Sam Harris has spoken so eloquently on these matters that he could save a lot of time and unnecessary posts here. While he may not be a God-given authority (!), he's well worth listening to.
Text:
http://www.samharris.org/site/about/
http://www.samharris.org/site/articles/
Sample video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=J3YOIImOoYMhttp://www.youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=I8ZYiLSPDHE
Some lighter entertainment from Bill Maher:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=95iRvZOtUWA
Also worth checking out: Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett.

Last edited by redewenur; 11/19/11 05:49 AM.

"Time is what prevents everything from happening at once" - John Wheeler