OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The God Debate - Dawkins in Denial" by Terry Higham.]

The God Debate - Dawkins In Denial by Terry Higham is a rebuttal of New Atheist theories and arguments as presented by evangelical atheists with particular emphasis on Richard Dawkins, one of the most vocal and zealous. Higham tries to show using both scientific, biblical and historical evidence that the existence of God, while it cannot be fully proven, is impossible to disprove.

The book contends that many atheist beliefs are speculative and lack adequate supporting evidence. It argues that atheist philosophy is scattered with shortcomings and it gives examples to illustrate this point. One such example is the philosophy’s inability to provide a reliable moral compass for societal order.

Higham systematically attacks the credibility of Dawkins’ statements and opinions on subjects such as the validity of miracles and divine phenomena, Catholic doctrine, the question of evil, life after death and the reliability of the Scripture. He also dissects Evolution theory, the Big Bang Theory, Anthropic Principle and the Multiverse Theory to compellingly show that the existence of God is not irreconcilable with science but rather backed by it.

I like that more than sufficient evidence is provided to justify the arguments. It is also admirable that in situations where the evidence was inconclusive, the writer acknowledges the doubtful veracity of his statements. The language is occasionally difficult and a little pedantic, especially when quoting scientists such as Einstein or discussing theories like the Anthropic Principle. However, Higham makes an effort to provide simplified explanations, and thus promotes easier understanding of the text.

Higham’s opinion of Dawkins as stated in the first chapter of the book may have been better placed elsewhere to avoid giving the impression that he was fostering prejudice in readers who are yet to read Dawkins’ book or have not yet heard Dawkins speak. I also feel that it may have been advisable to avoid such strong criticism of Dawkins in the book’s opening chapter as this may preclude advocates of Dawkins’ propaganda from reading any further in the book.

Overall, I find that the book is well-researched, well-referenced and well-written. It convincingly uses logic, reason, and science to show that many New Atheist theories are founded on a fervent lack of belief which hinders critical analysis or verification of facts and the acceptance of theist evidence both proven and unproven. The citation and editing are also excellently carried out. Thus, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

******
The God Debate - Dawkins in Denial
View: on Bookshelves

Like qsusan's review? Post a comment saying so!

Although I respect atheist/agnostic positions, I do get a bit riled by Dawkins' stance on religion, so I'm glad Higham is taking on this debate. There are many eminent scientists who would agree that science is not incompatible with Faith. Thanks for a thoughtful and thought-provoking review.

Great review, I enjoyed it. I’m afraid I’ve never heard of Dawkins, so the debate would be lost on me.

Thanks for a great review. I like that the author is addressing topics like the Big Bang and evolution, and is showing God was a part of such things; MANY people think God doesn't exist within science that way, and feel that have to choose a side.

Sounds like the author did his research on this very deep subject. I don’t know if I could read it even though I am a believer. I applaud you for taking this one on because I think I would find myself not interested in the debate. Thank heavens there are people who love to engage in that, but it’s not my calling. Again, good for you to take this one up and delve into it. Some books have a way of strengthening faith and are necessary to show the truth through various means. I think someone who is on the fence just may find this one of the utmost help. Good job on this review.

Libs_Books wrote: ↑21 Apr 2018, 03:54 Although I respect atheist/agnostic positions, I do get a bit riled by Dawkins' stance on religion, so I'm glad Higham is taking on this debate. There are many eminent scientists who would agree that science is not incompatible with Faith. Thanks for a thoughtful and thought-provoking review.

Very true. Some arguments how they found themselves a place somewhere on earth is just amazing. It is true that both faith and science can be compatible.

I would love to read this book. The subject of discussion is one of my favourites because I believe that God exists. Knowing there is a book out here that touches on this makes me happy.

Helen_Combe wrote: ↑21 Apr 2018, 05:26 Great review, I enjoyed it. I’m afraid I’ve never heard of Dawkins, so the debate would be lost on me.

Dawkins passed away recently. He was one of the science geniuses I believe. He acknowledged himself as the greatest atheist.

cpru68 wrote: ↑22 Apr 2018, 00:20 Sounds like the author did his research on this very deep subject. I don’t know if I could read it even though I am a believer. I applaud you for taking this one on because I think I would find myself not interested in the debate. Thank heavens there are people who love to engage in that, but it’s not my calling. Again, good for you to take this one up and delve into it. Some books have a way of strengthening faith and are necessary to show the truth through various means. I think someone who is on the fence just may find this one of the utmost help. Good job on this review.

Nice statement there. It is true that we may all not like the same things and that is why the beauty in diversity.

This book definitely sounds a bit too deep for me at the moment. I'm glad the author supports his argument well as I believe that's important in this type of book. Still, I'm going to put this one off until I have my thinking cap on.

Thank you for such a thorough review. This book sounds like a great resource for Christian Apologetics courses and Biological Anthropology courses (both of which I have taken) to support Christian beliefs. As someone else here has already said, many people believe that science and faith cannot intersect, but a large sum of scientists of the Judeo-Christan faiths have found further support in their belief in God through science.

This book is focused on the topic of the existence of God using scientific evidence along with dissection of many theories.
It's book that should be of interest to the vast majority including atheists.
Especially people who enjoyed the movie "God's not dead"
Tho it's not the number one for fiction lovers as the literature seems to lean closer to a scientific script.

Briar Sweet wrote: ↑22 Apr 2018, 11:32 Thank you for such a thorough review. This book sounds like a great resource for Christian Apologetics courses and Biological Anthropology courses (both of which I have taken) to support Christian beliefs. As someone else here has already said, many people believe that science and faith cannot intersect, but a large sum of scientists of the Judeo-Christan faiths have found further support in their belief in God through science.

The courses are above sound incredible. It is nice to learn about how those courses are bringing the idea of faith and science together.

It sounds like a tough but insightful read. I would hesitate to use the word "propaganda" since it has a negative connotation. However, your review gives a great overview of this book.

Thank you for such a wonderful review. In my opinion I strongly believe that there is a supernatural being ( God) who created the universe and all in it. Atheist use Scientific approach to disprove the existence of God but the same science also often contradicts what they say. Atheists later often realise and come to agree to the fact that truly a God exist. Stephen Hawkings before he died confessed that God exist, Charles Darwin also did the same. If these staunch atheists can come to agree to the fact that God exist even after giving lots of theories, then I think that God really exist.