Atheism Remix: A Short Review
9:00 PM Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Atheism Remix is a new book written by Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In this book Dr. Mohler seeks to make Christians aware of a new group of atheistic scholars known as the “New Atheists.” In addition to this, he is calling on all Christians at this time to make a robust defense of the faith.
The “New Atheists” are Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens. Each of them is well-respected in their area of study. These are not your average atheists, however. As Mohler points out, “the New Atheism is not just another example of marketing an idea in the postmodern age. The New Atheists are, in their own way, evangelistic in intent and ambitious in hope.” What makes them different from atheists of the past is that “They see atheism as the only plausible worldview for our times, and they see belief in God as downright dangerous . . .” (Emphasis mine). Worse than this, “They see science as on their side and argue that scientific knowledge is our only true knowledge” (Emphasis mine). In reality this is not science, but rather a view known as scientism.
Throughout the book, Mohler suggests that parents must make a concerted effort to teach their children about this movement. This is due to the fact that these atheists “know that the most important audience is the young.” They are specifically targeting teenagers and college students. They want to influence the next generation. In fact, Richard Dawkins suggests that parents who desire to pass on their own religious convictions to their children are engaging in illegal behavior.
As for the structure of the book, Mohler begins by giving a brief historical outline of how atheism came to be an acceptable worldview. From there he tells readers a little about the New Atheists and why Christians should take them seriously. After that, he points out the Christian philosophers and theologians who have done a good job in confronting the New Atheists, namely, Alister McGrath of Oxford University, and Alvin Plantinga of Notre Dame. Mohler applauds both McGrath and Plantinga for their efforts. In fact, he goes so far as to say that Alvin Plantinga is “the most important Christian philosopher of our day.” As for McGrath, he says that he is the one man equipped to take on the New Atheists. McGrath holds two earned doctorates from Oxford: one in molecular biochemistry, and one in theology. Also, he was a one-time atheist! Praise God that He has raised up the right men for our time.
After all of this, Mohler makes his final appeal: “Christians must summon the courage to respond to this challenge with the full measure of conviction and with a bold assertion of biblical theism.”
Newcomers to this subject should not be afraid to pick up this book. It is only 108 pages and can be read in a matter of hours. It is not a difficult read. The book is aimed to reach all audiences. I highly recommend it for those seeking to gain a basic understanding of this present challenge.
The “New Atheists” are Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens. Each of them is well-respected in their area of study. These are not your average atheists, however. As Mohler points out, “the New Atheism is not just another example of marketing an idea in the postmodern age. The New Atheists are, in their own way, evangelistic in intent and ambitious in hope.” What makes them different from atheists of the past is that “They see atheism as the only plausible worldview for our times, and they see belief in God as downright dangerous . . .” (Emphasis mine). Worse than this, “They see science as on their side and argue that scientific knowledge is our only true knowledge” (Emphasis mine). In reality this is not science, but rather a view known as scientism.
Throughout the book, Mohler suggests that parents must make a concerted effort to teach their children about this movement. This is due to the fact that these atheists “know that the most important audience is the young.” They are specifically targeting teenagers and college students. They want to influence the next generation. In fact, Richard Dawkins suggests that parents who desire to pass on their own religious convictions to their children are engaging in illegal behavior.
As for the structure of the book, Mohler begins by giving a brief historical outline of how atheism came to be an acceptable worldview. From there he tells readers a little about the New Atheists and why Christians should take them seriously. After that, he points out the Christian philosophers and theologians who have done a good job in confronting the New Atheists, namely, Alister McGrath of Oxford University, and Alvin Plantinga of Notre Dame. Mohler applauds both McGrath and Plantinga for their efforts. In fact, he goes so far as to say that Alvin Plantinga is “the most important Christian philosopher of our day.” As for McGrath, he says that he is the one man equipped to take on the New Atheists. McGrath holds two earned doctorates from Oxford: one in molecular biochemistry, and one in theology. Also, he was a one-time atheist! Praise God that He has raised up the right men for our time.
After all of this, Mohler makes his final appeal: “Christians must summon the courage to respond to this challenge with the full measure of conviction and with a bold assertion of biblical theism.”
Newcomers to this subject should not be afraid to pick up this book. It is only 108 pages and can be read in a matter of hours. It is not a difficult read. The book is aimed to reach all audiences. I highly recommend it for those seeking to gain a basic understanding of this present challenge.
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