Is Atheism Dead?
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4.6 • 63 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Is Atheism Dead? is an entertaining, impressively wide-ranging, and decidedly provocative answer to that famous 1966 TIME cover that itself provocatively asked “Is God Dead?” In a voice that is by turns witty, muscular, and poetic, Metaxas intentionally echoes C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton in cheerfully and logically making his astonishing case, along the way presenting breathtaking—and often withering—new evidence and arguments against the idea of a Creatorless universe. Taken all together, he shows atheism not merely to be implausible and intellectually sloppy, but now demonstrably ridiculous. Perhaps the only unanswered question on the subject is why we couldn’t see this sooner, and how embarrassed we should be about it.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Conservative radio host Eric Metaxas (Bonhoeffer) attempts to put a new spin on Nietzsche's classic question—"Is God dead?"—by suggesting the answer is an emphatic "No." Metaxas's argument boils down to three components: the "fine tuning" theory (a glorified rehashing of intelligent design), archaeological facts as proof of the Christian Bible, and a consideration of what he believes to be the failings of atheism as a whole. Metaxas does employ the proper awe at some of the scientific facts pointing to the existence of a God—namely the stunning fact that if it the universe were lighter or denser by the mass of a single dime, life on Earth (as we know it) wouldn't be possible. However, there is an unfortunate righteousness in Metaxas's approach which undercuts the strength of his arguments. Between questioning the accuracy of the history of the Crusades and referring to Quakers as "violent and bloodthirsty" compared to other Christian groups, the book often wavers from suggesting the death of atheism to suggest the universe has one creator in the father of Jesus Christ (within the evangelical perspective). Even while posing a piquant question that yields abstract and profound answers, Metaxas is unable to get out of his own way. Those looking for an evenhanded treatment of the complex philosophical issues involved in echoing the existence of God should look elsewhere.
Customer Reviews
OJL2
I’m a now-retired university professor with degrees in engineering and economics, and also a Christian. I was very impressed with how this book incorporates many different forms of evidence and logic in making such a strong case for both believing in God while refuting convincingly the arguments for atheism! This is truly a great read for those wanting a serious investigation of this most serious of topics!
Sets the stage perfectly…
Amazing book!! Read, share, and rejoice!
Masterful
Eric is a masterful writer, for sure. I enjoyed this book very much, with one comment. His chapter proving the Bible’s veracity was objective and founded upon amazing research. I think it needs to be a book on its own, with many more very recent discoveries thrown in. The other chapters were more than correct (and I had to look up more than one word), but sometimes without adequate foundations and frequently beating Hitchens at his own use of scathing language.
Note: does Eric know of the summer camps sponsored by Dawkins for children ages nine and up? I spoke of it in a comment in his blog site. He says he reads them all!