Irreligion

December 3, 2007
Few of the recent books on atheism have been worth reading just for wit and style, but this is one of them: Paulos is truly funny. De-spite the title, the Temple University math professor doesn't actually discuss mathematics much, which will be a relief to any numerically challenged readers who felt intimidated by his previous book Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences
. In this short primer (“just the gist with an occasional jest”), Paulos tackles 12 of the most common arguments for God, including the argument from design, the idea that a “moral universality” points to a creator God, the notion of first causes and the argument from coincidence, among others. Along the way, he intersperses irreverent and entertaining little chapterlets that contain his musings on various subjects, including a rather hilarious imagined IM exchange with God that slyly parodies Neale Donald Walsch's Conversations with God
. “Why does solemnity tend to infect almost all discussions of religion?” Paulos asks, clearly bemoaning the dearth of humor. This little book goes a long way toward correcting the problem, and provides both atheists and religious apologists some digestible food for thought along the way.

May 19, 2008
After his advance calculations, math professor Paulos concludes that religion and, in particular, God just don't compute. In challenging the precepts of religion and religious thought through the application of logical arguments and sometimes not so analogous comparisons, Paulos's arguments prove quite compelling for those who are spiritually doubtful. However, the devoted are not likely to be persuaded by this sleight of hand with words. Dick Hill's wavering tone creates a manic mood, as his pitch, speed and intensity tilt back and forth with the text's various points. Generally, nonfiction narrators need a good deal of energy in their delivery, but Hill's performance borders on the overdramatic. While Paulos's discussion is intriguing, Hill narrates with an edge in his voice that is sure to increase the heartbeat of even the most sedate reader. While one doesn't need to be a mathematician to understand Paulos's arguments, sometimes his equations can be extremely challenging for listeners to fully visualize. Simultaneous release with the Hill & Wang hardcover (Reviews, Dec. 3).

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