Product Description

This handbook is, in part, an attempt to summarise the best arguments from these journals, and to offer a concise set of rejoinders for use by atheists in their formal (and informal) debates with theists. Older, more traditional, arguments are included as well, but these are treated in greater detail than ever before. The author has set forth original arguments which will advance the debate if only slightly. Great care has been taken to ensure that digressions and rhetoric are minimised. The result is a short book, yet one that contains an unrelenting presentation of argument and analysis.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #437893 in Books
• Published on: 1990-12-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 134 pages

Customer Reviews

Scholarly but not useful in everyday debate
This book provides an excellent bird's eye view of atheistic philosophy, but falls remarkably short of being remotely useful when arguing with the average zealot.

I bought this book pumped about getting those fantastic barbs that one can plant quickly and effectively. What I got was a rehash of the month we spent on atheistic/theistic arguments in my freshman Philosophy 101 course. In being a quick rehash, it does a commendable job. The arguments are well spelled out in simple terms and frequent examples are given. The book is a very quick read. There are only 124 pages.

For quick shots in for an argument with your born-again cousin, I recommend you look elsewhere. I highly recommend From Preacher To Atheist and the Jesus Puzzle.

However there are some interesting tid-bits that I managed to file away in the Useful In An Argument file. The chapter on the problem of evil is quite well done. And as every casual atheist debater knows, the first thing you have to establish is that the burden of proof is on the theistic point of view. You will find lots of ammo on this topic. The chapters on God and the Mind and God on the Universe are useful, but you will find more good information elsewhere.

All in all, I would contend that this book provides an excellent introduction to scholarly study of theistic/atheistic arguments, but lacks the punch and brevity of argument required for more casual debate.

Three stars -HawkeyeGK

Never Judge a Book by it's Cover...
WOW, am I dissapointed? I had more fun reading the begats. I don't think there was enough information here to allow me to debate with kids in a bible study class. Extremely repetative on every topic. Examples abound when one or two would suffice. The only reference to biblical scripture is in chapter fourteen. When a theist debates, they bring the bible. If you want to join the debate, you MUST have bible references as well. I suspect the author attempted to turn a two-page brochure into a 134 page book through over-justification. This book, in my opinion, does not live up to it's title. Even the reviewers on the reverse of the book do not speak of their new found debating skills. As for me, I'm an Atheist and believe that if there were a god, he would not live in the shadows of a mans mind. Do youself a favor, get a bible and a highlighter. First off, read 2Kings19 and Isaiah37 both at the same time. You'll be amazed at what two different writers, in different years, had to say about the same topic. Is that a major typo or what? Then get the "Book of Enoch" by Ron Brown and wonder why it was left out of the cannonized bible by the "Council of Laodicea" in the year 364AD, one of over 40 scriptures (books)banned by the council (the holy fathers). nuf said...

Never Judge a Book by it's Cover...
WOW, am I dissapointed? I had more fun reading the begats. I don't think there was enough information here to allow me to debate with kids in a bible study class. Extremely repetative on every topic. Examples abound when one or two would suffice. The only reference to biblical scripture is in chapter fourteen. When a theist debates, they bring the bible. If you want to join the debate, you MUST have bible references as well. I suspect the author attempted to turn a two-page brochure into a 134 page book through over-justification. This book, in my opinion, does not live up to it's title. Even the reviewers on the reverse of the book do not speak of their new found debating skills. As for me, I'm an Atheist and believe that if there were a god, he would not live in the shadows of a mans mind. Do youself a favor, get a bible and a highlighter. First off, read 2Kings19 and Isaiah37 both at the same time. You'll be amazed at what two different writers, in different years, had to say about the same topic. Is that a major typo or what? Then get the "Book of Enoch" by Ron Brown and wonder why it was left out of the cannonized bible by the "Council of Laodicea" in the year 364AD, one of over 40 scriptures (books)banned by the council (the holy fathers). nuf said...