Faith and its critics : a conversation / David Fergusson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Fergusson, David.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Christianity and atheism.

Faith.

Apologetics.

Physical Description:

195 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Atheism in historical perspective

The credibility of religious belief : claims and counter-claims

Darwinism : how much does it explain?

Morality, art, and religion : invention or discovery?

Is religion bad for our health? : saints, martyrs, and terrorists

Sacred texts : how should we read them?

Notes:

Comprises the Gifford lectures delivered in Apr. 2008 at the University of Glasgow.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780199569380

019956938X

OCLC:

317288475