Lessons from the Atheists - Chapter 1 |
"Lessons from the Atheists"
Chapter 1 : The Present Challenge of Atheism
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1.1 Introduction
To start this book of properly, we need to clarify its purpose. Elsewhere on this site we have produced appraisals of both Richard Dawkins' book, The God Delusion and Christopher Hitchens' book, God is not Great. We are aware that many Christians may not have read either of these books but we believe that there are valuable lessons to be gained from studying both of them.
The two 'appraisals' cover in detail our criticisms of those two books and each appraisal includes a number of Appendices to be used as resources for any Christian thinking about the issues raised by them. We have concluded, therefore, that there would be value in putting together our many conclusions that have come from reading and studying those books and that is what this one seeks to do.
You will find on these pages, therefore, much of the material found in those Appendices and, in some cases, themes or subjects opened out more fully. It is our hope that for those who have not read the two books, but who would like to learn from the lessons gained from them, these pages will act as a helpful resource in understanding and countering the claims that these men are making in these days.
This particular chapter opens by viewing the spiritual landscape in Britain at the beginning of 2008, at least in respect of atheism, and then goes on to provide a general introduction to the two books in question and the objectives of their authors. We have also made brief mention of Philip Pullman who also holds similar views as the other two writers.
Our overall objective, therefore, is to view the subject of crusading atheism in the 21st century, as it is revealed through these particular writers, and to ask ourselves, what lessons can we learn from them.
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