BOOK REVIEW: A timely, intelligent & valuable tool for equipping Christians ….

Probably every Christian has heard of atheism and likely has some basic idea of what it is.

But are you familiar with the New Atheism?

Are you aware this newer strain of atheism is so strident in its message one of its leading proponents teaches that some ideas are so evil those who hold them should be put to death simply for thinking them? And the evil ideas this person is referring to is belief in God?

In “Why God Won’t Go Away” (published by Thomas Nelson) Christian apologist, theologian, and scholar Alister McGrath does a brilliant job of equipping his readers with a thorough understanding of New Atheism.

As classic atheism found itself tired and losing traction, leading atheist thinkers used the tragedy of 9/11 and the plight of terrorism to launch a new barrage of arguments about the evils of religion.

McGrath does a masterful job of explaining how four “celebrity” atheists were primarily responsible for giving birth to this new movement, thoroughly examines its three core themes, highlights its sharper irrational fundamentalism as compared to classic atheism, and brings us to the present position New Atheism now faces.

Although the author takes his readers into the intellectual and philosophical arguments used by the world’s greatest New Atheism thinkers, McGrath writes in an easy-to-follow style that is understandable even for those whose eyes tend to glaze over when confronted with the maze of philosophical debate.

Finally, McGrath reveals the frustration these New Atheism leaders face when, in spite of their best efforts, God simply won’t go away. McGrath writes, “God can no more be eliminated from human life than our yearning for justice or our deep desire to make this world a better place.” But if these New Atheism leaders could have their way, both God and those who believe in Him, would be eliminated.

“Why God Won’t Go Away” is a timely, intelligent, and valuable tool for equipping Christians that every believer would benefit from reading and having on a shelf as a resource.

Scotty

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”