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DescriptionFaith and Its Critics: A Conversation (Gifford Lectures) by David Fergusson  {BinanGotit} Product Details Series: Gifford Lectures Hardcover: 176 pages Publisher: Oxford University Press (October 18th 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 019956938X ISBN-13: 978-0199569380 CONTENTS Introduction 1 1. Atheism in Historical Perspective 15 2. The Credibility of Religious Belief: Claims and Counter-Claims 34 3. Darwinism: How Much Does It Explain? 61 4. Morality, Art, and Religion: Invention or Discovery? 91 5. Is Religion Bad For Our Health? Saints, Martyrs, and Terrorists 120 6. Sacred Texts: How Should We Read Them? 151 Conclusion 178 Bibliography 182 Index 191 Heralded as the exponents of a "new atheism," critics of religion are highly visible in today's media, and include the household names of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris. David Fergusson explains their work in its historical perspective, drawing comparisons with earlier forms of atheism. Responding to the critics through conversations on the credibility of religious belief, Darwinism, morality, fundamentalism, and our approach to reading sacred texts, he establishes a compelling case for the practical and theoretical validity of faith in the contemporary world. An invitation to engage in a rich dialogue, Faith and Its Critics supports an informed and constructive exchange of ideas rather than a contest between two sides of the debate. Fergusson encourages faith communities to undertake patient engagement with their critics, to acknowledge the place for change and development in their self-understanding whilst resisting the reductive explanations of the new atheism. Top Customer Review 5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent and balanced approach By TheoBabe on November 10th 2012 I have used Professor Fergusson's book in classes with university students as well as in my own reading. Although they sometimes find him harder to read than others, they acknowledge -- as do I -- that he is extremely fair and clear in his claims throughout this book. The chapter on "Sacred Texts: How Should We Read Them?" is particularly helpful in the raging debates about religion and science, faith and atheism, by clearly stating what modern biblical criticism looks like for the majority of theologians and of the faithful in the monotheistic religions. By treating faith as though it can be the object of a reasoned mind or minds, Fergusson does much to persuade the reader that he is worth listening to throughout the book. His approach to the cultural and political dimensions of conflicts labelled "religious" is exceedingly valued as it does not dispute the responsibility of religions, merely the absolutist claims that nothing else is involved in some of these conflicts (such as that of the Tamil Tigers, an excellent example). The subtitle "A Conversation" is very accurate. He wishes to open up a civilized conversation on a variety of topics. Thus, one should not expect this book to provide anyone with conclusive arguments; while strong advocacy of positions is asserted, it is clear that this is an opening for dialogue and discussion, not an apologetic playbook. As a part of the Gifford Lectures, one would expect such a balanced approach, and to his credit, Fergusson's book is readable in a way that some lectures turned into books are not. About the Author Educated in philosophy and theology, David Fergusson worked for several years as a parish minister in the Church of Scotland. Before returning to Edinburgh to his present position as Professor of Divinity, he held the Chair of Systematic Theology in the University of Aberdeen from 1990-2000. His research interests include issues in Christian doctrine, theological ethics and the history of Reformed theology, especially in its Scottish context. He is a director and editorial board member of the Scottish Journal of Theology. He is also Principal of New College, Edinburgh, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.  Sharing Widget |