Such an interesting discussion is developing mgaft1.............
I read the argument you quote and my spirit sinks. Man is so predictably horrible in my opinion. He is greedy, bossy and selfish.
BUT then there is God............
My heart lifts and my spirit soars because the creator of all this gives me hope. I know him as a Father and friend. In my dark hours he is my only source of inspiration. Literally he is the light of a golden dawn after the darkness of the night.
The bible is a marvelous history book at the very least and for me it is the biggest eye opener of the reality of heaven on earth. Read the gospels of the new testament, just give it a try and measure what their story is against the interesting author you recommend...............just saying!