Science & Religion
I've combined Science with Religion regardless of what Stephen Jay Gould says about non overlapping magisteria. Perhaps this is heretical, but--oh well.
The Language of God by Francis Collins. Recognize the name? Yes, he led the team that finished mapping the Human Genome. Collins is a scientist that accepts(believes) evolution, but has faith strongly rooted in a belief in God. A paradox you say? Read it to understand his reasoning. I still don't understand it.
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. Delusion is one of the kinder words Dawkins has for people of faith. So, read it and cringe if you're a believer; or, read it and cringe if you're a non-believer.
God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens. Dawkins Lite (more cream but less sugar). Certainly not Allahu Akbar.
Why Darwin Matters by Michael Shermer. A good explanation of the importance of Darwin's thesis and the effect that science has on our everyday lives. Shermer has written several books on faith and the paranormal - all are a must read. Judgment day awaits, Michael.
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin by David Quammen. Mr. Wallace made him do it!
Finding Darwin's God by Kenneth Miller. Come on Professor Miller, you're a scientist, aren't you??
Only a Theory by Kenneth Miller. The prof has found the theory, but how did he find the baloney??
The Devil In Dover by Lauri Lebo. Kitzmiller v Dover; Science v ID. Lauri--go straight to hell (no handbasket for you!!)
(on)The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. Poor Charles - he's already in hell.
The View From the Center of the Universe by Primack & Abrams. Anthropic or not to anthropic, that is the question.
The End of Faith by Sam Harris. All I can say is -- Sam, you're goin' to hell with the handbasket!!
What's So Great About Christianity by Dinesh D'Sousa. Please Dinesh, you've written some great books. Your brain barfed a bad one here.
Letter To a Christian Nation by Sam Harris. TWO terms in HELL!!
The Happy Heretic by Judith Hayes. I'm happy you're happy, Judith. Your family knows you're already burnin'!!
Losing Faith in Faith by Dan Barker. An ordained minister for 19 years -- an atheist for 25 and counting -- Atheism wins!!
The Dawkins Delusion by Alister McGrath, You're deluded Alister. Your prose makes you look erudite, but your reasoning is eruDUD!
The End of Evolution by Peter Ward. It's not about the end of evolution dummies, it's about the end of us!!
For believers: Anything by Carl Sagan, Stephen Jay Gould, Daniel Dennett, Victor Stenger
For non-believers: Michael Behe, Phillip Johnson, Henry Morris, Antony Flew and any other ID'er or YEC you can find.
The Portable Atheist edited by Christopher Hitchens. A compilation of various writers, actually nonbelievers that'll make you laugh and infuriate you; depending on your point of view. Especially enjoyed H.L.Mencken's history of dead gods.
The Holy Bible, The Quran, The Talmud by God, Allah and Yahweh. What the heck. If you're going to include all the books listed above, these should be included as well. A word of warning -- if you read any of these, make sure you read the entire text, not just those sections that appeal to you. Reading them can be inspiring & disquieting (and just plain CRAZY).
To all those of you who believe in God and think that I'm an atheist, I'm sure your prayers will be answered and I'll be going to hell. To all those of you who think that I'm a believer, your prayers won't be answered and I must be a hell of a person and should be ashamed of myself for including the above books authored by believers. Happy reading!!