A common charge levelled against people with religious beliefs in general, and with Christian convictions in particular, is that their beliefs are motivated not by reasonable evidence but by psychological needs. In fact, many respected people,accepting the arguments of atheist thinkers, believe that psychology and the social sciences have explained...
A common charge levelled against people with religious beliefs in general, and with Christian convictions in particular, is that their beliefs are motivated not by reasonable evidence but by psychological needs. In fact, many respected people,accepting the arguments of atheist thinkers, believe that psychology and the social sciences have explained away religion.
In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of *If There's a God, Why are There Atheists?*, R.C. Sproul examines the arguments of four prominent atheists:
- Sigmund Freud: religion arises out of guilt and the fear of nature.
- Karl Marx: religion is used to keep the lower classes happy.
- Ludwig Feuerbach: religion is only wish-fulfilment.
- Friedrich Nietzsche: religion is rooted in man's weakness.
Engaging with these thinkers' works on a psychological as well as theological basis, Sproul shows that there are as many psychological and sociological explanations for unbelief as for belief - and that atheistic conclusions should not be accepted blindly.
For the believer who is troubled by doubts or who wants to respond intelligently to unbelievers, it offers clear, thought-provoking analysis. For the unbeliever who has an open mind, it offers stimulating debate, worthy of time and thought.
A common charge levelled against people with religious beliefs in general, and with Christian convictions in particular, is that their beliefs are motivated not by reasonable evidence but by psychological needs. In fact, many respected people,accepting the arguments of atheist thinkers, believe that psychology and the social sciences have explained...
A common charge levelled against people with religious beliefs in general, and with Christian convictions in particular, is that their beliefs are motivated not by reasonable evidence but by psychological needs. In fact, many respected people,accepting the arguments of atheist thinkers, believe that psychology and the social sciences have explained away religion.
In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of *If There's a God, Why are There Atheists?*, R.C. Sproul examines the arguments of four prominent atheists:
- Sigmund Freud: religion arises out of guilt and the fear of nature.
- Karl Marx: religion is used to keep the lower classes happy.
- Ludwig Feuerbach: religion is only wish-fulfilment.
- Friedrich Nietzsche: religion is rooted in man's weakness.
Engaging with these thinkers' works on a psychological as well as theological basis, Sproul shows that there are as many psychological and sociological explanations for unbelief as for belief - and that atheistic conclusions should not be accepted blindly.
For the believer who is troubled by doubts or who wants to respond intelligently to unbelievers, it offers clear, thought-provoking analysis. For the unbeliever who has an open mind, it offers stimulating debate, worthy of time and thought.
This is a useful and helpful book but not an easy read. \\r\\nIt's not long but being a book on apologetics, it is not an easy read. \\r\\n\\r\\nOne of the main points is that just because there is a psychological reason for religion does not tell you anything about the truth or falsehood of religion or faith. \\r\\nFurthermore, the same can be said about Atheism. \\r\\nSproul also goes into the idea of the holy God of the Bible and how it is actually a not desirable God from man's perspective. \\r\\n\\r\\nOverall, it is a challenging read but since it's not long it won't take too much time to tackle!\\r\\n
A
Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
7 years ago
Flipping the table!
This is a a wonderful and concise book that argues for the thesis that though atheists argue that the reason for religion is the consequence of psychological whims, that these are simply psychological analyses and do not determine whether God actually exists or not (since God is objective, not subjective); further, that the same accusation of psychological whims can be in found in the physiological want of atheism as a crutch for moral reasons. \\r\\n\\r\\nSproul argues his case clearly, concise, and cogently! This is has helped me better equip myself with dealing with atheists, and I highly recommend it to everyone for the same reason!
