Think Christianly: Is God Just a Human Invention? Jonathan Morrow and Sean McDowell Respond to the New Atheists

The Question of God is up for public debate. Here are just two of many examples: Two weeks ago, the Huffington Post ran an article by atheist Victor Stenger that began, "Even the most pious believer has to admit that there is no scientific evidence for God or anything else supernatural." (more) Is this true?

And then there is the freedom from religion foundation's billboard campaign where they are trying to spread the good news of atheism: "Sleep In On Sundays," "Imagine No Religion," "God & Government: A Dangerous Mix," and "In Reason We Trust." (more) Do atheists rely on reason alone while the faithful cling to religious wishful thinking?

In the past few years there has been a resurgence of interest in the case against God. From books to bus campaigns, the question of God’s existence is back in the forefront of public dialogue. And the New Atheists have been leading the charge. Perhaps you are familiar with some of their titles—God Is Not Great (Hitchens), The God Delusion (Dawkins), or The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason (Harris)—books which have appeared consecutively on best-seller lists.

Their bottom line is: Religion is not just false; it’s dangerous and must be eliminated! And by religion, they mostly have Christianity in mind. Richard Dawkins lays all his cards on the table: “I am attacking God, all gods, anything and everything supernatural, wherever and whenever they have been invented.” He continues, “Unless otherwise stated, I shall have Christianity mostly in mind.” Clear enough.

So how should Christians respond? As we see it, the difference between an opportunity and a challenge largely depends upon how a person responds. The New Atheists want people to question their faith. So do we. If Christianity is really true, then it has nothing to fear from honest and vigorous investigation. Let the best ideas win! (contrary to what you may have been told, reason is the friend of Christianity). In the end, everyone has to answer the big questions in life: Where did I come from? Do I matter? Is there a God? If so, does this God care about me? Was Jesus really who he claimed to be? What is the good life? Is there life after death? Explore the evidence and see for yourself.

That's why Sean McDowell and I have written a book responding to the 18 most challenging questions raised by the New Atheists. Our goal was to respond to their arguments point by point, but do it in a conversational, engaging, and respectful tone. We'll let you decide if we were successful. You can read about it, including excerpts from the book, and watch a short video at www.didhumansinventgod.com. One thing is for sure, there is no more important question than whether God exists and the conversation playing out in the media and in the classroom won't be going away any time soon. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, are you prepared to have that conversation and defend your faith (1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3)?

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