10 Answers for Atheists: How to Have an Intelligent Discussion About the Existence of God

by Alex McFarland, Eric Metaxas (Foreword by)

Overview

With notable nonbelievers such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens featured prominently in the media, it is no surprise that many Christians wonder how best to answer the growing number of atheist arguments they encounter every day. 10 Answers for Atheists is a one-of-a-kind resource from respected Christian apologist Alex McFarland that looks closely at the philosophical assumptions at the root of atheism and agnosticism and exposes the logical, historical, and conceptual fallacies that perpetuate unbelief. Readers will find easy-to-understand charts and clear explanations of key beliefs, as well as trustworthy, biblical answers to the honest questions posed by atheists and agnostics. Every reader, no matter where he or she falls on the spectrum of belief, will hear a call to thoughtful engagement with the historic Christian faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781441266583
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/28/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	991 KB

About the Author

Alex McFarland is a speaker, writer, and advocate for Christian apologetics. He serves as director of the Center for Christian Worldview and Apologetics at North Greenville University, a leading Christian college in the United States. He has spoken in hundreds of locations throughout North America and internationally and has preached in more than 1,300 churches. Alex has been featured at conferences such as The Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Focus on the Family's Big Dig, and California's Spirit West Coast. Alex is the author of several books, including the bestseller The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity. He is a graduate of Liberty University and lives with his wife in Colorado.

Table of Contents

Foreword Eric Metaxas 9

Acknowlegments 11

Introduction 13

Section I Inside the Mind of the Atheist

1 10 Kinds of Atheists 19

2 A Brief History of Unbelief 35

3 A Brief Critique of Atheism 53

4 A Brief Critique of Agnosticism 73

Section II Atheism and Other Religions

5 Four Forms of Theism 87

6 Alternatives to the Biblical God 107

7 Christianity and the God of the Bible 123

Section III Answering the Atheists

8 Civility and Healthy Discourse 139

9 Answers to 10 Questions About God and Christianity 161

10 10 "Ghosts" that Haunt Atheists 179

Conclusion 183

Appendix: Answers to 30 Common Objections by Atheists 187

Endnotes 201

Glossary 209

Additional Resources 215

Editorial Reviews

Alex McFarland is a young evangelical who understands the mind of the modern atheist. He has not only answered their questions, but he has proposed to them biblical questions that—if they would honestly answer—would bring them face to face with God. May God use this book to prove to many that God does exist.
- Elmer L. Towns, Co-founder, Liberty University

As an apologist/evangelist, Alex McFarland makes a sincere effort to engage in dialogue with atheists and skeptics alike. Out of these efforts had come his latest resource, 10 Answers for Atheists. In this book, Alex provides not only theoretical ideas but also real answers to real questions. If you are serious about sharing Christianity with atheists, you will find this book to be well researched and respectfully presented.
- Josh D. McDowell, Author and Speaker

The aftermath of the many new voices in atheism has led to the need for believers to have solid answers ready for sharing the reason for the hope they have within them. Alex provides biblical responses and seasoned solutions based on his many years of sharing his faith with people of diverse backgrounds around the world. You’ll be encouraged and equipped for better conversations with those who struggle with whether God is there and be able to offer hope and help that truly changes lives.
- Dr. John Ankerberg, Founder and President, The John Ankerberg Show (www.jashow.org)

There always seems to be an interest in treatments of the pithiest spiritual questions and brief responses, especially ones that nicely encapsulate some of the most difficult issues of our day. Alex McFarland has a gift for accomplishing these sorts of tasks. Seldom will one find so many tough challenges to religious faith followed by even better explanations, all under one cover. I recommend this handbook of responses to atheism as a quick-read that is a real page-turner.
- Gary R. Habermas, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Professor, Liberty University and Theological Seminary
 
Alex McFarland is one of today’s most sought-after speakers on Christian apologetics. After speaking on countless radio programs and on university campuses, and after having engaged in several public debates with atheists, he is well qualified to write on the subject matter of this book. A lot of apologetics books have been written, but few are as accessible to the layperson as those written by Alex McFarland.
- Michael R. Licona, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Theology, Houston Baptist University

From the Publisher