Indeed, a great interview. Dennett's replies are good, but so are Moyers' questions. You seldom see such a professional interviewer who's able to express his own views in a manner that doesn't stifle the discussion.

+apinakapina I think this is generational. People don't know how to discuss anymore. I don't only mean facebook/Ipad generations but the younger ones too.

I was deeply impressed by there civility, and cool headedness. I could have sat and listened to these two talk all day, and get the impression they could have as well. It seems to me at least they where genuinely enjoying the conversation.

Dat is de enge manier om en echt gesprek te krijgen. Er is immers geen verschil tussen de wensen van gelovigen van ongelovigen!

it's not even a parlour trick....it is just bullshit....

John Bloomfield Parlor tricks are actually impressive. They require some skill. Anyone can just make some shit up.

Sweetshamam: Apparently you don't get it that throughout this interview Moyers raises the objections of Dennett's critics, so that Dennett can respond to them and explain.

I liked the host, he's been polite and didn't entrench in his views. The way Dennett and him debated should be an example or everybody: no personal accusations or any low blows, just a reasonable flow of opinions and theory.

sweetshaman It's confusing how people will then try to argue scientifically Religion.

+Dewayne C Indeed the Parthenon is a beautiful building but I won't be offering sacrifices to Athena.

+omigodponies well said

+Dewayne C That's because all that stuff is the expression of the soul.

when you have good taste in Shinobu and are intelligent 10/10

***** non-existant that's what lol

That would really be a utopia

actually, the majority of parent don't (and don't want others to) talk to their children in a "straightforward and in a calm manner". They brainwash and permit others to brainwash their children about religion. That's the only reason why old religions survive: brainwashing through generations.

+Francis Dakis Sam Harris is embarrassing with respect to religion.

Sam Harris is on more of a militant approach. Which angers a WHOLE LOT of people.

Nai Xo I'd say that's a closer description of Dawkins than Harris.

Tarik LaCour, I'm going to ask you why, but with the caveat that you're not allowed to use the words, "bigot" or "racist" or "hateful" or "islamaphobe". So here goes: why?

I don't think that Harris is a bigot or any of the other words you say. He takes a very fundamentalist reading of scripture as though that is how all members of a religion engage scripture. He is too smart for that, he needs to engage with the best minds in religion.

Likewise with me. He was truly one of a dying breed and a monumental loss.

Indeed.

Scott Russell Well,...you can hope in one hand and crap in the other and see which gets filled first before Jesus arrives.

+John Parry No. Dan is just as delusional as the religious people he denounces. He is a fool for democracy. He is blinded by the myth and the propaganda the state uses to convince people like him.

Ewan B That is an interesting question. I'm not sure I agree. An inteligent theist may vey well have thought the situation. I think sometimes…openning that door to rejecting "the story" causes so much turmoil. Looming family issues regarding child rearing and then every family réunion can cause one to say…what will it hurt…I'll just tow the line. I'm guessing a very large pêrcentage of American Christians…if alone in a room with one million dollars on the line…does God exist? They would say no but the go one living like a Christian because it's easier. Ask Creationists (the Senator from Georgia) is the earth 4.7 billion years old or 8000 years old…life or death….: I'm guessing 50% of Creationists even know better. They are scared to simply making the plung in life. In most Red States…coming out an Atheist is not to be taken lightly. It can have major reprecussions in your life. Coming out Atheist in Texas is probably harder than coming out Gay in most countries of the western world.

ive met some angry gay people too. the point is your changing it from the literal meaning lol

So you know what god looks like aye?

i'm getting more of a santa claus is pissed at jesus vibe.

Nah, he looks exactly like Charles Darwin and I think he's doing it on purpose.

?????!!!!!

Marty Richards It doesn't if you're looking to make a sound case for the existence of a god. Because you have an emotional response to a Harry Potter movie doesn't mean its real.

Marty Richards Look no doubt that emotional experience can be powerful. It just doesn't prove god. That's all I'm saying. I think many religious people believe they have a sound case for god and believe very strongly in: a. anti-abortion legislation b. anti-gay legislation c. anti-public school movement (home school) d. creation "science" e. anti-science legislation (trying to refute evolution) f. climate change denial...think James Inofe "god is still up there" so we're okay nonsense.

Marty Richards I understand your points Marty and you make a lot of sense. I would also remind you that for many flocking to religion helps them overcome their universal fear of death....with religion providing its magic escape pod at the end of your life. I would also say that for many they have the anticipation that god is a loving, caring force for good in the world and that he answers their prayers and may even intervene in their lives.

Marty Richards Yeah I agree with you about creativity and maybe the yearning to achieve something permanent (or at least that lasts longer than we will) as a marker that we were here and as a contribution (depending on what it is) to the greater society.

Because thats his job to make this an interesting discussion. Do you know what playing the devils advocate means?

Yeah I hate it to

I can't see it ever catching on. I'd add to your excellent description by also calling it meretricious.

Which is why I like it

It's better than "indigo children," if not by much.

It's cause it is legitimate... Atheism isn't insane.

***** I don't think that atheism is insane, merely unlikely. Atheists, on the other hand usually have some sort of burden hindering their mind. Dan here has no obvious mirages.

Petar Stamenkovic Don't adherents to a specific religion also have a specific burden on their mind? They tend to presuppose the religion of their upbringing is correct.

***** Of course. Humans in general do. I find that following any one religion, or simply believing in the creator without the need to follow any one religion is better than not. Simply believing that you have supreme good guy has your back in your endeavors to be good like him, shows. It affects the way you think and act, and it shines through your daily routine.

it sounds sane and reasonable because it is.