Description
In recent years atheism has become ever more visible, acceptable, and influential. Atheist apologists have become increasingly vociferous and confident in their claims: that a morality requiring benevolence towards all and universal human rights need not be grounded in religion; that modern science disproves the existence of God; and that there is nothing innately religious about human beings. In Atheist Overreach, Christian Smith takes a look at the evidence and arguments, and explains why we ought to be skeptical of these atheists' claims about morality, science, and human nature. He does not argue that atheism is necessarily wrong, but rather that its advocates are advancing crucial claims that are neither rationally defensible nor realistic. Their committed worldview feeds unhelpful arguments and contributes to the increasing polarization of today's political landscape. Everyone involved in the theism-atheism debates, in shared moral reflection, and in the public consumption of the findings of science should be committed to careful reasoning and rigorous criticism. This book provides readers with the information they need to participate more knowledgably in debates about atheism and what it means for our society.
About the Author
Christian Smith is William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame. Smith holds an MA (1987) and PhD (1990) in Sociology from Harvard University and has studied at Harvard Divinity School. He has taught at Notre Dame, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Gordon College, MA.
Reviews
...rich and complex... * Tony Carroll, Modern Believing *
This accessible and enjoyable book can be appreciated by undergraduate college students and an educated reading public. * Glenn B Siniscalchi, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, Religious Studies Review *
Book Information
ISBN 9780190880927
Author Christian Smith
Format Hardback
Page Count 168
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Dimensions(mm) 147mm * 216mm * 15mm
About the Author
Christian Smith is William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame. Smith holds an MA (1987) and PhD (1990) in Sociology from Harvard University and has studied at Harvard Divinity School. He has taught at Notre Dame, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Gordon College, MA.
Reviews
...rich and complex... * Tony Carroll, Modern Believing *
This accessible and enjoyable book can be appreciated by undergraduate college students and an educated reading public. * Glenn B Siniscalchi, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, Religious Studies Review *
Book Information
ISBN 9780190880927
Author Christian Smith
Format Hardback
Page Count 168
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Dimensions(mm) 147mm * 216mm * 15mm
