50 Reasons People Give For Believing In A God

Many books that challenge religious belief from a skeptical point of view take a combative tone that is almost guaranteed to alienate believers or they present complex philosophical or scientific arguments that fail to reach the average reader. This is undoubtably an ineffective way of encouraging people to develop critical thinking about religion. This unique approach to skepticism presents fifty commonly heard reasons people often give for believing in a God and then raises legitimate questions regarding these reasons, showing in each case that there is much room for doubt. Whether you're a believer, a complete skeptic, or somewhere in between, you'll find this review of traditional and more recent arguments for the existence of God refreshing, approachable, and enlightening. From religion as the foundation of morality to the authority of sacred books, the compelling religious testimony of influential people, near-death experiences, arguments from Intelligent Design, and much more, Harrison respectfully describes each rationale for belief and then politely shows the deficiencies that any good skeptic would point out. As a journalist who has traveled widely and interviewed many highly accomplished people, quite a number of whom are believers, the author appreciates the variety of belief and the ways in which people seek to make religion compatible with scientific thought. Nonetheless, he shows that, despite the prevalence of belief in God or religious belief in intelligent people, in the end there are no unassailable reasons for believing in a God. For skeptics looking for appealing ways to approach their believing friends or believers who are not afraid to consider a skeptical challenge, this book makes for very stimulating reading.

Lists fifty popular reasons people believe in a god and discusses their validity, including divine justice, beliefs on creationism, and fear of the afterlife.

Written in a respectful and conversational style, this unique book is designed to promote constructive dialogue and foster mutual understanding between Christians and non-Christians. The author, a skeptic and journalist, asks basic questions about Christian belief. What is the born-again experience? Why would God want to sacrifice his only son for the world? Do miracles really happen? How reliable is the Bible? What is the rapture? Why isn't everyone a Christian? Each question is followed by commentary and analysis that is skeptical and tough but never argumentative or condescending. Christians will find the book useful as a basis for developing their apologetics, while skeptics will welcome Harrison's probing rational analysis of religious claims.

Lived faith involves doctrines, evidences and rational coherence—but it includes much more. Philosopher Clifford Williams puts forth an argument as to why certain needs, desires and emotions have a legitimate place in drawing people into faith in God. Addressing the strongest objections to these types of grounds for faith, he shows how the personal and experiential aspects of belief play an important part in coming to faith and in remaining a believing person.

Christopher Hitchens, described in the London Observer as “one of the most prolific, as well as brilliant, journalists of our time” takes on his biggest subject yet–the increasingly dangerous role of religion in the world. In the tradition of Bertrand Russell’s Why I Am Not a Christian and Sam Harris’s recent bestseller, The End Of Faith, Christopher Hitchens makes the ultimate case against religion. With a close and erudite reading of the major religious texts, he documents the ways in which religion is a man-made wish, a cause of dangerous sexual repression, and a distortion of our origins in the cosmos. With eloquent clarity, Hitchens frames the argument for a more secular life based on science and reason, in which hell is replaced by the Hubble Telescope’s awesome view of the universe, and Moses and the burning bush give way to the beauty and symmetry of the double helix.

The God Delusion caused a sensation when it was published in 2006. Within weeks it became the most hotly debated topic, with Dawkins himself branded as either saint or sinner for presenting his hard-hitting, impassioned rebuttal of religion of all types. His argument could hardly be more topical. While Europe is becoming increasingly secularized, the rise of religious fundamentalism, whether in the Middle East or Middle America, is dramatically and dangerously dividing opinion around the world. In America, and elsewhere, a vigorous dispute between 'intelligent design' and Darwinism is seriously undermining and restricting the teaching of science. In many countries religious dogma from medieval times still serves to abuse basic human rights such as women's and gay rights. And all from a belief in a God whose existence lacks evidence of any kind. Dawkins attacks God in all his forms. He eviscerates the major arguments for religion and demonstrates the supreme improbability of a supreme being. He shows how religion fuels war, foments bigotry and abuses children. The God Delusion is a brilliantly argued, fascinating polemic that will be required reading for anyone interested in this most emotional and important subject.

A New York Times bestseller people can believe in—by "a pioneer of the new urban Christians" (Christianity Today) and the "C.S. Lewis for the 21st century" (Newsweek). Timothy Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics, and even ardent believers, have about religion. Using literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and potent reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand their ground against the backlash to religion created by the Age of Skepticism. And to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics, he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.

Fighting God is a firebrand manifesto from one of the most recognizable faces of atheism. In his book, Silverman-a walking, talking atheist billboard known for his appearances on Fox News-discusses the effectiveness, ethics and impact of the in-your-face-atheist who refuses to be silent. Silverman argues that religion is more than just wrong: it is malevolent and does not deserve our respect. It is our duty to be outspoken and do what we can to bring religion down. Examining the mentality, methods and issues facing the firebrand atheist, Silverman presents an overwhelming argument for firebrand atheism and reveals: - All religion is cafeteria religion and almost all agnostics are atheists. - American society grants religion a privileged status, despite the intentions of the Founding Fathers. - Christian politicians have adversely (and un-Constitutionally) affected our society with regard to science, health, women's rights, and gay rights. - The notion of "atheist Jews" is a lie forced on us by religion. - It is not "Islamophobia" to observe dangerous teachings and disproportionate violence in Islam. - Atheists are slowly but surely winning the battle. Fighting God is a provocative, unapologetic book that takes religion to task and will give inspiration to non-believers and serve as the ultimate answer to apologists.

There have always been challenges to belief in God as he is revealed in the Bible and each new year seems to add more questions to the doubter's arsenal. In Evidence for God, leading apologists provide compelling arguments that address the most pressing questions of the day about God, science, Jesus, the Bible, and more, including Is Intelligent Design really a credible explanation of the origins of our world? Did Jesus really exist? Is Jesus really the only way to God? What about those who have never heard the gospel? Is the Bible today what was originally written? What about recently publicized gospels that aren't in the Bible? and much more

Argues that the increasing power of Christian fundamentalists in American politics threatens the country's citizens, blames the Bible for promoting intolerance of other faiths, and describes atheism as "an admission of the obvious."

“What would it take to create a world in which fantasy is not confused for fact and public policy is based on objective reality?" asks Neil deGrasse Tyson, science popularizer and author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. "I don't know for sure. But a good place to start would be for everyone on earth to read this book." Maybe you know someone who swears by the reliability of psychics or who is in regular contact with angels. Or perhaps you're trying to find a nice way of dissuading someone from wasting money on a homeopathy cure. Or you met someone at a party who insisted the Holocaust never happened or that no one ever walked on the moon. How do you find a gently persuasive way of steering people away from unfounded beliefs, bogus cures, conspiracy theories, and the like? This down-to-earth, entertaining exploration of commonly held extraordinary claims will help you set the record straight. The author, a veteran journalist, has not only surveyed a vast body of literature, but has also interviewed leading scientists, explored "the most haunted house in America," frolicked in the inviting waters of the Bermuda Triangle, and even talked to a "contrite Roswell alien." He is not out simply to debunk unfounded beliefs. Wherever possible, he presents alternative scientific explanations, which in most cases are even more fascinating than the wildest speculation. For example, stories about UFOs and alien abductions lack good evidence, but science gives us plenty of reasons to keep exploring outer space for evidence that life exists elsewhere in the vast universe. The proof for Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster may be nonexistent, but scientists are regularly discovering new species, some of which are truly stranger than fiction. Stressing the excitement of scientific discovery and the legitimate mysteries and wonder inherent in reality, this book invites readers to share the joys of rational thinking and the skeptical approach to evaluating our extraordinary world.

In recent years, a number of works have appeared with important implications for the age-old question of the existence of a god. These writings, many of which are not by theologians, strengthen the rational case for the existence of a god, even as this god may not be exactly the Christian God of history. This book brings together for the first time such recent diverse contributions from fields such as physics, the philosophy of human consciousness, evolutionary biology, mathematics, the history of religion, and theology. Based on such new materials as well as older ones from the twentieth century, it develops five rational arguments that point strongly to the (very probable) existence of a god. They do not make use of the scientific method, which is inapplicable to the question of a god. Rather, they are in an older tradition of rational argument dating back at least to the ancient Greeks. For those who are already believers, the book will offer additional rational reasons that may strengthen their belief. Those who do not believe in the existence of a god at present will encounter new rational arguments that may cause them to reconsider their opinion.

Explore the meaning and joy of life with 100 atheists in this book of photos and commentary.

From the conservative spokesperson and author of Slander and How to Talk to a Liberal comes an all new, timely, and thought-provoking study of American politics and religion that looks at the Left's attacks on the Judeo-Christian tradition. Reprint. 300,000 first printing.

While atheists such as Richard Dawkins have now become public figures, there is another and perhaps darker strain of religious rebellion that has remained out of sight--people who hate God. In this revealing book, Bernard Schweizer looks at men and women who do not question God's existence, but deny that He is merciful, competent, or good. Sifting through a wide range of literary and historical works, Schweizer finds that people hate God for a variety of reasons. Some are motivated by social injustice, human suffering, or natural catastrophes that God does not prevent. Some blame God for their personal tragedies. Schweizer concludes that, despite their blasphemous thoughts, these people tend to be creative and moral individuals, and include such literary lights as Friedrich Nietzsche, Mark Twain, Zora Neale Hurston, Rebecca West, Elie Wiesel, and Philip Pullman. Schweizer shows that literature is a fertile ground for God haters. Many authors, who dare not voice their negative attitude to God openly, turn to fiction to give vent to it. Indeed, Schweizer provides many new and startling readings of literary masterpieces, highlighting the undercurrent of hatred for God. Moreover, by probing the deeper mainsprings that cause sensible, rational, and moral beings to turn against God, Schweizer offers answers to some of the most vexing questions that beset human relationships with the divine.

I intend to leave this book my to children and grandchildren. I hope it is received in the same spirit that I give it. I love every one of them with all my heart. They are all precious individuals, and I am very proud of each one. May God bless them. Times have changed. I miss the 1940's when things were simple. Today kids are smarter than we were. They are on strange electronic games that I do not understand. I suspect they are addictive and perhaps even harmful, depending on content. The temptations today are many times more problematic than when I grew up. These young people are high-tech, intelligent, and far ahead of me at their age. They are all very smart and are, or will be, well educated. They show signs of becoming very successful in this world. However, my concerns are related to the spiritual side of life and reality. What about life hereafter? Have I prepared them for the next life? I fear I have failed in that regard and I write in order to leave them something about God's word that may take up the slack in things where I have failed. I want to be sure that my kids and grandkids become believing, studious Christians as adults. If there is an afterlife, and I believe there is, it must be of great importance for all so, get ready, I believe we will all have an afterlife. We, in America, are fortunate in that we have freedom of religion and there are churches on every corner teaching the basic principles of our Lord and Savior. My Dad raised me on the bible and denominational doctrine because that's what he knew. He gave me a good start but I have discovered that there is much more to learn than denominational tradition. I believe an open mind is absolutely necessary and denominational training is a closed down system loyal to only one view. I want my children to study God's word. Unfortunately, many churches and church people do not study, but accept a particular traditional doctrine that has been handed down to them. I am now in my late seventies. I am not an academic and hold no degrees in theology. One might say I have a degree in hard knocks, experience, big mistakes, and corrections. I hope that my years of study and faith are enough. After years of doubting, study, research, and prayer I have come to believe that the bible is the most valuable word of wisdom on earth, The Most Treasured of All books on the planet. Very intelligent men and women have tried to disprove the bible but the more they attack, the better the old book looks. It is still the world's best seller. I believe we can base our whole life in this world and the life hereafter on the bible. I intend to convince my children and grandchildren of that, and I pray they read what I have left them.

Many people have doubts about God or religious questions that never get answered. That is why this book is a must-read. It provides logical, rational, and much needed answers regarding the existence of God and other deep questions of faith. So, whether someone is a skeptic, has fallen away from their religion, or is currently on a search for God, this will be an invaluable resource to provide insight and bring people back to faith. This book will also inspire believers and serve as a manual to help them explain their beliefs and respond more effectively to questions and objections that other people may have. Some topics include:* Evidence for the existence of God* Science and Religion* Myths about the Bible * Why pain and suffering exist if God is so good* Galileo, the Catholic Church and science* The Crusades and religious wars* Atheism* And more.So, whether you are someone who has questions about God and religion or whether you are looking for the knowledge and ability to explain your beliefs effectively to others, this is the book for you. / ENDORSEMENTS:"As an atheist convert to the Catholic Church and a writer of many books defending the faith, I can attest that this is the best short book for reaching non-believers I have ever read. It is full of brilliant insights written in a dramatic user-friendly manner. Get it immediately for yourself to remove any nagging doubts you have. Most of all, buy it for use in evangelization!"- Dr. Ronda Chervin (Professor of Philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, author of many Catholic books, and Catholic TV/radio personality)"It's one thing to know the many solid arguments there are for God's existence and the truth of the Christian worldview; it's quite another to know how to use those arguments in real-life conversations with real-life doubters. By illustrating how he does it himself, Bryan Mercier has produced a very useful apologetic resource, and I heartily recommend it." - Ken Hensley, author of, "The Godless Delusion: A Catholic Challenge to Modern Atheism"

The Audacity of Faith is about the greatest five-letter word in the English language: FAITH, and about how critical it is to our survival, whether or not we are Christians.

While extending a strong challenge to the superstition of atheism, the principal aim of this book is to demonstrate the fact that the major scientific discoveries that have been made so far, distinctively and expressly reveal the existence of an intelligent and omnipotent Designer who has thoughtfully and intentionally instituted all universal laws with stark precision and accuracy. In this discussion I have also emphasized the incapability of science to stand alone as a final deciding instrument on matters that extend beyond the natural realm. Hence no proof of the Divine Existence can be established by reference to science alone, but through logical reasoning based on obvious and explicit facts. I have also highlighted the reality that most scientific phenomena cannot be explained without recourse to the role of a Supernatural Power.