One thing in this writing jumped out at me more than anything else, and that was when the argument against astrology was made. He says that if it is said that the planets control the actions of man, then it takes the blame for the sinners. And so it does; if you can't help what you do, then why try? However, I find it funny that he can present this idea against astrology, and yet fail to see the argument it presents against religion. It is something I have thought of before; the idea of fate, and destiny, that 'God has a plan', has often irked me. It takes the meaning away from our choices, it's an excuse to avoid change. It is also a way to find comfort from grief, saying that 'god has his reasons'. Though I understand the need to find comfort in even such an illogical fantasy, it does not excuse it. I have heard people say to me, 'no, we control our fate, not god, it's our choices that lead us to fulfill his plan, and our destiny'. Sorry folks, that's called free will, and is, in fact, the opposite of fate, so thanks for making my own argument.
As for events in my life that have led me to my beliefs, I have to say, that if there is a god pulling the strings of the earths fate, he's a sadistic bastard.