Why I Am Not An Atheist: Facing The Inadequacies Of Unbelief
Edited by David J. Randall
The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – August, 2015
Following up with the theme from last month’s book selection in which the author attempted to encourage Christians to reach their unbelieving acquaintances, the book suggestion for August, Why I Am Not An Atheist, offers insight from eleven people with various backgrounds that give cogent reasons as to why they are not atheists. Each chapter contains evidence for the truth of the Christian faith as well as attesting to the weakness of an atheistic worldview. Among the contributors to this work is a scientist, CEO, psychiatrist, journalist, missionary and pastor. While each of the writers provide their own particular perspective on the topic, I found the observations by the psychiatrist Pablo Martinez to be particularly helpful. His discussion concerning the makeup of an individual as well as his/her relationship to others and to the world demonstrated the weakness of atheism and the strength of the gospel in relation to questions about the human need for identity, purpose, and hope. While only the Holy Spirit can bring a person to faith, I recommend this short but insightful book as an instrument that can encourage believers and challenge those that consider themselves atheists or agnostics.
Written by a pastor in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Engaging with Atheists attempts to encourage and equip the Christian to reach out to their friends and neighbors that have been raised with no recognition of God’s existence or that have discarded the Christian faith for various reasons and now consider themselves atheists. The author tries to help the reader understand the positions that atheists hold, common misconceptions about Christianity, and the questions atheists may inwardly have about the issues of life. Throughout this small book Robertson approaches his topic with a fairminded and gracious attitude, remembering that atheists are human beings made in God’s image and deserving of love and respect. I would recommend this short book as a starter for those who are interested in reaching their unbelieving friends with the gospel but often find it difficult to know where to begin.
Prayer is one of the indispensable articles of the Christian life. Yet, too often our prayers seem dull and without heavenly content as our minds wander off topic. Arthur Bennett has done a great service to the Church by providing a composition of Puritan prayers that help the reader to reflect deeply on the Lord and to humble him/herself in God’s presence. The Valley of Vision is the type of devotional that teaches us to pray as we think through the worship, longings, and petitions of saints that have gone before us. They have tasted the Lord and found Him to be faithful. May all those that purchase this book do the same.
