Atheism's New Clothes

In recent years, the publication of best-selling books by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens has given rise to the New Atheism. For the New Atheists, belief in God is a delusion because it is based on faith rather than evidence, and because science has removed the need for God; and it is a dangerous delusion because it is responsible for much of the suffering throughout the world. These characteristics distinguish New Atheism from other forms of atheism. Drawing on recent work in the philosophy of religion, David Glass addresses the issues raised by the New Atheists, responds to their objections, and presents a positive case for Christian theism. He shows that the New Atheists fail to engage seriously with the best theistic arguments, and that science, far from undermining belief in God, provides some of the best reasons for such belief. His valuable analysis also explores how faith and reason interact; miracles; the relationship between religion, morality and evil; the possibility of revelation from God; and the historical value of the Gospels and the reality of the resurrection of Jesus.