Faith And Its Critics

✍ Scribed by David Fergusson

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 204
• Series: Gifford Lectures
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Heralded as the exponents of a "new atheism," critics of religion are highly visible in today's media, and include the household names of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris. David Fergusson explains their work in its historical perspective, drawing comparisons with earlier forms of atheism. Responding to the critics through conversations on the credibility of religious belief, Darwinism, morality, fundamentalism, and our approach to reading sacred texts, he establishes a compelling case for the practical and theoretical validity of faith in the contemporary world.
An invitation to engage in a rich dialogue, Faith and Its Critics supports an informed and constructive exchange of ideas rather than a contest between two sides of the debate. Fergusson encourages faith communities to undertake patient engagement with their critics, to acknowledge the place for change and development in their self-understanding whilst resisting the reductive explanations of the new atheism.

✦ Table of Contents

Contents......Page 8
Introduction......Page 10
1. Atheism in Historical Perspective......Page 24
2. The Credibility of Religious Belief: Claims and Counter-Claims......Page 43
3. Darwinism: How Much Does It Explain?......Page 70
4. Morality, Art, and Religion: Invention or Discovery?......Page 100
5. Is Religion Bad For Our Health? Saints, Martyrs, and Terrorists......Page 129
6. Sacred Texts: How Should We Read Them?......Page 160
Conclusion......Page 187
Bibliography......Page 191
D......Page 200
M......Page 201
T......Page 202
Z......Page 203