Faith and Its Critics

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.

ISBN 019956938X   Pages 208 ISBN13 9780199569380 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher Oxford University Press   Weight (grammes) 384 Imprint Oxford University Press   Published in Oxford Format Hardback   Height (mm) 211 Publication date 03 Sep 2009   Width (mm) 141 Library of Congress 2009011667   Spine width (mm) 18 DEWEY 210   Academic level General DEWEY edition DC22

		Introduction		1
1		Atheism in Historical Perspective		15
2		The Credibility of Religious Belief: Claims and Counter-Claims		34
3		Darwinism: How Much Does It Explain?		61
4		Morality, Art, and Religion: Invention or Discovery?		91
5		Is Religion Bad For Our Health? Saints, Martyrs, and Terrorists		120
6		Sacred Texts: How Should We Read Them?		151
		Conclusion		178
		Bibliography		182
		Index		191

an interesting and balanced treatment. Graham Gould. The Journal of Theological Studies. With such pedigree, this book was always likely to be worth reading, and Fergusson does not disappoint... This book is full of scholarly common sense. Is effect is to clear a space of reasonable faith, without avoiding the real challenges posed by atheist critiques. If anyone is looking for an accessible but rigorous treatment of these issues, this is the place to go. The Revd Mark Woods, The Baptist Times [Fergusson] brings exemplary clarity, an impressive grasp of the relevant recent literature, and a fair-mindedness that is at times inspiring. These are virtues that are not lightly to be set aside. John Cottingham, The Tablet If you want a calm, reasoned, dispassionate discussion of some of the more evangelical atheists of recent times, this is it... I would strongly commend the book as an exemplary model of reasoned discussion of religious issues. And I would say that even if I did not happen to agree with almost all of the author's conclusion (as I do). Keith Ward, Church Times

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