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Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong / Edition 1

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ISBN-10:: 1405189630
ISBN-13:: 9781405189637
Pub. Date:: 02/08/2010
Publisher:: Wiley

ISBN-10:: 1405189630
ISBN-13:: 9781405189637
Pub. Date:: 02/08/2010
Publisher:: Wiley

Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong / Edition 1

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Overview

In this new book, Ian Markham analyzes the atheistic world view, opposing the arguments given by renowned authors of books on atheism, such as Richard Dawkins. Unlike other responses to the new atheism, Markham challenges these authors on their own ground by questioning their understanding of belief and of atheism itself. The result is a transforming introduction to Christianity that will appeal to anyone interested in this debate.

A fascinating challenge to the recent spate of successful books written by high-profile atheist authors such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris
Tackles these authors on their own ground, arguing that they do not understand the nature of atheism, let alone theology and ethics
Draws on ideas from Nietzsche, cosmology, and art to construct a powerful response that allows for a faith that is grounded, yet one that recognizes the reality of uncertainty
Succinct, engaging, but robustly argued, this new book by a leading academic and writer contains a wealth of profound insights that show religious belief in a new light

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781405189637
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	02/08/2010
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Ian S. Markham is the Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and Professor of Theology and Ethics. He is the author of numerous books, including: Encountering Religion (2000), A Theology of Engagement (2003), Do Morals Matter? (2006), Understanding Christian Doctrine (2007), A World Religions Reader, 3rd edn (2009), and the 2-volume reference work, The Blackwell Companion to the Theologians (2009), all published by Wiley-Blackwell.

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Acknowledgments viii

Introduction: Meeting Fred and Natalie 1

1 Getting inside Fundamentalist Atheism: The Gentle Atheism of Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris 7

2 Nietzsche: The Last Real Atheist 28

Interlude: The Perspective from God 46

3 Appreciating the Faith Discourse 50

4 Physics: The Grown-up Science 65

5 A Revealing God 80

6 Christianity 92

7 Islam 105

8 Suffering, Providence, and Horrid Religious People 116

9 Religion and the Future 128

10 Faith and Uncertainty - Believing the Truth 135

Conclusion 144

Notes 147

Select Bibliography 156

Index 159

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Editorial Reviews

The title of this book is somewhat misleading. Markham (Virginia Theological Seminary; Understanding Christian Doctrine) has written a rational defense of Christian belief in response to recent atheist books rather than a treatise against those books, as the subtitle suggests. Although claiming to be respectful and faithful to the arguments of his opposition, Markham frequently fails on both counts, taking several unnecessary shots ("Fortunately, most atheists are not rational") and misrepresenting key points (e.g., their views on Islam and Dawkins's account of the anthropic principle). Furthermore, he sometimes overreaches and oversimplifies (e.g., claiming that all successful art and music are evidence of God and doing hermeneutical gymnastics around tough biblical passages). That said, the book is not without merit. Markham's comparison of Nietzsche to the New Atheists is particularly insightful, and moderate Christians will find plenty of useful apologetic material on the reasonableness of classical, nonfundamentalist Christianity. VERDICT This book will be enjoyed by academically minded believers looking to bolster their arguments against atheism. However, it is probably too theological for most general readers and not likely to persuade many nonbelievers.—Brian T. Sullivan, Alfred Univ., NY

Library Journal

It is a thoughtful, eirenic and wide-ranging contribution … This is a serious and sophisticated addition to the burgeoning New Atheism literature, and a very good advert for its author’s avowed ‘classical Catholicism in its Anglican form’ (p.8).” (Modern Believing, 1 July 2012)
"Markham encourages people of faith to listen to the challenging critiques of atheists and to engage them for much of value ‘can be learned', shared, and clarified in a respectful exchange of ideas (p. 134). Religious and non-religious people wanting to learn more about atheism, a religious response to atheism, and the connections between science and religion should read this book." (Religion & Theology, 2012)
"Unlike other responses to the new atheism, Markham challenges these authors on their own ground by questioning their understanding of belief and of atheism itself. The result is a transforming introduction to Christianity that will appeal to anyone interested in this debate." (Studies in Spirituality, 2010)"Accessible and patient ... .Markham does not evade tough questions." (The Tablet, April 2010)

"Markham's comparison of Nietzsche to the New Atheists is particularly insightful … .This book will be enjoyed by academically minded believers looking to bolster their arguments against atheism." (Library Journal, April 2010)

"Stands out from the crowd by questioning the theological, ethical, and spiritual content underpinning books by Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris. By challenging the very foundations of their position, [Markham] exposes the weaknesses in their arguments." (Sourcews, November 2009)

"Ian Markham ... offers a moral argument for faith. Markham accuses the so-called New Atheists—Dawkins et al.—of not facing up to the consequences of their atheism. Markham argues the case very well." (Church Times, April 2010)

From the Publisher

Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong / Edition 1

Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong / Edition 1

Paperback

Temporarily Out of Stock Online

Overview

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About the Author

Read an Excerpt

Table of Contents

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Temporarily Out of Stock Online

Overview

Product Details

About the Author

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Table of Contents

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