Rauser and Schieber, who are on opposite ends of the God question, believe that respectful, civil, rational discourse can be achieved, even though it is a question that elicits passionate feelings in people. They aim to provide a model for rigorous yet civil and charitable intellectual debate. Citing the reality that atheism and theism are both intellectually serious, rationally, defensible points of view for highbrows and lowbrows and everyone in between, they undertake their conversation with a commitment to present clear and accessible arguments, rather than trying to win a debate, while honestly revealing the deep divisions between their positions. Annotation ©2017 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
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The question of God is simply too important--and too interesting--to leave to angry polemicists. That is the premise of this friendly, straightforward, and rigorous dialogue between Christian theologian Randal Rauser and atheist Justin Schieber. Setting aside the formality of the traditional debate, the authors invite the reader to join them in an extended, informal conversation. This has the advantage of easing readers into thorny topics that in a debate setting can easily become confusing or difficult to follow. Like any good conversation, this one involves provocative arguments, amusing anecdotes, and some lively banter. Rauser and Schieber begin with the question of why debates about God still matter. They then delve into a number of important topics: the place of reason and faith, the radically different concepts of God in various cultures, morality and its traditional connection with religious beliefs, the problem of a universe that is overwhelmingly hostile to life as we know it, mathematical truths and what they may or may not say about the existence of God, the challenge of suffering and evil to belief in God, and more. Refreshingly upbeat and amicable throughout, this stimulating conversation between two friends from opposing points of view is an ideal introduction to a perennial topic of debate.
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