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Australian philosopher, literary critic, legal scholar, and professional writer. Based in Newcastle, NSW. My latest books are THE TYRANNY OF OPINION: CONFORMITY AND THE FUTURE OF LIBERALISM (2019); AT THE DAWN OF A GREAT TRANSITION: THE QUESTION OF RADICAL ENHANCEMENT (2021); and HOW WE BECAME POST-LIBERAL: THE RISE AND FALL OF TOLERATION (2024).

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Currently reading - The Godless Delusion by Patrick Madrid and Kenneth Hensley

I've been reading a lot of Christian apologetics lately, some of which is pretty bad. On the other hand, some of the material is at least literate and thoughtful, even if I can't find much intellectual merit - and some of it is intellectually provocative in its way. But this one is just hilariously, absurdly, embarrassingly bad. Sample: "As we will see, in spite of all the incessant bobbing and weaving in which atheist arguments against God engage, they will be knocked for a loop as the case for belief in God lands the uppercuts, right hooks, and other counter-punches that are the rational reasons for theism."

Oh dear!

6 comments:

James Sweet said...

Ouch.

We already know that intercessory prayer cannot improve medical outcomes. Apparently it's no good for improving one's prose, either.

K said...

"On the other hand, some of the material is at least literate and thoughtful, even if I can't find much intellectual merit - and some of it is intellectually provocative in its way."
What are some of the better books?

Jon Jermey said...

It must be only a matter of time before someone writes 'The Delusion Delusion'...

Russell Blackford said...

Kel, he's not to everyone's taste (and I've sometimes said harsh things about him) but someone like Alvin Plantinga is infinitely better and more interesting than the people who write these sorts of books. Then again, C.S. Lewis was a lot better. At least Lewis could write, and he actually made good sense when he got off the subject of religion and talked about things like literature.

Bubblecar said...

>the uppercuts, right hooks, and other counter-punches

Oooh, I feel beaten to a pulp before the fight even starts ;-)

Svlad Cjelli said...

Well, everyone roots for the underdog in boxing.

Good luck, Rocky!