Alister McGrath is a trusted name with an excellent reputation so right from the start we can have confidence that not only will this be a well written book but a well argued book. That is, of course, if you are a religious person, I’m not sure any one describing themselves as a new atheist would agree. As a Christian I found myself in sympathy with Alister McGrath’s arguments and so this review will be biased in that favour.
Having said that I felt the book was fair and even handed. Richard Dawkins will find many compliments in these pages because Alister McGrath is not afraid to say when he agrees with him, or indeed any of the other new atheism writers.
The book begins with a summary of the rise of new atheism and a look at its ‘personality’. Unfavourable comparisons are made between it and other types of atheism. This is because of the harsh and confrontational tone taken by many of those who call themselves new atheists. They not only do not believe in God or subscribe to religious beliefs; they want to get rid of God and all belief in Him. They are scornful of anyone who professes religious belief as intellectually inferior and of insufficient intelligence to live their lives without the crutch of religion.
McGrath then takes a critical look at the writings of those known as ‘the four horsemen’. That is the four foremost writers and thinkers of the new atheist movement, namely Sam Harris who is extreme to say the least. A quote from his book tells us that killing people with religious beliefs could be considered as self-defence. McGrath does point out that Harris is the most extreme and goes on to critique Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchens.
One of the arguments I found most interesting was the idea that the new atheist movement has taken on the characteristics of an extreme religious movement. It brooks no disagreements with its beliefs; it attacks any who do, even from within its own ranks and demands complete unanimity.
Alister McGrath also addresses the accusation that religion leads to violence and that the world has been dragged into many wars over religion. Again, in his fair minded way he admits that many bad things have been done in the name of God but points out that in their attacks the new atheism writers have been selective in the examples they use and jump to unsubstantiated conclusions. They also refuse to concede that any good has ever come from religion or any good deeds done by people of religious faith.
The book is full of well argued point and adds considerably to the debate. We are fortunate to have Alister McGrath in our corner and I would recommend this book.
