Faith and Its Critics: A Conversation

by David Fergusson

Overview

Heralded as the exponents of a 'new atheism', critics of religion are highly visible in today's media, and include the household names of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris. David Fergusson explains their work in its historical perspective, drawing comparisons with earlier forms of atheism. Responding to the critics through conversations on the credibility of religious belief, Darwinism, morality, fundamentalism, and our approach to reading sacred texts, he establishes a compelling case for the practical and theoretical validity of faith in the contemporary world.

An invitation to engage in a rich dialogue, Faith and Its Critics supports an informed and constructive exchange of ideas rather than a contest between two sides of the debate. Fergusson encourages faith communities to undertake patient engagement with their critics, to acknowledge the place for change and development in their self-understanding whilst resisting the reductive explanations of the new atheism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199585687
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/15/2011
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Educated in philosophy and theology, David Fergusson worked for several years as a parish minister in the Church of Scotland. Before returning to Edinburgh to his present position as Professor of Divinity, he held the Chair of Systematic Theology in the University of Aberdeen from 1990-2000. His research interests include issues in Christian doctrine, theological ethics and the history of Reformed theology, especially in its Scottish context. He is a director and editorial board member of the Scottish Journal of Theology. He is also Principal of New College, Edinburgh, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Table of Contents

Introduction1. Atheism in historical perspective2. The credibility of religious belief - claims and counter-claims3. Darwinism - how much does it explain? 4. Religion, art and morality - invention or discovery? 5. Is religion bad for our health? Saints, martyrs, and terrorists6. Sacred texts - how should we read them? Conclusion