God?: A Debate between a Christian and an Atheist (Point/Counterpoint) - Hardcover

Craig, William Lane; Sinnott-Armstrong, Walter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195165993 ISBN 13: 9780195165999

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2003

Synopsis

The question of whether or not God exists is endlessly fascinating and profoundly important. Now two articulate spokesmen--one a Christian, the other an atheist--duel over God's existence in a lively and illuminating battle of ideas.
In God?, William Lane Craig and Walter Sinnott-Armstrong bring to the printed page two debates they held before live audiences, preserving all the wit, clarity, and immediacy of their public exchanges. With none of the opaque discourse of academic logicians and divinity-school theologians, the authors make claims and comebacks that cut with precision. Their arguments are sharp and humorous, as each philosopher strikes quickly to the heart of his opponent's case. For example, Craig claims that we must believe in God to explain objective moral values, such as why rape is wrong. Sinnott-Armstrong responds that what makes rape wrong is the harm to victims of rape, so rape is immoral even if there is no God.
From arguments about the nature of infinity and the Big Bang, to religious experience and divine action, to the resurrection of Jesus and the problem of evil, the authors treat us to a remarkable display of intelligence and insight--a truly thought-provoking exploration of a classic issue that remains relevant to contemporary life.

About this title

About the Author

William Lane Craig is Research Professor of Philosophy at the Talbot School of Theology. His books include Theism, Atheism, and Big Bang Cosmology, Assessing the New Testament Evidence for the Historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus, and God, Time, and Eternity. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong is Professor of Philosophy and Hardy Professor of Legal Studies at Dartmouth College. His books include Understanding Arguments, Moral Knowledge?, and Pyrrhonian Skepticism.

Review

"Bryan and Darrow redux! A lively and engaging debate on a topic both timely and ageless. Craig and Sinnott-Armstrong provide an eminently accessible introduction to arguments for and against the existence of God. While their method is philosophical, the authors' passion for their subject is always in evidence. God? may not settle the main question; it does demonstrate that the same questions ignite the curiosity of theists and atheists alike: where did we come from? why be moral? what does it all mean?"--Louise M. Antony, Professor of Philosophy, Ohio State University

"This is a wonderful exchange about the existence of God--fast, fair, informative, intelligent, sincere, and above all terrific fun. It covers such topics as the original cause of the universe, the possibility of genuine morality, the nature of miracles, and the problem of evil. As an introduction to these really basic issues, it is simply the best that I have ever read. I will be recommending it to my relatives, to my friends, to my colleagues, and to all of my students."--Michael Ruse, Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy, Florida State University

"In this book, the deepest controversies and issues related to the existence of God are debated, in an accessible but sophisticated way, by two first-rate philosophers. The exchanges are lively, incisive, and informed. The book is must reading for all who are interested in the simple question: Does God Exist?"--Stephen T. Davis, Russell K. Pitzer Professor of Philosophy, Claremont McKenna College

"Two megawatt minds reduce humanity's oldest issue to understandable essentials."--Associated Press

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0195165993
• ISBN 13: 9780195165999
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 176