The New Atheism

Fixed-Point Foundations radio broadcast was talking about a conversation between

Richard Dawkins, author of "The New Atheism" and the host of the show Larry Taunton. The point of Dawkins' book is to overthrow religion in general, and Christianity in particular.

Dawkins likes to put the crux of the debate in terms of Science vs. Religion (fact vs. fiction; rational vs. irrational). What most don't quite pick up is the logical false-dichotomy. If you are a scientist, you don't have to throw Christianity or the truth-claims of Christianity out the door. There are very intelligent and hard-working scientists that are fervent Christians. They actually proclaim that science affirms the truth claims of the Bible better than it affirms the common theories that are out today. You can check out much of the work of these Christian scientists at Answers in Genesis or Institute for Creation Research.

Dawkins believes we attain morality through moral philosophical reasoning...zeitgeist. Somehow, humanity, especially in Europe and America have philosophized the morality that we have today, without any help from Christianity. Dawkins argues that "Those that do get it from religion are deluded." He gives no credit to Christianity for the abolition of slavery, nor does he credit Christianity for women's rights. What are his reasons for this outright denial even though history shows Christianity was at the forefront of both movements? Nothing.

Taunton asked Dawkins, "How do we know that Hitler wasn't right?" His answer was at least consistent. "We don't. Maybe he was right." But unlike others of this age that tries to assert relativism, Dawkins is a rationalist. He does believe there is truth, but instead of Jesus being the way, the truth and the life, the scientific method replaces Jesus. Dawkins is a true believer of atheism, and he's out to seek converts.

Larry Taunton had excellent points, and rather than expounding on them, I've simply taken those and written them here. Thanks to Larry and his radio program for all the insight.

All things flow from our beliefs, purpose, right/wrong, value...have profound implications for our culture. Here are 3 points about the New Atheism.

A) If our foundation of God is crushed, there are four possible options.

1) Moral absolutes are gone, all things are permissible, there can be no right or wrong. Science cannot be sufficient for morality. As Einstein was quoted "Science can make an atomic bomb, but it can't tell us when we can use it."

2) Zeitgeist: cultural mood can be dangerous (Nazi Germany). Surely this isn't the answer.

3) Personal relativism: My truth vs. Your truth...how can we agree on morality if it's individual?

4) Adherence to an external absolute: to do good for the good of all is false and shallow, most people get away with lying and cheating. Without Christ, there is no external absolute.

B) The New Atheism has exposed a failure of the western church to engage in the realm of ideas in the public arena. We are only allowed to engage in ministry designated areas only. If it's true, then it's true for our entire lives, not just Sunday. It's the old atheism re-packaged. *Personal note: We have not prepared our members to think and engage. We have not educated our congregations to be able to "give a reason for our faith". We are generally intellectual neophytes, still suckling as babes while being eaten alive by those that think of themselves as wise.*

C) Romans 1:18-25; Suppress the truth of God's character and existence. *Personal note: We should not be surprised by those that attack Christianity, for they have swallowed the lie. We should be surprised and upset at our own ignorance and laziness when it comes to our understanding of our faith.*

Dawkins is no longer speaking about science, the very thing that got him famous, but is now speaking about things that he has little expertise in, namely theology and philosophy. Most religions are irrational and anti-intellectual. Christianity is not one of those. Christianity is rational and intellectual, and we need to be educated in order to stem the attacks against our truth claims.