In 2004, Jonathan Miller hosted a remarkable three-part BBC series called Atheism: A Rough History of Disbelief, which was later broadcast on PBS under a slightly different title. Although the documentary combined many elements, one of the most notable was excerpts from interviews that Miller, an avowed non-believer, conducted with a half-dozen figures about their own faith, or—more often—lack thereof. The Atheism Tapes presents the full versions of those interviews—with Miller introducing each segment and occasionally weighing in to explain a particular transition in the discussion—and the fascination of the content compensates for the straightforward talking-head visuals. Five of the interviewees—philosopher Colin McGinn, physicist Steven Weinberg, philosopher Daniel Dennett, playwright Arthur Miller, and biologist Richard Dawkins—are non-believers whose various arguments (as well as disagreements with each other on particular points) are both incisive and thought-provoking. But Miller also draws them out on the subject of what led them to their conclusions—a particularly revealing element in the case of well-known polemicist Dawkins, who discusses his early religious devotion. The sixth interview, with theologian Denys Turner, offers an alternative point of view. Some believers will no doubt refuse to watch these conversations, while others may feel that their faith can only be strengthened by confronting the strongest arguments against it—and The Atheism Tapes definitely delivers the latter. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Atheism Tapes
(2005) 2 discs. 180 min. DVD: individuals: $29.98; institutions: $249 (w/PPR from www.alivemindmedia.com). 116 Films (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 4
The Atheism Tapes
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