Faith and Its Critics

A Conversation
1. Auflage 2011
ISBN: 978-0-19-958568-7
Verlag: OUP Oxford

Buch, Englisch, 208 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 133 mm x 203 mm, Gewicht: 236 g

Clear discussion on wide-ranging topical issues of faith using many illustrations from contemporary life

Provides historical, social and rhetorical context for 'the new atheism'

Extensive discussion of the relationship of religion to science, including a theological and scientific critique of both creationism and intelligent design theory

Based on 2008 lectures delivered for the internationally renowned Glasgow Gifford Lectures

Heralded as the exponents of a 'new atheism', critics of religion are highly visible in today's media, and include the household names of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris. David Fergusson explains their work in ist historical perspective, drawing comparisons with earlier forms of atheism. Responding to the critics through conversations on the credibility of religious belief, Darwinism, morality, fundamentalism, and our approach to reading sacred texts, he establishes a compelling case for the practical and theoretical validity of faith in the contemporary world.

An invitation to engage in a rich dialogue, Faith and Ist Critics supports an informed and constructive exchange of ideas rather than a contest between two sides of the debate. Fergusson encourages faith communities to undertake patient engagement with their critics, to acknowledge the place for change and development in their self-understanding whilst resisting the reductive explanations of the new atheism.

Zielgruppe

All with an interest in questions of faith in contemporary society and the arguments of 'new atheism'; students and scholars of the relationship between science and religion; of the sociology of religion

Autoren/Hrsg.

Fergusson, David

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Alternative Glaubensformen Agnostizismus, Atheismus, Säkularer Humanismus
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction
1: Atheism in historical perspective
2: The credibility of religious belief - claims and counter-claims
3: Darwinism - how much does it explain?
4: Religion, art and morality - invention or discovery?
5: Is religion bad for our health? Saints, martyrs, and terrorists
6: Sacred texts - how should we read them?
Conclusion

Über Autor(innen)

Fergusson, David
Educated in philosophy and theology, David Fergusson worked for several years as a parish minister in the Church of Scotland. Before returning to Edinburgh to his present position as Professor of Divinity, he held the Chair of Systematic Theology in the University of Aberdeen from 1990-2000. His research interests include issues in Christian doctrine, theological ethics and the history of Reformed theology, especially in its Scottish context. He is a director and editorial board member of the Scottish Journal of Theology. He is also Principal of New College, Edinburgh, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Educated in philosophy and theology, David Fergusson worked for several years as a parish minister in the Church of Scotland. Before returning to Edinburgh to his present position as Professor of Divinity, he held the Chair of Systematic Theology in the University of Aberdeen from 1990-2000. His research interests include issues in Christian doctrine, theological ethics and the history of Reformed theology, especially in its Scottish context. He is a director and editorial board member of the Scottish Journal of Theology. He is also Principal of New College, Edinburgh, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.