At the risk of further expanding a thread beneath the name of Dawkins, I would suggest that a rapacious grasp for truth, no matter who might be the subject, deserves at least a hearing in the academic arena. We cannot cogitate upon any idea, no matter how absurd, until it is presented. That is why I believe, despite Dawkins' bent toward or killing religion, he deserves a place at the table; or under it. At least he should be heard.
Too bad he does not recognize this courtesy in return. Otherwise the observation regarding his carrot of mystery and stick of materialism speaks for itself.