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The Big Domino in the Sky: And Other Atheistic Tales (Paperback)

~ (Author) "I recall the night many years ago when Tim and Tom were young and wanted their usual story..." (more)
Key Phrases: Kumma W'ta, Reverend Paley, Gustav Miller (more...)

3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Demonstrating that important, well-reasoned positions don't have to be presented in dry, philosophical prose, this collection is the only defense of atheism written in the form of engaging short stories that will arouse, provoke, and inspire. This book contains works of science fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy. Open-minded readers will find the tales entertaining and enlightening. Martin's unforgettable cast of characters includes the unique: A Catholic detective-priest, an android professor, a fideistic Harvard student, polytheistic aliens, and the more familiar: con men, a sadistic Marine Corps drill instructor, and Satan.

Product Details

Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Prometheus Books (December 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1573921114
ISBN-13: 978-1573921114
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #436,553 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

Inside This Book (learn more)

First Sentence:
I recall the night many years ago when Tim and Tom were young and wanted their usual story. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Kumma W'ta, Reverend Paley, Gustav Miller, Fast Eddie, Sergeant Allen, Fyodor Pavlovitch, Sir John, Big Guy, Boston University, Michael Martin, Captain Bonner, Houses of Nonbelief, Little Lois, New Testament, Old Testament, Parris Island, Peter Evans, Professor Hick, Did Jesus, First Creator, Gordon Blackburn, Ivan Karamazov, Kumma Wta, Lois Grave, Marine Corps

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

Citations (learn more)

This book cites 6 books:

The Brothers Karamazov (Signet Classics) by Fyodor Dostoevsky in Front Matter, page 64, and page 224
Anthology of Atheism and Rationalism by Gordon Stein on page 49
The Case Against Christianity by Michael Martin in Front Matter
The Brothers Karamazov: Worlds of the Novel (Twaynes Masterwork Studies) by Robin Feuer Miller on page 64
Atheism: A Philosophical Justification by Michael Martin on page 23

See all 6 books this book cites

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	73% buy the item featured on this page: The Big Domino in the Sky: And Other Atheistic Tales 3.3 out of 5 stars (19) $26.98
	27% buy Atheism: A Philosophical Justification 3.8 out of 5 stars (34) $35.05

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Customer Reviews

19 Reviews

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

Average Customer Review

3.3 out of 5 stars (19 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A commendable attempt at popularising the case for atheism, September 1, 1998

By	DEAN STRETTON (Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Martin's book essentially consists of large slabs of text copied from his _Atheism: A Philosophical Justification_, and pasted (as dialogue) into simple short stories. I suppose this is not, in itself, objectionable. Indeed, given that some of the stories are quite interesting even besides their philosophical content, Martin has surely succeeded in presenting the case for atheism in a way that uninitiated lay readers will find very palatable. However, those who have already read _Atheism_ have utterly no reason to buy _The Big Domino in the Sky_. The philosophical content is not new: the arguments were presented more thoroughly and systematically in _Atheism_. The fictional element is, of course, new; but Martin is a philosopher, not a writer, and the book is hardly worth buying for its fictional content alone. As such, _The Big Domino in the Sky_ would make an excellent _introduction_ to atheism -- but beyond this, its usefulness very quickly reaches a plateau.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I loved it, but that's me., April 29, 1998

By A Customer

Michael Martin's collection of short stories is unique, there can be no doubt. I cannot name another popular fictional book that is inspired by the same subject matter - atheism. There are probably other books that do have an atheistic theme, but Martin attempts to make a case for non belief through entertaining short stories that ranged from absolutely touching to incredibly clever. Unfortunately, one may be forced to think a great deal while reading, and a dogmatic orientation will render this book impossible to read. That's their problem. For those who do not mind a challenge, in a number of ways, try this rational alternative to CS Lewis. THIS will make sense.

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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Atheism made easy, September 29, 2004

By	Lee Tasey "a bad Christian" (in exile) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Looking for a book to summarize arguements for atheism? This is the place. Prof. Martin's book 'The Big Domino in the Sky' is loaded with stories, both sad and funny, that challenge theistic belief. There's no easier book to read than this one. Those looking for a more in-depth study of atheistic arguements should consult 'Atheism: A Philosophical Justification', also by Martin. However, 'Big Domino' is really a summary of 'Atheism.'

Also recommended: How to Lose Your Faith in Divinity School

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Domino - put dark clouds in my sky! Martin - not my kind of guy!
My last name is Domino so I was naturally curious about this book. I agree that Martin does not hold a candle to C.S. Lewis.
This book holds a dim view of the future. Read more

Published on May 9, 2006 by Pizza Pizza

1.0 out of 5 stars Do atheists think lying is fun?
There is an online review somewhere below by Ulrich Richmond. He claims he read this book and abandoned Catholic Christianity as a result. Read more

Published on February 22, 2005 by vladimir998

4.0 out of 5 stars Lousy stories...great suppositions
I don't think Mr. Martin will be wining any literary awards soon, but he is at the top of the list when it comes to logic and reasoning. Read more

Published on August 28, 2004 by E. King

2.0 out of 5 stars Lacks persuasive force and is not captivating
Sometimes very gifted individuals create work that is not truly indicative of their talent because they try to do too much at one time. Read more

Published on September 23, 2003 by Lawrence Louis

5.0 out of 5 stars AtheistWorld.Com Book Review
Michael Martin's collection of short stories is unique, there can be no doubt. I cannot name another popular fictional book that is inspired by the same subject matter - atheism... Read more

Published on July 24, 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners
I have to say I found this book easier to understand than Mr.Martin's ATHEISM: A PHILOSOPHICAL JUSTIFICATION. Read more

Published on July 1, 2003 by eddie

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book For The Ages
This book is amazing. It totally changed my life. I am now a total atheist. I was a devout Catholic at first but, this book showed me the light that is non-belief. Read more

Published on April 19, 2003 by Ulrich Richmond

3.0 out of 5 stars A Fictional Introduction to Atheism
For years, Christians have promoted the fictional works of C.S. Lewis (e.g., "The Chronicles of Narnia", "The Screwtape Letters", etc. Read more

Published on September 9, 2001 by jlowder@infidels.org

4.0 out of 5 stars A note about 1984 and The Free Will Improvement Project
I liked the book overall - and I went in to it with the attitude that there are few fictional books that are written from an atheistic perspective and being an atheist I enjoyed... Read more

Published on December 4, 2000 by Alexander Flynn

3.0 out of 5 stars A good attempt at atheistic storytelling
One of the other reviewers said that this book could be seen as the atheist's counterpart to CS Lewis' "Chronicles Of Narnia" as a set of allegories which describe the... Read more

Published on February 29, 2000 by D. Roberts

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