Is God Just a Human Invention?: And Seventeen Other Questions Raised by the New Atheists

by Sean McDowell, Jonathan Morrow

Overview

Atheism is making a comeback. From bookstores to bus campaigns, the question of God is up for public debate—and well-known atheists like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens are leading the charge. While these authors, who have been dubbed "The New Atheists," argue against religion in general, they aim most of their criticisms and complaints at the world's largest religion—Christianity. Why are people reading books that bash God and ridicule faith? And how can Christians respond?

The writings of the New Atheists are especially challenging to the emerging generation who are skeptical of authority and have not been given answers to the hows and whys of faith's honest questions. For these readers especially, authors Sean McDowell and Jonathan Morrow have penned an accessible yet rigorous look at the arguments of the New Atheists. Writing from a distinctively Christian perspective, McDowell and Morrow lay out the facts so that the emerging generation can make up their own mind after considering all the evidence. Divided into two parts—the first addressing the scientific and philosophical challenges to belief in God and the second dealing with the moral and biblical challenges—Is God Just a Human Invention? will respond to each major argument in a way that is balanced, thorough, and easy to understand.

McDowell and Morrow believe that the current religious landscape is both an opportunity and a challenge for people of faith. Now is the time to respond.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825436543
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	08/03/2010
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Sean McDowell (MA, Talbot Theological Seminary) is an award-winning educator, speaker, and author. A popular speaker at camps, churches, schools, and conferences nationwide, Sean has spoken for organizations including Focus on the Family, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Youth Specialties. He has co-written or edited several books, including Understanding Intelligent Design, Evidence for the Resurrection, and More Than a Carpenter, and has also contributed to YouthWorker Journal, Decision Magazine, and the Christian Research Journal. He blogs regularly at www.seanmcdowell.org.

Jonathan Morrow (DMin, MDiv) is the author of several books including Questioning the Bible and he speaks nationally on biblical worldview, apologetics, and culture. He is adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University and director of cultural engagement at Impact 360 Institute where he teaches high school and college students. Jonathan is passionate about seeing a new generation build a lasting faith. Connect with Jonathan online at jonathanmorrow.org.

Table of Contents

Introduction: A Tale of Two Oxford Atheists 7

Part 1 Responding to Scientific and Philosophical Challenges

1 Is Faith Irrational? 19

Why It Matters Gregory Koukl 30

2 Are Science and Christianity at Odds? 32

Why It Matters John Warwick Montgomery 42

3 Are Miracles Possible? 44

Why It Matters Gary R. Habermas 55

4 Is Darwinian Evolution the Only Game in Town? 57

Why It Matters William A. Dembski 69

5 How Did the Universe Begin? 71

Why It Matters R. Douglas Geivett 81

6 How Did Life Begin? 83

Why It Matters Fazale R. Rana 93

7 Why Is the Universe Just Right for Life? 95

Why It Matters Jay W. Richards 106

8 Has Science Shown There Is No Soul? 108

Why It Matters Dale Fincher Jonalyn Fincher 118

9 Is God Just a Human Invention? 120

Why It Matters Garry DeWeese 130

Part 2 Responding to Moral and Biblical Challenges

10 Is Religion Dangerous? 135

Why It Matters Douglas Groothuis 146

11 Does God Intend for Us to Keep Slaves? 148

Why It Matters Paul Copan 156

12 Is Hell a Divine Torture Chamber? 158

Why It Matters Frank Turek 170

13 Is God a Genocidal Bully? 172

Why It Matters Clay Jones 183

14 Is Christianity the Cause of Dangerous Sexual Repression? 185

Why It Matters Kerby Anderson 195

15 Can People Be Good Without God? 197

Why It Matters Mark D. Linville 208

16 Is Evil Only a Problem for Christians? 210

Why It Matters Randy Alcorn 222

17 What Good Is Christianity? 224

Why It Matters Glenn S. Sunshine 235

18 Why Jesus Instead of the Flying Spaghetti Monster? 237

Why It Matters Darrell L. Bock 251

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Ordinary Believers 253

Appendix A Resources for Engaging the New Atheism and Thinking about God 264

Appendix B Dealing with Doubt on the journey of Faith 266

Appendix C Is the New Testament Filled with Contradictions and Corrupted Texts? 271

Notes 276

About the Authors 303

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Sean and Jonathan ask questions that deserve to be discussed between believers and their atheist friends. I hope this book will be a springboard for that dialogue. I, for one, want to debate it with them!"—Atheist author/activist David Fitzgerald, Director of The Atheist Film Festival and Evolutionpalooza!