Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists

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More About This Book

Overview

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR GODLESS

“Valuable in the human story are the reflections of intelligent and ethical people who listen to the voice of reason and who allow it to vanquish bigotry and superstition. This book is a classic example.”
—CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS author of God is Not Great

“The most eloquent witness of internal delusion that I know—a triumphantly smiling refugee from the zany, surreal world of American fundamentalist Protestantism—is Dan Barker.”
—RICHARD DAWKINS author of The God Delusion

“Godless was a revelation to me. I don’t think anyone can match the (devastating!) clarity, intensity, and honesty which Dan Barker brings to the journey—faith to reason, childhood to growing up, fantasy to reality, intoxication to sobriety.”
—OLIVER SACKS authors of Musicophilia

In Godless, Barker recounts his journey from evangelical preacher to atheist activist, and along the way explains precisely why it is not only okay to be an atheist, it is something in which to be proud.”
—MICHAEL SHERMER publisher of Skeptic Magazine

“Godless is a fascinating memoir and a handbook for debunking theism. But most of all, it is a moving testimonial to one man’s emotional and intellectual rigor in acclaiming critical thinking.”
—ROBERT SAPOLSKY author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781569756775
  • Publisher: Ulysses Press
  • Publication date: 9/1/2008
  • Pages: 392
  • Sales rank: 157,069
  • Product dimensions: 5.40 (w) x 8.40 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Meet the Author

Don Barker received a degree in religion from Azusa Pacific University and was ordained to the ministry by the Standard Community Church. He has appeared on numerous talk shows including Oprah Winfrey, Hannity & Colmes, and Good Morning America. He lives in Madison, WI.

Table of Contents

Pt. 1 Rejecting God

1 The Call 3

2 The Fall 33

3 The Fallout 46

4 The New Call 67

Pt. 2 Why I Am an Atheist

5 Why I Am an Atheist 87

6 Refuting God 104

7 Omni-Aqueous 121

8 Cosmological Kalamity 130

9 Dear Theologian 145

Pt. 3 What's Wrong With Christianity

10 The Bible and Morality 161

11 Murder, He Wrote 203

12 For Goodness Sake 208

13 Bible Contradictions 222

14 Understanding Discrepancy 243

15 Did Jesus Exist? 251

16 Did Jesus Really Rise From the Dead? 277

Pt. 4 Life Is Good!

17 We Go to Washington 309

18 Adventures in Atheism 320

19 Life and Death Matters 337

Selected Bibliography 357

Index 367

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 22 Customer Reviews

  • Posted May 9, 2009

    A preacher turned atheist, you have to ask yourself why.

    Godless, the title, seems a bit harsh for a former evangelical, bible-believing preacher. And although at first, I found the beginning, a protracted version of why I was a fundie and a preacher, too much of a corrupted thing, I later reevaluated my original review as a necessary description of his roots and his evolving thought. I have given the book a much better review because of his past and the details he shares about it. His continuing pursuit of truth, mostly by critically questioning the "source" of the inerrant, omniscient, atrificer of our universe, has led to a compelling and purposeful work of thoughtful, rational ideas. He is often asked why he cites only the "bad" parts of the bible and retorts, "Why do you continue to overlook them?" Another memorable quote had to do with interpreting scripture. "If you would interpret this from my point of view, then you would have my point of view."

    His debating tactics are also described as well as his legal work with the Freedom From Religion Foundation-a non-profit organization resolved to keeping our laws and liberties free from religious interference.

    If you are interested in a read that is highly critical of scripture along with the fear and submission by which it is propagated, this is a book you shouldn't overlook. I consider this a must read for the curious, the rational and the American interested more in preserving civil liberties than removing them.

    8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 11, 2009

    If you are considering aetheism

    Finally! A Christian who admits his failing belief in religion and God and gives a comprehensive and convincing answers to why.

    3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted June 7, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    9780395500767

    Great book! tells the truth about sham religion!

    A very enjoyable read! Exposes the lies about religion, Marx is right, religion is the opiate of the people!

    3 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 2, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    9780446579803 9780618918249 9780671203238

    A Freethinking Preacher

    Seeing the folly in believing childhood myths, Dan Barker left the comfortable life he had as a preacher to embark on a quest for truth. An excellent read for freethinkers and non-freethinkers alike. If a dyed in the wool preacher man can find the truth, anyone can.

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 15, 2010

    A truly great introduction to Atheism!

    With elegant prose and a clever wit, not to mention such grand honesty, Dan Barker recalls his transition from a devout Christian, to a freethinking atheist. Overall, I would have to say this is a great introduction to atheism, though I would recommend it to even matured atheists as well, as he reveals how belief in God is not only very deep within a persons soul (metaphorically speaking of course, we don't have them!) Part I was a wonderful tale from fundamentalism to free thought. Dan Barker reveals the psychology of what it truly feels like to be a true believer- not to mention the struggles of losing faith, and it's social consequences. His story was truly moving. Part II is where I have mixed reviews. I loved the chapters: Omni-Aqueous, Dear Theologian and Why I Am an Atheist. I enjoyed Cosmological Kalamity, as his criticisms of Craig's argument are solid, though I wished he addressed the cosmological and scientific fallacies behind Criag's argument- as does Victor Stenger. Nonetheless, it was a good read. The chapter Refuting God was a nice one, although the responses were rather simple and did not go into as much detail as I would have liked. Part III was splendid, as it really puts the problems with Christianity in plain view and shows how devastatingly (not to mention fatally) Christianity lacks good justification. Part IV, Undoubtedly, was his best section. Here he not only addresses the emotional aspects of non-belief, but does so in a way that grants a nonbeliever a justified sense of meaning and morality without the additional theological assumptions. Barker does not turn his guns viciously against believers, he does not attack people of faith. He simply disagrees and offers the reader another perspective without being aggressive about it. Barker is truly an good example of an intellectually and morally-fulfilled atheist, and his book is one I would highly recommend!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 5, 2010

    A Humanist Review of Mr. Barker's book.

    Dan Barker's book, Godless, is one of the greatest books I have ever read. I had a very difficult time putting it down. His book is a great example of how one can drop the religion and live a moral, rational and fulfilling life. It is a good book for nontheists as a philosophical/ethical guide to living free from belief and as a better means of understanding just how great a secular life can be.
    I applaud Dan's courage, optimism, outstanding morals and great wisdom. His insights are as thought-provoking as they are rational.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 20, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    Beginning and end good - middle no so much

    Dan Barker's story of going from street preacher and writer of kiddie-Christian musicals is excellent (first 100 pages). The middle of the book - with lots of refutation of fundamentalist and apologist argument - is long and dry. The end, where he talks of atheist activism, is reasonably good.

    2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted December 5, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    Should be a best seller

    This book contains essential information regarding faith by someone who can be called a real authority. A very personal story of a fundamental christian preacher who discovers the truth and finds his place in the real world. Fascinating biblical facts are disclosed in his research. I found this book hard to put down and plan to read it again.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 17, 2009

    A Philosopher Reviews "Godless"

    Frankly, I haven't finished reading the book. I tend to flit from book to book, making Barnes and Noble rich in the process!
    I was attracted to "Godless" because the author is very active in promoting atheism. Thus, I recognized his name, knowing about his organization, Freedom From Religion Foundation. He is an authority, in my opinion, simply because he was an evangelical preacher at one time and renounced his former stance. Thus, he is in a position to know the weaknesses of the religion he had once promoted.
    My motivation in buying the book was to free myself of the restrictions of my own religion. I had gotten myself involved with Orthodox Judaism in the 1980's. I am still practicing some of its ritual observances out of fear of incurring Divine punishment, but partly because I consider some of the observances a form of meditation and centering, and consequently, beneficial to my welfare.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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    Posted September 23, 2009

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