Hi Sheridan,

I was listening to your interview with Alistair McGrath, author of the book The Dawkins' Delusion, a rebuttal to Richard Dawkins' book The God Delusion.

The question was raised on the show as to why Dawkins seems to be so angry at those who perpetuate a belief in the existence of God. After watching part 3 of the Compass documentary 'God of the Gaps' on ABC TV, where Dawkins was interviewed by the show's host Robert Winston, it became apparent to me that Dawkins' grievances stem from those Christians who promote a literal interpretation of the Genesis creation account.

They maintain that their interpretation of Genesis should inform any scientific understanding of the earth's history, but claim that science does support their interpretation.

It seems that Dawkins has legitimate grievances against this 'creation science' movement, but his grievances are borne out in a condescending attitude to all those who believe in a Creator.

In lumping all God believers in the same camp and belittling them as being deluded by their religious convictions, Dawkins' position would appeal to the disaffected atheist who blames all the world's ills on religion but seeks an academic authority to empower his argument.

By appealing to atheists, Dawkins places himself in a similar position to his detractors who will only have it their way.

Cheers,

Paul