Book Review: Greater Than You Think: A Theologian Answers the Atheists About God
Introduction
Thomas D. Williams, L.C., the author of Greater Than You Think, is Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and Dean of Theology and Ordinary Professor of Moral Theology and Catholic Social Thought at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome. He holds advanced degrees in Philosophy and Moral Theology, which provide the framework behind the strengths of his latest book.
I must admit that I was disappointed during the reading of the first third of the book, since it seemed to be very superficial critique of atheist authors Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion), Sam Harris (The End of Faith) and Christopher Hitchens (God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything). After putting it down for over a month, I ended up with a considerable waiting period before my son's commencement, so took it along as something to read. I am glad I got to finish it.
Being a theologian, Williams delights in showing how Dawkins and Hitchens seem to know almost nothing about Christian theology - instead, inventing a straw divinity in the place of the real God of Christianity. In addition, instead of citing real scientific evidence to support their claims, the new atheists rely upon anecdotes and the antics of fringe believers to "show" how messed up religion really is. Williams takes on atheists directly by refuting their claims of moral superiority with actual studies, which show that, on average, atheists are more self-centered, don't give to support the less fortunate, and don't volunteer as much time for community service compared to theists.
Conclusion 
Greater Than You Think is a short book (~150 pages) that examines the theological claims of the new atheists and shows that the God of Christianity is certainly greater than they think. The new atheists often claim to offer arguments against Christianity, but, instead resort to anecdotal "evidence" and fringe religious behavior in support of their claims. To get a better idea of Thomas Williams' writing style and content, please see a list of his recent articles below.
Greater Than You Think: A Theologian Answers the Atheists About God
Related Pages
- A Theologian Answers the Atheists by Thomas D. Williams
- Myth 1: Atheists Are Smarter by Thomas D. Williams
- Myth 2: Religion Does More Harm Than Good by Thomas D. Williams
- Myth No.3: A theologian answers the atheists by Thomas D. Williams
- Book Review: The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens by Vox Day
- Book Review: God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?
http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/greater_than_you_think.html
Last Modified June 9, 2008
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