Meet the Author
A. C. Grayling is Master of the New College of the Humanities, and a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne’s College, Oxford. Previously, he was Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London. Grayling is the author or editor of 30 books; a frequent contributor to the Literary Review, Observer, Independent on Sunday, Times Literary Supplement, Index on Censorship and New Statesman; and is the Editor of Online Review London as well as a Contributing Editor of Prospect magazine.
Book Basics
The God Argument: The Case Against Religion and for Humanism is a logically constructed, effectively argued, academic yet approachable volume devoted to advancing the cause of New Atheism. In his review of the book, widely published writer Bryan Appleyard rightly suggests that with this book Grayling should be seen the fifth horseman of the anti-religious apocalypse (the four horsemen image originated in 2007 with Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens — an image clearly built upon the four horsemen of the apocalypse in the book of Revelation in the Bible).
After debunking religion in the first half of the book, Grayling constructs a case for humanism in the second half. He concludes with these words:
For humanism premises the value of things human, without the assistance of illusions about anything supposedly beyond this world . . . It requires only clear eyes, reason and kindness; and with them a determination to make the world the best place it can be for the flourishing of creativity, good possibilities and the affections of the human heart (p.258).
So What?
It is increasingly important for Christian leaders to understand the perspectives of others, including other religions, the religiously non-affiliated, and New Atheism. Grayling’s latest serves well as an introduction for those with limited familiarity or as an opportunity to deepen understanding for those who regularly engage New Atheist thought.
- When did you first encounter New Atheism?
- How would you define New Atheism?
- For those from your religious tradition, what about New Atheism do you think is most attractive to many?
A. C. Grayling. The God Argument: The Case Against Religion and for Humanism (Bloomsbury, 2013). ISBN: 9781620401903.