Contending with Christianity's Critics: Answering New Atheists and Other Objectors
Book Description
Are faith and reason locked in a deadly duel? In "Contending with Christianity's Critics," Paul Copan steps into the fiery arena where New Atheists spar with believers, armed with sharp arguments and fierce skepticism. With riveting clarity, he dismantles the critiques that threaten to shake the foundations of faith, revealing truth buried beneath layers of doubt. Each chapter confronts powerful objections, turning the disillusioned into seekers of deeper understanding. As the stakes rise, is it possible for belief and rationality to coalesce in a world hungry for answers? Discover how conviction can stand firm against the tempest of criticism. What truths lie waiting to be uncovered?
Quick Book Summary
"Contending with Christianity's Critics" by Paul Copan is a robust intellectual response to contemporary challenges posed by New Atheism and other skeptical movements. The book, featuring contributions from leading Christian philosophers and theologians, systematically addresses central objections frequently used against Christianity, such as the problem of evil, historical authenticity of biblical texts, the incompatibility of faith and reason, and the morality of biblical teachings. With clear and accessible arguments, Copan and his collaborators seek to demonstrate that Christian belief can withstand critical scrutiny, affirming that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. Through the examination of popular criticisms, the book empowers believers to critically engage with skeptics and strengthens their confidence in defending their faith rationally and thoughtfully.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Reconciling Faith and Reason
"Contending with Christianity's Critics" begins by exploring the perceived conflict between faith and reason. The contributors dismantle the assertion made by New Atheists that religious belief is irrational. Instead, they argue that faith can be both reasonable and compatible with evidence and logic. By addressing misunderstandings about the nature of faith, the authors emphasize that genuine Christianity invites, rather than shuns, intellectual engagement and critical thinking.
Addressing the Problem of Evil and Suffering
A significant portion of the book is devoted to addressing the problem of evil and suffering—a perennial challenge for theism. The authors provide philosophical and theological responses, explaining how evil's existence is not necessarily contradictory to the existence of a loving, omnipotent God. They discuss concepts such as free will, soul-making, and the necessity of moral choice, aiming to show that Christianity offers a coherent framework for processing pain, tragedy, and evil without theological collapse.
Evaluating Historical Reliability of Scripture
Historical criticism raised against Christianity, particularly the reliability of biblical texts and the figure of Jesus, forms another key focus. The contributors assess claims of textual incoherence, alleged contradictions, and bias in scriptural accounts. Through the use of historical methodology, they present evidence supporting the authenticity and reliability of scripture, making a case that Christian beliefs are founded not on myth, but on credible historical grounds.
Morality and Ethical Challenges in Christianity
Ethical challenges posed by critics—including accusations of moral failures within the Bible or Christian history—are confronted head-on. The book navigates difficult biblical passages and addresses the critique that Christian morality is arbitrary or outdated. The contributors argue for a nuanced understanding of biblical ethics and context, suggesting that Christian morality remains relevant and robust as a moral framework when properly interpreted and applied.
The book ultimately seeks to embolden Christians in dialogue with skeptics. By equipping readers with reasoned answers and clarifying misconceptions, Copan and his colleagues advocate for confident and compassionate engagement rather than defensive retreat. They encourage believers to balance conviction with humility, demonstrating that Christianity still has intellectual vigor and can meaningfully participate in the modern marketplace of ideas.
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