Real Face of Atheism, The [Paperback]

Ravi Zacharias (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

Atheism is a world without God. Its true nature--whether disguised in Eastern mysticism or American cynicism--is despair. In this thought-provoking and witty book, Ravi Zacharias provides Christians a clear apologetic for their faith.

Formerly published as A Shattered Visage, The Real Face of Atheism systematically examines atheistic positions on human nature, the meaning of life, morality, the "First Cause," death, and more. With a new introduction and revisions throughout, The Real Face of Atheism is the perfect text for pastors, students, and thinking laypeople who want to improve their apologetic skill and reach out to non-believers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you are looking for an answer to the greatest question of our time, here is a book that faces it head on." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Atheism is a world without God. Its true nature-whether disguised in Eastern mysticism or American cynicism-is despair. In this thought-provoking and insightful book, Ravi Zacharias exposes the hopelessness of atheism and explains how a worldview based on belief in God is the key to fulfillment. The Real Face of Atheism systematically examines atheistic positions on human nature, the meaning of life, morality, the "First Cause," death, and more.

"If you are looking for an answer to the greatest question of our time, here is a book that faces it head on. Ravi has intellectual integrity and spiritual perception. His illustrations bring profound concepts within reach and touch both the heart and mind."-Billy Graham

"Ravi Zacharias has a profound understanding of the intellectual struggles a person has in relating to God. I consider Dr. Zacharias one of the great Christian apologists of our time."-Josh McDowell

"Ravi Zacharias is a man singularly gifted to speak to these matters."-R. C. Sproul

"Ravi Zacharias brings with him considerable intellectual strength and theological depth. His background brings him and understanding of cultures and personal acquaintance with other religions."-Jay Kesler

"Ravi Zacharias has a keen mind, a warm heart, a fervent spirit, and a compelling style. In short, he is a great apologist."-D. Stuart Briscoe

Ravi Zacharias is president of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and is heard worldwide on his radio program, Let My People Think. A former visiting scholar at Cambridge, he has lectured at the world's most prestigious universities and in more than fifty countries. His numerous books include Jesus Among Other Gods and Can Man Live Without God?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801065119
• ISBN-13: 978-0801065118
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 0.5 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

For over thirty-five years, Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world in great halls and universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and numerous universities internationally. He is listed as a Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford university. He has appeared on CNN and other international broadcasts. The author of several books for adults and children, he powerfully mixes biblical teaching and Christian apologetics. His most recent works include Walking from East to West, a memoir; The Grand Weaver, an exploration of God's intention in both the ordinary and the startling elements of life; and The End of Reason, a rebuttal of the claims of the so-called New Atheists. His weekly radio program, Let My People Think, is broadcast on 1,692 stations worldwide, and his weekday program, Just Thinking, is on 412. He is founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Zacharias and his wife, Margie, have three grown children and reside in Atlanta.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Ravi's Earlier Work is Found Here but He Has More November 9, 2006

By D. Ward

Format:Paperback

Many critics have attacked the work of Ravi Zacharias found here. This book "The Real Face of Atheism" is actually a slightly updated version of his 1990 book titled "A Shattered Visage: The Real Face of Atheism".

I do not consider this to be Ravi's crowning work but he did not write it to be an "exhaustive" argument against Atheism.

In his original introduction he explains his intention for this book---

It was born from a presentation to a group of scientists from Bell Labs. He addressed the topic of "Why I am not an Atheist" as a response to Bertrand Russel's "Why I am not a Christian".

Zacharias goes on to say that the questions that followed were not technical or scientific but rather were "heart-searching questions of men and women in pursuit of meaning in life." He wrote from a perspective dealing with his lecture and the questions of life that followed.

Many reviewers have said that Ravi has not argued effectively against Atheism and for Theism.

He gives a reason for that for those who care to read it---- "Others, who love the process of dialogue, might wish that the arguments were weightier than they are. My hope is that they will not fall into the trap of intellectualism and forget the splendor and power of simplicity. We are neither just brains floating around or hearts bouncing about."

Ravi Zacharias tends to dwell in the realm of bringing the highly philosophical down to the level of the more common reader. This is not always easy. A few here have pointed out that Ravi is not an effective debater. If you will listen to any of his question and answer sessions from various colleges and universities around the world and his lectures from the Harvard Veritas sessions you might think differently. His answers correlate well with his intended audience.

Other works such as "Can Man Live With God" address this topic as well.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful October 11, 2006

By Michael A. Mabry

Format:Paperback

I found this book to be rather helpful. I appreciate the author's flow of thought in making his case from the point of origins, morality, meaning, and destiny. That line of thought flowed nicely. Of course this book isn't exhaustive, but it was a great introduction to the philosophical problems of atheism, its contradictions, and its uphill struggle for real unifying meaing as a worldview. For me it made me hungry to read the footnoted authors and develop a greater understanding of both sides of the fence.

I appreciate the author for this book. Job well done.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars In Your Face Truth April 30, 2011

By azustennispro

Format:Paperback

I was an atheist for most of my life and when I became a Christianity through examining truths, this is one of the books I picked up to read. I found it to be strikingly true. My life was pointless before I found God, in fact didn't see the point of living on many occasions. God gives up purpose and being German the chapter on the Nazis really affected me. I would recommend reading this if you are not afraid of truth. If so, probably not the right book for you.