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Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong [Paperback]

Ian S. Markham
2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

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Book Description

February 8, 2010 1405189630 978-1405189637 1
In this new book, Ian Markham analyzes the atheistic world view, opposing the arguments given by renowned authors of books on atheism, such as Richard Dawkins. Unlike other responses to the new atheism, Markham challenges these authors on their own ground by questioning their understanding of belief and of atheism itself. The result is a transforming introduction to Christianity that will appeal to anyone interested in this debate.
  • A fascinating challenge to the recent spate of successful books written by high-profile atheist authors such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris
  • Tackles these authors on their own ground, arguing that they do not understand the nature of atheism, let alone theology and ethics
  • Draws on ideas from Nietzsche, cosmology, and art to construct a powerful response that allows for a faith that is grounded, yet one that recognizes the reality of uncertainty
  • Succinct, engaging, but robustly argued, this new book by a leading academic and writer contains a wealth of profound insights that show religious belief in a new light

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“It is a thoughtful, eirenic and wide-ranging contribution … This is a serious and sophisticated addition to the burgeoning New Atheism literature, and a very good advert for its author’s avowed ‘classical Catholicism in its Anglican form’ (p.8).”  (Modern Believing, 1 July 2012)

"Markham encourages people of faith to listen to the challenging critiques of atheists and to engage them for much of value ‘can be learned', shared, and clarified in a respectful exchange of ideas (p. 134). Religious and non-religious people wanting to learn more about atheism, a religious response to atheism, and the connections between science and religion should read this book." (Religion & Theology, 2012)

"Unlike other responses to the new atheism, Markham challenges these authors on their own ground by questioning their understanding of belief and of atheism itself.  The result is a transforming introduction to Christianity that will appeal to anyone interested in this debate." (Studies in Spirituality, 2010)"In addition, this book details fairly well (albeit briefly) with some sensitive topics: homosexuality, Islam, religious extremism. . . still, there is much to commend about Against Atheism, and it surely deserves a wide readership." (Theological Book Review, 2010)

"Markham's apologetic infuses contemporary science with classical philosophy, up-to date theological scholarship, and a pastoral sensitivity to mental, emotional and physical anguish that any life of faith necessarily confronts. ...helpful for its seriousness yet conciseness and accessibility...clear signposts and summaries for alert readers to follow and discern their own spiritual rootedness. Markham is consistent in his approach ... . For its clarity, precision and wit, the book is certainly accessible." (Christian Scholar's Review, October 2010)

"Of the many current contra-atheism books suddenly on the market, Markham's is helpful for its seriousness yet conciseness and accessibility." (Christian Scholar's Review, October 2010).

"Accessible and patient ... .Markham does not evade tough questions." (The Tablet, April 2010)

"Markham's comparison of Nietzsche to the New Atheists is particularly insightful … .This book will be enjoyed by academically minded believers looking to bolster their arguments against atheism." (Library Journal, April 2010)

"Stands out from the crowd by questioning the theological, ethical, and spiritual content underpinning books by Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris. By challenging the very foundations of their position, [Markham] exposes the weaknesses in their arguments." (Sourcews, November 2009)

"Ian Markham ... offers a moral argument for faith. Markham accuses the so-called New Atheists—Dawkins et al.—of not facing up to the conse­quences of their atheism. Markham argues the case very well." (Church Times, April 2010)

Review

"A brilliant defence of the reasonableness of Christian belief, against its modern detractors. Written beautifully and clearly, this is modern Christian thought at its best." –Keith Ward, University of Oxford, UK

“I find this book  to be absolutely superb! It’s a lucid, respectful, comprehensive, and compelling case for the rationality and veracity of Christian faith.  I love the irenic spirit of Markham’s engagement – in stark contrast to his interlocutors.”
Sam Lloyd, Dean of Washington National Cathedral


Product Details

  • Paperback: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (February 8, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1405189630
  • ISBN-13: 978-1405189637
  • Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.5 x 8.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,246,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 43 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Great start but no substance October 12, 2010
Format:Paperback
Markham starts off the book with a great presentation comparing atheists to color blind people. However, he never produces any reasoning of any depth while not bothering to structure his arguments in a logical manor. He appears to miss or misunderstand many of the New Atheists' arguments (such as Dawkins' meme concept). In some cases his responses just don't make sense. For instance, Dawkins claims that the bible is not a great moral reference as it encourages genocide, slavery, and child sacrifice. Markham responds that we need to interpret the text carefully. For instance, when the bible tells us to destroy our neighbors and show them no mercy (Deuteronomy 7), it really does not mean that. He does not even handle standard arguments well, such as the anthropic principle or the ultimate moral authority. The book is also filled with many references to god's desires and intentions, but Markham never tells us how he knows god's feelings.

Markham certainly does paint faith, belief in god, or a transcendental spirit as worthy things. However, he never addresses whether these feelings are the result of the world independent of people or an artifact of humanity. I was disappointed.

If someone gives you this book, read the introduction and chapter 1 and forget the rest.
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20 of 29 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars A Disappointing Read August 10, 2010
Format:Paperback
I began this book looking for excellent arguments and tough questions to answer. Unfortunately, I found myself completely disapointed.

Here are the major problems I found in the book:
-The author builds a philosophical facade to give him credibility, and completely fails to understand and correctly interpret multiple texts and concepts.
-He constantly "modifies the meaning" of various parts of the Bible to suit his arguments.
-He spends a great deal of time ad hominem attacking Hawkings, Hitchens, and Harris.
-Finally, he spouts a cacophony of supposed defenses for his views without ever providing anything close to sufficient supportive discussion.

I give this book two stars because it does manage to introduce a few interesting ideas worth looking into, and it provides a few useful tidbits of information on three major world religions. Overall though, I found it to have absolutely no swaying concepts, and more than likely will serve to further bludgeon a person into holding their concepts/beliefs.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars Unfortunately weak September 28, 2012
By Jake B.
Format:Paperback
Like others, I was disappointed by Markham's weak arguments and flawed understanding of atheism. Though well-written in prose, Against Atheism does not offer many fresh takes on the debate, and those that it does are largely misrepresentative. For these reasons, I cannot recommend this as an honest critique of the debate.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars A critique of the atheist writers
Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris are fundamentally wrong, by Ian S. Markham, Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, West Sussex, UK, 2010, 176 ff

this is another... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Dr. H. A. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars joshtruthworks
The book that I bought and recieved was in great condition and it came in a very timely fashion. I will buy from this book seller in the future.
Published 12 months ago by joshtruthworks
1.0 out of 5 stars Oxymoronic
An apologist claiming atheism is fundamentally wrong is oxymoronic in nature and that perspective alone should say enough about the rest of the book. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Vahan Setyan
1.0 out of 5 stars Same old nonsense
Full disclosure: I didn't read the whole book. In fact, I read the first few pages and realized there was nothing new here. What tipped me off? Read more
Published on March 2, 2011 by A. Pfeffer
5.0 out of 5 stars A good book, and a major challenge to atheists.
This is an excellent book. It is powerful and polite challenge to atheism as a belief system.

The book is well produced, well written and fully referenced. Read more
Published on February 24, 2010 by Dr. Nicholas P. G. Davies
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good critique of atheism
This may be the best or one of the best critiques of atheism. In my opinion it presents atheism very truthfully and acknowledges the problems of both religious and atheistic... Read more
Published on February 20, 2010 by Markku Ojanen
1.0 out of 5 stars Against Atheism
There is no real,reasoned evidence presented in this little book that would cause one to re-think their dis-belief in god. Read more
Published on February 15, 2010 by Vito Chaulumette
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Good writing, easy read, no basis
I haven't read the book yet. I think it's not available to the public until late February. But I have read the material available from the book on Amazon.com.

Within the material I read I find that Markham makes the same mistake so many other believers (Dennis Prager, for example) use when... Read more
Jan 15, 2010 by Garry V. Grofcsik |  See all 3 posts
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