Atheism’s new clothes:
exploring and exposing the claims of the New Atheists
David H. Glass
Apollos (IVP)
319 pages, £16.99
ISBN: 978-1-84474-571-5
In a review of Richard Barn’s The Dawkins proof, for Evangelical Times last year, I had to ask if we needed yet another book responding to the New Atheists. To my surprise, I must again answer ‘Yes!’ Glass’s book is different from all the others I have read.
For the New Atheists, religion is evil and a major cause of violence and suffering throughout the world. Its adherents are irrational, even deluded. In contrast, atheists are extolled as eminently reasonable and objective people, and defenders of true morality and peace.
Dr Glass, with expertise in both science and philosophy, is well qualified to respond to those who, contrary to the impressions they cultivate, are really doing philosophy when they appeal to science. They dismiss Christian faith without addressing or even recognising its strong rational and evidential basis.
The great usefulness of Glass’s book lies in its comprehensive, systematic response to the arguments and rhetoric of the New Atheists. It also presents, equally thoroughly, a positive case for Christianity.
Glass covers philosophy and science, origins, the existence and order of the universe, the existence of conscious minds, design in biology, the origin and nature of religion, morality and evil, miracles, God and revelation, Jesus and the resurrection, and, last but certainly not least, the meaning of life!
In short, what he gives us is a one-stop, double bill — a powerful critique of the New Atheism that is also a fine example of Christian apologetics at its best. I also appreciated his even-handed response to the proponents of Intelligent Design.
Atheism’s new clothes is not a quick read. It requires concentrated attention, but throughout is clear and accessible. In an age when Christianity is under constant attack, it is a great resource to have at hand. I highly recommend it.
Arthur Jones
Manchester
