Tuesday, February 25, 2014

True Reason Edited by Tom Gilson and Carson Weitnauer

This book comes out of an attempt to expose the fact that many of the arguments of the New Atheists are not as reasonable as they claim. In fact, the authors argue, the New Atheists have significant blind spots. The aim of True Reason is to show that theism, and particularly Christian theism, is reasonable and atheism is not all that reasonable.

The authors of the various essays pay particular attention to proper reasoning, following the rules of logic. It is found that atheists actually do not practice reason well and it fits poorly within their presumptions and presuppositions.

The general argument in this book is developed along four lines: Atheism and reason, Christianity and reason, reasonable responses, and Christianity's reasonability.

One essay looks at the actual use use of reason by Atheists verses their claim to do so. Another looks at Dawkins' frequent failure at logic and reasoning. Sam Harris' relation with reason is explored. Naturalism is shown to not provide the conditions for scientific investigation to take place. Christianity's close relationship with science is covered. Answers are given to the question of a good God and the existence of evil. Other essays cover many similar topics.

This is a good book for people who have read Dawkins, Hutchins, etc., and are looking for a well presented response to their claims. People who want to read a good presentation of the Christian use of reason will appreciate this book.

I am impressed with this collection of essays. Having taught logic at the high school level, I appreciated the way the various authors employed logical thinking in their essays. The definite conclusion is that the Christian faith is reasonable and the atheist viewpoint is not so reasonable after all.

You can read an excerpt here.

Editors: Tom Gilson is the National Field Director for the Ratio Christi Student Apologetics Alliance. He and his family live in Lebanon, Ohio. Carson Weitnauer is the U. S. Director for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and the President of the Christian Apologetics Alliance. He and his family live in Atlanta, GA.

Kregel Publications, 320 pages. See the publishers product page here.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this independent and honest review.

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