Atheism: A Guide for the Perplexed

Description

Atheism: A Guide for the Perplexed moves beyond the polemics to present an overview of atheism that is rigorous but still accessible to the educated layperson as well as to the undergraduate student in philosophy and theology. After a preliminary investigation of what atheists mean when they use the words 'atheism' and 'God'-a much more complex investigation than one might suspect-the book explores the differences and similarities between 'old' and 'new' atheism; places atheism of either variety in context by examining the naturalistic worldview that grounds it; provides a short historical sketch of atheism; examines a number of arguments against God-belief; investigates whether an atheist worldview is consistent with ethics and a sense of purposefulness; inquires into whether the current militancy against religious belief is pertinent or a red herring; and concludes with a few suggestions for continued dialogue between believers and nonbelievers. The goal throughout is to present a balanced, non-partisan introduction to the worldview, principles, and arguments of atheism that highlights the position's strengths as well as its weaknesses.

Kerry Walters is William Bittinger Professor of Philosophy at Gettysburg College, PA, USA, where he also co-founded the Peace and Justice Studies program.

"Kerry Walters's fine book contributes fairly and substantively to the contemporary discussion of atheism. Unlike most other treatments, this attractive and readable work not only exposes all sides of the God-question succinctly and clearly, but it does so with unrelenting compassion, wisdom, and accuracy. The book is a model of significant and informed intellectual exchange. Highly recommended." -- John F. Haught, Senior Fellow, Science & Religion, Georgetown University, USA "It is hard to fault with what is an excellent contribution to Continuum's generally excellent 'A Guide for the Perplexed' series. Walters has achieved what he says he is setting out to achieve, an introduction that moves beyond the pyrotechnics and polemics of the protagonists to even-handedly describe, in plain English, the arguments for and against atheism. [...] With this Guide Walters has provided an introduction that will be either an invaluable textbook for undergraduates navigating their way into new academic territory or an important single read for general readers interested in trying to make sense of what is clearly an important area of contemporary debate that will yet have a long way to run. Walters skillfully directs his readers around the intricacies of what can be (literally) dispiriting debates, and his list of works cited is an invaluable." -- Religion and Theology Reviewed in Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol. 27, No. 1.