I would hesitate to say that Mr. Derbyshire’s critique of Christianity comes from ignorance, because he recently described his journey from somewhat weakish faith, to none at all; he comes from the Anglican tradition, and is well-schooled in Christian fundamentals. His reservations have a stronger pedigree than mere ignorance.
That being said, the phrase following that one, “…people who prefer to ground their beliefs in the strict rules of evidence used in modern law and science…” seems to me very feeble. This empiricist pose that stands those of scientific mind against the magically thinking believers, is itself a form of magical thinking, based on unprovable assertions and presuppositons– faith, in other words. That Muslims do not believe in a world of cause-and-effect, per se, certainly would give rise to a foundational problem with modernity, and I think it is a worthy topic of study.
Certainly, I would enjoy it if Mr. Spencer’s writings were more open about his evangelism; but many people would then discount his arguments regarding Islam, and instead focus on Spencer’s Christianity.
