in this interview. The very last thing he says is "I don't think we were put here to be comfortable." Its a common turn of phrase but its an obvious reference to a creator. Who/what put us here? What did they put us here for, if not to be comfortable? I'm sure its just a saying, but rather ironic, perhaps...

The other thing was his assault on American Republicans. It seemed hyperbolic. Perhaps thats the view from the other side of the pond, but I don't in seriousness think that we invaded Iraq because George Bush felt God compelled him to do so. I think that underestimates our government considerably. And the notion that a wide swath of his constituency is pining for nuclear armageddon in order to bring back the Lord is down right paranoid.

Look, Mr. Dawkins, if you ever read this, I actually live in the South Eastern United States. Theres plenty a folk 'round these parts don't know a chromosome from a carbohydrate and don't much like anyone who does. Even some a them that do still got that fire and brimstone in 'em. They're down at the Baptist Church on Sunday, prayn' away. And they beleive that God is everywhere, so why not in the Legislature? How you argue with that?

But are they prayn' for war? Nah. It ain't quite nearly that bad. Maybe a handful of 'em, but they 's crazy. Some of the sane folk say they do wanna nuke stuff, but only 'cause their sick a worrying their gunna be murdered by a terrorist and they reckon violence is how you solve problems. Ain't got nothn' to do with God. And the fact is that those kinda people talk a lot a shit. You should try not to take 'em so serious like.

Perhaps you were just trying to be provocative?

There are plenty of good points to make here and no better living person to make them, but if this dialog is to be taken seriously it must be presented fairly.

More Dawkins in the 3 part video starting here.