The Twilight of Atheism: The Rise and Fall of Disbelief in the Modern World (Hardcover)

What is probably most disturbing to atheist readers of McGrath, as can be seen by the previous reviews, is that fact that theists of all shapes and creeds just don't seem to be getting any nearer to abandoning their "projected safety nets of faith". Coupled by the fact that many religious organizations are quite involved in humanitarian causes while atheist groups tend to be less so, the appeal to a "No God" world seems far from progress. That theism is attacked as being "delusional" or "without a sound methodology", really doesn't hold much sway in that plenty of sound, rational, and grounded people have found theism to be an acceptable answer to the large metaphysical questions of being.

The only complain I have about the book is not so much a complaint as it is a philosophical difference. McGrath has based his "decline of atheism" argument on the arrival of post-modernity, and the conflicts that has with an atheist world-view. It is my belief that there are still plenty of rational arguments for the proposition of a God-made existence. McGrath seems to claim that there are not. In a world based on scientific method, however, a rendering of Aquinas could possibly reveal a rational basis of faith. The prime-mover argument seems plausible within the context of Big-Bang science. However, I can defer to those that have a great deal more education on the subject than I.

Prof. McGrath is a good storyteller. Along with a discussion the seminal thinkers of atheism such as Nietzsche, Freud, Marx and Feuerbach, we get a political, historical and social overview of the entire movement. For example, Prof. McGrath discusses recent political issues such as the turbulence of the 60s and Madeline Murray O'Hair's crusade for atheism. While this book is no substitute for more detailed studies on atheism, it provides a historical and political background that other studies generally don't.

Prof. McGrath is, as I said, an incredibly prolific author. He has probably written, edited, or revised over 15 books since 2000. Because of this, it would appear that a few too many errors and editing problems creep into his books. For example, Robert Ingersoll is described as the "great atheist" when he was the "great agnostic." The former Episcopal bishop of Newark is not James Spong, but rather John Spong. The same quote from Augustine appears twice within a few pages, etc. In spite of these defects, THE TWILIGHT OF ATHEISM is an enjoyable work.

Instead of this volume, may I recommend "Atheist Universe" by David Mills, or Dan Barker's book "Losing Faith in Faith". Either of these two books is superior, more logical, more accurate, and ENJOYABLE to read.