Well I think it's not his absolute best, but perhaps most accessible, which is why I chose it. I honestly didn't notice how long it was! I like him for his rational approach, which seems widely (ie amongst secular academics) accepted.
The influences on individuals isn't necessarily your family. If your family comprises irrational nutjobs then I'd think it very unlikely that you'd follow suit. However the group or ideas you aspired to would be the deciding factor. To me the Catholic influence is disciplinarian rather than rational ever. Catholic grandchildren* I know all reject Catholicism.
A person with a scientific bent would associate and want to associate with people who's main influence on rationalising faith leaned towards evolution and atheism.
The influences on individuals isn't necessarily your family. If your family comprises irrational nutjobs then I'd think it very unlikely that you'd follow suit. However the group or ideas you aspired to would be the deciding factor. To me the Catholic influence is disciplinarian rather than rational ever. Catholic grandchildren* I know all reject Catholicism.
A person with a scientific bent would associate and want to associate with people who's main influence on rationalising faith leaned towards evolution and atheism.
