A Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists Musings on Why God Is Good and Faith Isnt Evil
A Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists Musings on Why God Is Good and Faith Isnt Evil
A Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists helps readers — both secular and religious — appreciate their common ground. For those whose thinking has moved from the religious thesis to the skeptical antithesis (or vice versa), Myers offers pointers to a science-respecting Christian synthesis. He shows how skeptics and people of faith can share a commitment to reason, evidence, and critical thinking, while also embracing a faith that supports human flourishing — by making sense of the universe, giving meaning to life, connecting us in supportive communities, mandating altruism, and offering hope in the face of adversity and death.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star Friendly to Satan?
The author of this book appears to think that it's fine for atheists to mock Jesus and the apostles, and to play footsie with the minions of Satan. This makes me angry because atheists are always dissing God's works and subsutituting the false religion of evolution. Do not be too friendly with Satan, lest you find yourself on your knees with his shameful parts in your mouth.
4 Stars Just What the Title Says It Is
An elegantly written and argued book, focusing on finding common ground between skeptics and believers. It argues convincingly that some belief in God is not disproved by science, and that there is room for belief in the modern world.
Myers' religious views are hard for even a skeptic to find very offensive, for they are mild and life-affirming But to make this argument, he cedes a lot of ground (rightfully I think) to the skeptics, dismissing religious views that deny evolution and the like as admittedly beyond the pale of reasonable discourse.(But this dismissal is undercut by his own admission that 43 percent of Americans believe the world is only about 10,000 years old.)
He then argues eloquently that people who hold
religious views of this sort (himself included) are generally happier and enjoy a more fully realized life, so then why shouldn't we just agree to disagree on these points?
Myers' book is a good start towards a rational discussion on religion and whether it makes sense. I would think in the end he might well lose this argument, but at least he sets out reasonable ground rules and provides a good first round of arguments for consideration by agnostics and skeptics of a more reasoned approach to whether or not there is a God. It's a discussion, not a rant.
5 Stars Civil, Intelligent Reply to the New Atheist Wave
The author, a psychologist, responds briefly but well to the "new atheist" wave of Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins et al. At first I thought his approach was, frankly too "friendly," to the point of seeming timid and insubstantial, but as this brief book goes on it gets more impressive. What's really neat is the way Meyers seems to address just about every controversial subject imaginable–evolution, intelligent design, gays, the mind-body connection–without being dishonestly reductive. None of the sections are meant to be thorough explorations of the particular topic: they only offer more inclusive ways to think about each topic so as to allow for faith.
5 Stars Walking the tightrope
Myers respectfully defends his faith to skeptical scientists as only a fellow empiricist could. Through a series of short chapters Myers takes up the critical points of the neoatheists with an engaging "Yes, but have you thought about this?" approach. Faithheads will welcome the clarity with which Myers comes to their rescue. However, they too will find themselves challenged, reexamining their beliefs, assumptions and even their practices.
4 Stars Surprisingly convincing
An impressive book written by a humble, respectful religious moderate. Myers makes little effort to convince the reader that miracles are true or that there have been virgin births; he focuses on the usefulness of religious belief. He shows, through empirical data, that believers have better marriages, are happier, and give much more to charity than secularists. While conceding the harm religion has done through the ages, he believes strongly that it has done more harm than good. Being a nonbeliever, it gives me no pleasure to say this, but Myers makes a strong case for faith. I would love for Dawkins, Harris, or Hitchens to read this book and respond to its arguments.
Related posts:
- Answers for Atheists Agnostics and Other Thoughtful Skeptics Dialogs About Christian Faith and Life
- Answering the Objections of Atheists Agnostics and Skeptics
- Keeping Faith – A Skeptics Journey
- A Place for Skeptics – A Spiritual Journey for Those Who May Have Given Up on Church But Not on God
- Friendly Atheist Attacked by Not-So-Friendly Family Values Group
- Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics Ask About the Christian Faith
- Bringing Your Faith to Work – Answers for Break Room Skeptics
- Religious News Verses: Faith, Atheists and Cruising for God
- Preaching to Skeptics and Seekers
- Atheism, The Case Against God – Skeptics Bookshelf
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Leave a Reply
Here in the States, a growing number of people are no longer affiliated with any religion. Yet, there are some Christian groups who continue to insist on blurring the lines of separation between church and state. For the non-churchgoers and freethinkers worldwide, this site features news, reviews and editorials on just about anything regarding religion. Your opinion is always welcome here, either as a columnist or commenter. Hey, this is not church -- you are allowed to speak your mind and think for yourself!
A NOTE ABOUT COMMENTS: While comments are welcomed and get the Do Follow option, they are strictly monitored. That means comments must be on topic and add to the discussion. Submissions from multiple names having the same IP, troll comments, keyphrase users and the like will be deleted. Please see our policies page for more information.
 |
 |
Main Feed | Comments Feed |
|
 |
 |