How to Be an Atheist: Why Many Skeptics Aren't Skeptical Enough

Stokes, Mitch


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A comprehensive philosophical introduction to the intersection sceince, morality, secular thought and Biblical faith. Incorporating insights from Kuhn and Plantinga, Christian philosopher Mitch Stokes provides an up to date and well-argued defense against atheism. Clear and understandable without being simplistic, a book to read and discuss with your atheist neighbor.

Westminster Bookstore Review

“I liked this book so much I read it cover to cover. The Science section is the best short introduction to issues in science, philosophy, and God I have read: it clearly and simply makes its case, while incorporating the insights of Kuhn and Plantinga.

The section on Morality is weaker. While I agree with the conclusion that morality is personal, the author does a poor job of responding to the insights of atheist moral realists. It might be enough to respond to Richard Dawkins, but I think Phillipa Foot would be more difficult. The biggest problem is that Stokes seizes one horn of the Euthyphro Dilemma and doubles down. He is willing to say that God's commands are in some way arbitrary. But I am with Alexander Comrie: God couldn't create a world where idolatry would be ethical, and I think starting with this insight would lead to a better account.

Here’s what I love about this book: Stokes is up to date on all the latest work in science and philosophy, and he marshals all this knowledge in a defense against atheism that is very well-argued. What’s more, he is clear. He won’t over–simplify, but you can understand him. He is skeptical about science, but in the reasonable sort of way that does not hate science. He shows how one can love science and love God. Read this book, and talk about it with your atheist neighbor.”
– Jamie Duguid, WTS Books Staff, 2015


 

Atheists talk a lot about the importance of skepticism. But the truth is, they're not nearly skeptical enough.

While they champion the importance of a critical stance toward religion, they often fail to take that same stance toward their own beliefs. This double standard results in grandiose claims about the certainty of unbelief. However, their confidence in the rational strength of their own position is logically inconsistent at best and intellectually dishonest at worst. Turning atheists' skepticism around on their own naturalist worldview, philosopher Mitch Stokes critically examines two things that such skeptics hold dear—science and morality—revealing deep inconsistencies among atheists' most cherished beliefs, inconsistencies that threaten to undo atheism itself.


Specifications
  • Cover Type
    Paperback
  • ISBN
    9781433542985
  • Page Count
    256
  • Publisher
    Crossway/Good News Publishers
  • Publication Date
    February 2016

Endorsements (10)

About the Author

Mitch Stokes (PhD, Notre Dame) is a senior fellow of philosophy at New St. Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. In addition to studying philosophy under world-renowned philosopher Alvin Plantinga, Stokes holds degrees in religion and mechanical engineering, and holds five patents in aeroderivative gas turbine technology.

How to Be an Atheist: Why Many Skeptics Aren't Skeptical Enough By Mitch Stokes cover image
Crossway/Good News Publishers

How to Be an Atheist: Why Many Skeptics Aren't Skeptical Enough

From $15.99 $21.99

Westminster Bookstore Review

“I liked this book so much I read it cover to cover. The Science section is the best short introduction to issues in science, philosophy, and God I have read: it clearly and simply makes its case, while incorporating the insights of Kuhn and Plantinga.

The section on Morality is weaker. While I agree with the conclusion that morality is personal, the author does a poor job of responding to the insights of atheist moral realists. It might be enough to respond to Richard Dawkins, but I think Phillipa Foot would be more difficult. The biggest problem is that Stokes seizes one horn of the Euthyphro Dilemma and doubles down. He is willing to say that God's commands are in some way arbitrary. But I am with Alexander Comrie: God couldn't create a world where idolatry would be ethical, and I think starting with this insight would lead to a better account.

Here’s what I love about this book: Stokes is up to date on all the latest work in science and philosophy, and he marshals all this knowledge in a defense against atheism that is very well-argued. What’s more, he is clear. He won’t over–simplify, but you can understand him. He is skeptical about science, but in the reasonable sort of way that does not hate science. He shows how one can love science and love God. Read this book, and talk about it with your atheist neighbor.”
– Jamie Duguid, WTS Books Staff, 2015


 

Atheists talk a lot about the importance of skepticism. But the truth is, they're not nearly skeptical enough.

While they champion the importance of a critical stance toward religion, they often fail to take that same stance toward their own beliefs. This double standard results in grandiose claims about the certainty of unbelief. However, their confidence in the rational strength of their own position is logically inconsistent at best and intellectually dishonest at worst. Turning atheists' skepticism around on their own naturalist worldview, philosopher Mitch Stokes critically examines two things that such skeptics hold dear—science and morality—revealing deep inconsistencies among atheists' most cherished beliefs, inconsistencies that threaten to undo atheism itself.

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