Why People Don't Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian Faith
Religion is increasingly seen as a dangerous source of violence
in the world, breeding a fear of faith in a very vocal group of
critics. Most Christians are blissfully unaware of the litany of
allegations being brought against religion, including that it is
the cause of intolerance, imperialism, irrationality, bigotry, and
war, to name a few. But ignorance is not the answer.
In Why People Don't Believe, Paul Chamberlain strives to
represent the concerns and challenges raised against religious
faith, particularly those raised against Christianity, to help
readers understand them. He then thoughtfully responds to these
criticisms, honestly evaluating whether they have merit. Lastly, he
outlines the many good and humane contributions Christianity has
made to the world throughout the past 2,000 years.
Anyone who is troubled by today's headlines involving religious
violence or who wants to be able to respond intelligently to
critics will find Why People Don't Believe a welcome,
hopeful book.
From the Back Cover
What good is religion?
Religious faith is increasingly seen as dangerous and violent. The
litany of allegations being brought against religion includes that
it is the cause of intolerance, imperialism, irrationality,
bigotry, and war, to name a few. How are Christians to
respond?
In Why People Don't Believe, Paul Chamberlain honestly represents
the challenges raised against religious faith and Christianity in
particular. He deftly responds to these criticisms, evaluating
whether they have merit, and outlines the many positive
contributions Christianity has made to the world over the past two
thousand years.
If you are troubled by today's headlines involving religious
violence or if you're at a loss when it comes to responding to
critics, you will find Why People Don't Believe a helpful and
hopeful book.
"Excellent--on all counts. Chamberlain chooses the right seven
challenges to faith, describes them clearly and fairly, responds
carefully and rationally, and provides today's serious Christians
with answers that will at once strengthen the faith of believers
and refute the objections many non-Christians have toward placing
their faith in Christ."--James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next
Door
"Paul Chamberlain addresses seven frontline issues that center on
religion producing evil in our world. His responses are detailed,
creative, and layered, thereby building a formidable array of
potential rejoinders. I enjoyed this book immensely; it belongs on
the shelf of thinking readers who are concerned about these issues,
whatever their viewpoint."--Gary R. Habermas, distinguished
research professor, Liberty University and Theological
Seminary
"Paul Chamberlain has written an accessible analysis of the New
Atheists' arguments. He adeptly exposes their philosophical
weaknesses and flawed assumptions. Yet he also rightly challenges
professing Christians--in matters of intellectual engagement and of
moral and spiritual influence--not to contribute to the problem
that helps fuel the fires of disbelief."--Paul Copan, professor and
Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic
University; author of Is God a Moral Monster?
Paul Chamberlain (PhD, Marquette University) is director of the
Institute of Christian Apologetics and professor of apologetics,
ethics, and philosophy of religion at Trinity Western University
(ACTS division) in British Columbia. He is the author of Talking
about Good and Bad without Getting Ugly, Final Wishes, and Can We
Be Good without God?
Top Highlights
“Religious belief is no longer seen by many of our friends and neighbors as a means to resolve humanity’s deepest problems. Instead it is increasingly regarded as being the problem, the villain, the culprit of our times.” (source)
“it is a small step to being willing to impose these teachings onto others” (source)
“What should people of faith do in the light of these harsh attitudes toward religion and faith? Is there a way forward apart from abandoning faith altogether?” (source)
“extremists within various religious groups and the mainstream adherents to those groups” (source)
“irrationality is ultimately behind much of the violence caused by religion.” (source)
Product Details
- Title : Why People Don't Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian Faith
- Author: Chamberlain, Paul
- Publisher: Baker
- Publication Date: 2011
- ISBN: 9781441232090