The philosopher Leo Strauss once spoke of the reductio ad Hitlerum. By this he meant the promiscuous tendency of people to try to score a debating point by comparing their opponents to Hitler. The form of the argument is something like this: "My opponent doesn't like strawberry ice cream. Hitler didn't like strawberry ice cream. My opponent is just like Hitler." Strauss's point was that the reductio ad Hitlerum is the mark of the lazy and illogical mind.
Sure enough, here is Richard Dawkins employing the reductio against me in a recent comment on his website richarddawkins.net. Referring to me and a conservative rabbi named Boteach, Dawkins writes: "It occurs to me that people like Boteach and D'Souza may be honestly unaware that they shriek and yell in such an unbecoming way. Maybe this is just what preachers of a certain kind do. So people who profession is to preach, or who live their lives surrounded by preachers, just don't hear their ugly yells and shrieks as we do. They have become so inured to the preaching style of yelling that the resemblance to Hitler passes them by.
"I'm not suggesting that Boteach and D'Souza have literally damaged their ears. But at a higher cortical level they may have become desensitized through years of preaching, and exposure to preachers, so they don't hear, and literally and honestly don't understand, the strong resemblance to the hideous vocal style of Hitler. Once again, I need to emphasize that the comparison with Hitler is limited to vocal style. Of course nobody is suggesting that either Boteach or D'Souza have similar opinions to Hitler, or resemble him in any other way at all.
"But imagine listening to a Boteach speech or a D'Souza speech or a Hitler speech with no knowledge of English or German. I suspect that you'd hardly notice the difference. Contrast it with a speech by Christopher Hitchens. The voice is strong, even a little thrilling. But there's no hysteria there. The words match the content: measured, thoughtful, strong and powerful but never hysterical."
Had this not appeared on Dawkins' website, I would have thought it parody. But who can bring himself to laugh? Does Dawkins have any idea of how gross it is to compare a rabbi to Hitler on the sole ground that both men had a tendency to raise their voices? If this isn't anti-Semitism at the very least it shows a shocking disregard for what the Holocaust means to Jews. Perhaps the kindest explanation is that Dawkins has a pathological hatred for the clergy, and Boteach is a rabbi.
I, on the other hand, am a scholar and author. Dawkins, who knows this, weirdly insinuates that I am a preacher or spend most of my time with preachers. This couldn't be further from the truth. I have been a secular writer for 20 years and mostly I speak to university audiences and business groups. Moreover, the atheists I debate, like Michael Shermer and Peter Singer and Christopher Hitchens, routinely tell me how effectively I use wit and repartee and rhetorical understatement and learned analogies to make my points. Far from using "yells" and "shrieks," the only time I can recall even raising my voice was during my debate with Daniel Dennett, and this was not because I was upset but only because the microphone was not working properly.
I suspect that Dawkins has come up with this pathetic reductio ad Hitlerum in order to justify his cowardice in not debating me. "I can't debate Dinesh because he will use his Hitler voice to shout me down." Isn't the real problem that Dawkins has used his zoologist's credentials in order to wander into fields (physics, astronomy, history, phiosophy, anthropology, theology) where his knowledge is embarrassingly limited? I suspect he's worried that in a debate I will exposure his ignorance and make him an international object of ridicule.
Why not prove me wrong, Richard? Come out from under your desk and take me up on my invitation to debate. I promise to speak in whispers!
And here's some news from our Department of Atheists Who Aren't Wimps: On Friday July 11, I will debate Christopher Hitchens at the big libertarian conference Freedom Fest in Las Vegas. Our topic is "Christianity, Islam and the War on Terror." For more information go to freedomfest.com or simply click here.
Reader Comments ( Page 6 of 29)
76. "Some thing like 'Theoretical physics is godless physics, you atheist turds.'"
Godless physics?? No, no... I prefer God-FREE physics, thank you! That's the best kind!
Chuck Williams at 1:36PM on Jul 7th 2008
77. I supposed Richard Dawkins would compare Billy Graham's preaching style in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s as similar to Hitler's speaking style.
While I loathe what Hitler stood for, Hitler was one of the greatest speakers in the history of public speaking. Hitler showed that style could sway people to believe anything.
I've heard some politicians and ministers make some profound statements, but their speaking and preaching styles were so dull and lifeless that no one paid attention.
Kent at 1:55PM on Jul 7th 2008
78. Sure it does! As archeology sheds more light into Levant tradition during and after the life of Jesus it becomes apparent of all the myth sharing that occurred in those times, even within certain Jewish sects, Samaritan Jews especially who were susceptible to surrounding cultures and ideas.
Faith shaking has been going on for a while as statistics show how 33% of Christians don't believe the resurrection to be literal anymore. Those numbers are climbing. Look at Barna group studies that show how the fundamental beliefs of Christianity are not taken literal anymore
As for zeitgeist, I did see it. It is a little misinformed and the story of the saviors over generalized to make a point.
goddess1prevail at 12:35PM on Jul
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Your reaching again.
The fact is ,the Samaritans were not Jews at all.
The Bible is very clear on this.
Jesus said himself ,commanding his disciples not to go unto the Samaritans, nor unto the gentiles ,until the gospel was taken first ,unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
If they had been Jews they would have been included in the house of Israel.
Do you know were the Samaritans came from? The answer is in the book that you try so vehemently to disprove.
Fact is ,you can not interrupt many parts of scripture with a literal interpretation when they have a spiritual interpretation.
The bible said comparing spiritual with spiritual ,and natural with natural.
This is the reason you can not understand or rightly divide the scripture truths.
The only faith shaking going on is people who have made a claim of faith in God but in truth that was all it was just a claim of faith.
You may believe in the Easter bunny ,but that type of faith will not make your Easter bunny real.
There is a difference.
The Bible said faith without works is dead being alone.
It also said you say there is one God thou doest well the devils believe also.
There belief in God did not deliver them.
There is more to becoming a Christian than having faith in God…
True Faith in God commands repentance of sin from a broken heart and contrite spirit.
But this is something you and the rest of the world know nothing about.
Observant at 1:42PM on Jul 7th 2008
79. Hi goddess.. interesting view.. it could mean both an individual and the nation.. I have seen that in scripture as well. To me, it is interesting how much detail there is in that passage that literally was true about Jesus and his death (grave reference, no broken bones, divided clothing, etc..) Just curious, do the other death/resurrection stories have this?
Shannie,
From my view I find it odd how so little is known of Jesus's life but yet all that was considered prophecies (and well known phrases and ideas in Jesus time) are the only things mentioned in regards to his doings. It's not irrational to say all his attributes were created to fit the well known prophecy descriptions of the messiah, to justify his messiahship.
Other death and resurrection cults do not have this because these cults were not meant to be taken literal. The stories were of astrological movements anthropomorphized to tell the story of salvation each spring brings thanks to the saving sun. When people compare Jesus with other stories they make the mistake of trying to find a human behind the story when in fact there never is one. But what is amazing is how all the attributes of these mythological saviors are identical to those given to Jesus, especially by those who lived in Samaria, where the messiah movement started.
goddess1prevail at 1:43PM on Jul 7th 2008
80.
Do you think "seattlecard" is another pseudonym for DD? His post had the kind of fatuous sucking-up that other avatars have posted.
Also, poster #75, your capitalization of words alerts us of your innate idiocy. Thanks.
Linda at 1:47PM on Jul 7th 2008
81. D'Souza has frequently smeared evolutionists by claiming that Darwinisim led to Naziism. Isn't that a reductio ad Hitlerum? What goes around, comes around, baby.
emelpe at 1:50PM on Jul 7th 2008
82. emelpe,
...which was EXACTLY the arc of Rev's favorite film flop, 'Expelled'.
Just as you shouldn't trust a car dealership whose name contains the word "Honest", never trust someone who emphatically calls their opinion "Truth".
Mokele Mbembe at 1:56PM on Jul 7th 2008
83. D'Souza has frequently smeared evolutionists by claiming that Darwinsim led to Naziism. Isn't that a "reductio ad Hitlerum"? What goes around, comes around, baby.
emelpe at 1:58PM on Jul 7th 2008
84. Godless physics?? No, no... I prefer God-FREE physics, thank you! That's the best kind!
>>
Our atheist brothers spend their days discrediting bible stories, apparently unaware that their arugment is with the existence of God, not organized religion.
Go figure?
God Free physics is an oxymoron.
The best argument to be made for the existence of God is physics.
Many that study this very wierd universe of ours began as atheist, and now see God. That's right. The current argument is this. Either this universe was designed to allow life, or the BB created many, perhaps even infinite universes. The idea is that you couldn't come up with our universe with a single throw of the dice. The laws of our universe are simply too complex and elegant to be an accident. Therefore, you need infinite universes for any chance of coming up with ours. That's cutting edge physics, and one hell of a lot more interesting that bebunking bible stories. I guess if you want to be an atheist ... you best ignore real science. LMAO
Thomas J Gassett at 2:13PM on Jul 7th 2008
85. Remember that Hitler started his political life trying to get Germany away from its Great Depression, and succeeded in doing so. His actions in the later 30's were not so good. The speeches he gave were passionate in the beginning because he really wanted to make a difference for his country. He was charasmatic, which ended up being a bad thing.
Saying that someone spoke like Hitler can be a compliment, if you take it in the context of the style of his speeches rather than his actions against the non-aryans. Say what you want, but he rose to power by the will of the people, not by force. His attempt at force set him to jail.
CaptainCack at 2:18PM on Jul 7th 2008
86. D'Souza has frequently smeared evolutionists by claiming that Darwinisim led to Naziism.>>>
The idea is, it's a hell of a lot easier to act like a Hitler if you believe human life to be an accident, and not a divine creation. It's a reasonable arugment and supportted by human history. Odd how something so reasonable could be so twisted and utterly lost on some, but when you're an ideologue (atheist)you're bound to be twisted and utterly lost.
Thomas J Gassett at 2:19PM on Jul 7th 2008
87. Im reaching Observant?
First of all, the Barna group is a religious group that studies Christian belief from all denominations. They do the studies that show how the fundamental beliefs such as death and resurrection, the sinless nature of Jesus, demons have declined in recent years.
Secondly, the bible shows a great disdain for Samaritans, especially since they were considered not to be full blooded Jews thanks to their exile from the tribes of Mannasseh and Epraim after the northern conquest from the Assyrians. They no longer could trace their ancestry.
The Samaritans worshipped in their old pre-Israelite pagan style from before the temple and were susceptible to pagan cult as it is evident in the bible. Jesus never says they are not Jews, just not to speak with them. Is that what you call spiritual interpretation? That because he says not to speak with them that they are not jews?
But this is something you and the rest of the world know nothing about.-Observant
Ha ha ha! That is to say you know best huh? How ignorantly foolish to claim 5 billion people know nothing.
goddess1prevail at 2:32PM on Jul 7th 2008
88. The idea is, it's a hell of a lot easier to act like a Hitler if you believe human life to be an accident, and not a divine creation. It's a reasonable arugment and supportted by human history. Odd how something so reasonable could be so twisted and utterly lost on some, but when you're an ideologue (atheist)you're bound to be twisted and utterly lost.
I thought it was easier to act like Hitler if you were a Christian who believed the Jews were the cause of Jesus's sacrifice.
If Atheists don't believe in religion why massacre Jews?
Same with Mao,
He was a man who let millions die of starvation and murdered literally all physicians and scientist in his country. If he was a true atheist(free thinkers) who relied on science to prove god didn't exist why kill scientists and doctors?
goddess1prevail at 2:36PM on Jul 7th 2008
89. McCain is told to run away from Bush, because he's so unpopular. At the same time, Obamy is running straight into the arms of Pelosi, Ried, and an even more unpopular democrat congress.Wake up! Which is better, four more years of Bush like policy, or four years of Pelosi policy? Clue: This one is a no brainer.
Thomas J Gassett at 2:39PM on Jul 7th 2008
90. "their arugment is with the existence of God, not organized religion."
Huh, how did you spin it around this way? Always thought it was the opposite.
Mokele Mbembe at 2:44PM on Jul 7th 2008