Description
Perhaps the most persistent question in human history is whether or not there is a God. Intelligent people on both sides of the issue have argued, sometimes with deep rancor and bitterness, for generations. The issue can’t be decided by another apologetics book, but the conversation can continue and help each side understand the perspectives of the other.
In this unique book, atheist (and former Christian minister and apologist with degrees in philosophy, theology, and the philosophy of religion) John Loftus, and theist Randal Rauser (associate professor of historical theology at Taylor Seminary) engage in twenty short debates that consider Christianity, the existence of God, and unbelief from a variety of angles. Encouraging honest, open, and candid debate on the most important issues of life and faith, each concise debate centers on a single proposition to be resolved, with either Loftus or Rauser arguing in the affirmative and the opponent the negative.
Comment
“This is a fascinating and sometimes humorous intro to twenty common debates between atheists and theists. You’ll find countless rambling and confused versions of such debates online. But here you will find a clear, concise, well-written exchange on each. Keeping it short, the authors can’t include every point to be made, but they make a good show of where each side stands on these questions and why. If you want to continue these debates further, start with this.”
— Richard Carrier, author of Sense and Goodness without God
“In God or Godless? Randal Rauser and John Loftus provide bite-sized discussions on a variety of topics. The discussions are very readable and provide helpful overviews. This book is an enjoyable and informative read that will challenge you to think about the issues discussed.”
— Michael R. Licona, associate professor of theology, Houston Baptist University; author of Paul Meets Muhammad
“The argument between skeptics and Christians has existed since the beginning of Christianity. Randal Rauser and John Loftus continue that argument with gusto, conciseness, and civility. This book should be the first stop for readers shopping for dueling voices from two of the most articulate advocates for Christianity and atheism.”
— Hector Avalos, professor of religious studies, Iowa State University; author of The End of Biblical Studies
“This is not a quarrel, nor one of those flame wars of the deaf that rage across cyberspace then spill angrily into print, nor even that stuffy, artificial creation known as a ‘religious dialogue.’ What we have here is conversation: at times witty, at times tendentious, often humorous, and almost always engaged on emotional as well as intellectual levels. Rauser is master of parables with a philosophical point; Loftus makes an art form of heart-on-his-sleeve pragmatism. Both land blows, yet the book contains hardly a trace of bitterness. At its best, it reaches the level of a mythical, Platonic debate in a pub. Almost no one will fully agree with either writer, nor fail to enjoy the rhetorical flow.”
— David Marshall, founder of the Kuai Mu Institute for Christianity and World Cultures; author of The Truth Behind the New Atheism
“I have to admit, even as a believer, that Loftus out-argued Rauser in at least 18 out of 20 topics …”
— CMM
“Two very different philosophies shine through. Rauser’s penchant for imagination and storytelling contrasts John’s trust in cold, hard probability. It’s classic, almost stereotyped … great stuff.”
— Dubious Disciple