God or Godless?: One Atheist. One Christian. Twenty Controversial Questions.
Honest debate on the big questions of faithPerhaps 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 probably won't be decided by another book, but when we engage in civil conversation, we can begin to understand each other's point of view.In this unique book, atheist and former pastor John Loftus and theist and professor Randal Rauser engage in twenty short debates that consider Christianity, the existence of God, and unbelief from a variety of angles. This is the perfect book for Christian, atheist, and agnostic friends to read together, and it encourages honest, open, and candid discussions on the most important issues of life and faith."InGod 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 ofPaul Meets Muhammad"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, author ofThe Truth Behind the New Atheism"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."--Dr. Richard Carrier, author ofSense and Goodness without God"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."--Dr. Hector Avalos, professor of religious studies, Iowa State University