Agnosticism and Christianity and Other Essays (Great Mind Series) (Paperback)

by Thomas Henry Huxley (Author) "WE live in and form part of a system of things of immense diversity and perplexity, which we call Nature ; and it is a..." (more)
Key Phrases: New Testament, Lord's Prayer, Jesus of Nazareth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this selection of his most important writings, renowned scientist and philosopher Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) discusses his views on the demonstrative evidence of evolution, the physical basis of life, naturalism and supernaturalism, agnosticism and Christianity, and the Christian tradition in relation to Judaic Christianity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (August 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879757493
• ISBN-13: 978-0879757496
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #712,964 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evolution, Epistemology, and Agnosticism According to Huxley, February 2, 1998

By A Customer

The topic of Agnosticism consumes a relatively minor part of this book. It is interesting to read Huxley's exposition on Darwin's theory of evolution and how he makes the case for why it is more plausible than any other theory. While some of what he says would require modification in light of modern evolutionary thought, most of his arguments (using data from anthropology, archaeology, biology, embryology, genetics, geology, etc.) are still valid. Other essays include discussions on epistemology especially with regard to supernaturalism and claims of miracles. Only in the last several pages does Huxley elaborate on the origin and meaning of Agnosticism. In fact, he seems almost reluctant to descend into the discussion. He indulges the reader nevertheless and does a stupendous job of stating the case. A pleasant read on a rainy day.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, November 26, 1999

By A Customer

The chapters in this book mainly come from Huxley's much larger "Science and the Christian Tradition". If you can get a hold of this book I highly recommend reading it; it takes the reader much farther than "Agnosticism and Christianity". If you cannot find the larger, then read this book. Huxley very matter of factly lays out why the bible cannot be taken as an authoritative source on its own.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Insights, Ponderously Written, September 16, 2007

By	Will Jerom (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

There are a few gems of agnostic wisdom in this book, which concisely state Huxley's case for affirming his agnostic views - that he is without full or final proof or substantiation of the Bible, or of Jesus. For this, the book needs to be read and commended. One could only wish, however, that Huxley spared the ponderously ornate style of English prose that was the habit of the day. This is a good read, but not always an easy read, and certainly if it has engaging moments it also has its tedious ones as well. If Huxley too easily dismisses or reduces religious faith to matter of proof, he at least wisely points out that we must distinguish what faith and facts are.