EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF THEOLOGY

Contents / Table des matières / Inhalt Articles / Articles / Artikel EUROPEAN JOURNAL

Editorial 3 Theologia caritatis and the Moral Authority Stephen P. Dray of Scripture: Approaching 2 Timothy OF THEOLOGY 3:16-17 with a hermeneutic of love 38 Gefahren und Chancen von materiellem Patrick Nullens Besitz im Neuen Testament 4 Christoph Stenschke The End of Reason: New Atheists and JOURNAL EUROPÉEN the Bible 50 Lifting the Curse: Reflections on Yannick Imbert Retribution and Restoration 19 Review Article: Die Frühgeschichte der DE THÉOLOGIE

Gordon Leah JOURNALDE TH  OLOGIE EUROP  EN Evangelischen Allianz und ihres Einsatzes Is the Saving Grace of God Resistible? 28 für Religionsfreiheit 65 Andrew Loke Thomas Schirrmacher EUROPÄISCHE

Book Reviews / Recensions / Buchbesprechungen THEOLOGISCHE

HARTMUT N. RÖSEL: Joshua: Historical Commentary on WILLEM J. DE WIT: On the Way to the Living God: A the Old Testament 71 Cathartic Reading of Herman Bavinck and an Invitation ZEITSCHRIFT Stephen Dray to Overcome the Plausibility Crisis of Christianity 83 RODRIGO J. MORALES: The Spirit and the Restoration of Hans Burger Israel. New Exodus and New Creation Motifs in Galatians 72 JOHN BOLT (ed.): Five Studies in the Thought of Herman Ben C. Blackwell Bavinck, A Creator of Modern Dutch Theology 85 PETER SCHÄFER: Jesus im 73 James Eglinton Christoph Stenschke ANDREA NIGHTINGALE: Once Out of Nature: Augustine

on Time and the Body 86 EUROP RICHARD MARSDEN and E. ANN MATTER (eds.): The New Cambridge History of the Bible: The Bible Robert S. Covolo from 600 to 1450 75 MATTHEW LEVERING: Predestination: Biblical and

Christoph Stenschke Theological Paths 87  ISCHE THEOLOGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT ISCHE THEOLOGISCHE J.J. COLLINS and D.C. HARLOW (eds.): The Eerdmans Bart van Egmond Dictionary of Early Judaism 76 PIOTR MAŁYSZ: Trinity, Freedom, and Love: An Christoph Stenschke Engagement with the Theology of Eberhard Jüngel 89 ANDERS GERDMAR: Roots of Theological Anti-Semitism: Jon Mackenzie German Biblical Interpretation and the Jews, from Herder HANS BOERSMA: Heavenly Participation: The Weaving and Semler to Kittel and Bultmann 78 of a Sacramental Tapestry 90 Christoph Stenschke Oliver D. Crisp WOLFGANG BENZ (ed.): Handbuch des Antisemitismus: TIMOTHY STANLEY: Protestant Metaphysics after Karl Judenfeindschaft in Geschichte und Gegenwart Band 4: Barth and Martin Heidegger 92 Ereignisse, Dekrete, Kontroversen 79 Jon Mackenzie, Christoph Stenschke BENJAMIN MYERS: Christ the Stranger: The Theology JONATHAN KARP and ADAM SUTCLIFFE (eds.): of Rowan Williams 93 Philosemitism in History 80 Robert S. Covolo Christoph Stenschke RONAN MCCREA: Religion and the Public Order of the JORIS VAN EIJNATTEN und FRED VAN LIEBURG: European Union 94 Niederländische Religionsgeschichte 82 Ewout Klei

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XXII (2013) : 1 ISSN 0960-2720 EJT (2013) 22:1, 1–96 ISSN 0960-2720

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The End of Reason: New Atheists and the Bible The End of Reason: New Atheists and the Bible Yannick Imbert Yannick Imbert

RÉSUMÉ de leur critique de la foi chrétienne. Ensuite, l’article RÉSUMÉ de leur critique de la foi chrétienne. Ensuite, l’article évalue la méthode de reconstruction théologique des évalue la méthode de reconstruction théologique des Le Nouvel Athéisme est maintenant devenu un phé- « nouveaux athées », laquelle les conduit à remettre Le Nouvel Athéisme est maintenant devenu un phé- « nouveaux athées », laquelle les conduit à remettre nomène social et culturel. Grâce à ses principaux en question toute entreprise théologique. Cette partie nomène social et culturel. Grâce à ses principaux en question toute entreprise théologique. Cette partie porte-parole, Richard Dawkins, Peter Hitchens, Daniel indique que le manque d’arguments théologiques et porte-parole, Richard Dawkins, Peter Hitchens, Daniel indique que le manque d’arguments théologiques et Dennett et Sam Harris, les « Quatre cavaliers » du Nouvel logiques solides, dans la perspective critique du « Nouvel Dennett et Sam Harris, les « Quatre cavaliers » du Nouvel logiques solides, dans la perspective critique du « Nouvel Athéisme, celui-ci est aussi devenu un phénomène Athéisme », pourrait bien être synonyme de démission Athéisme, celui-ci est aussi devenu un phénomène Athéisme », pourrait bien être synonyme de démission appelant une réponse apologétique publique. Après de la raison. Enfin, l’auteur conclut en mentionnant appelant une réponse apologétique publique. Après de la raison. Enfin, l’auteur conclut en mentionnant une brève présentation des arguments principaux du trois principaux chantiers apologétiques sur lesquels le une brève présentation des arguments principaux du trois principaux chantiers apologétiques sur lesquels le « Nouvel Athéisme », cet article explore les représenta- « Nouvel Athéisme » nous convie à œuvrer : celui de « Nouvel Athéisme », cet article explore les représenta- « Nouvel Athéisme » nous convie à œuvrer : celui de tions bibliques caricaturales souvent caractéristiques de la compréhension de notre société, celui de l’unité de tions bibliques caricaturales souvent caractéristiques de la compréhension de notre société, celui de l’unité de leurs écrits. Il fait alors apparaître leur « herméneutique l’Église, et celui de la défense de la légitimité du langage leurs écrits. Il fait alors apparaître leur « herméneutique l’Église, et celui de la défense de la légitimité du langage utilitariste » comme l’un des éléments fondamentaux religieux. utilitariste » comme l’un des éléments fondamentaux religieux. ******** ******** ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Im Anschluss daran betrachten wir die Methode der ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Im Anschluss daran betrachten wir die Methode der theologischen Rekonstruktion, wie sie von den Neuen theologischen Rekonstruktion, wie sie von den Neuen Der Neue Atheismus ist heutzutage zu einem sozia- Atheisten verwendet wird. Sie führt letztlich dazu, dass Der Neue Atheismus ist heutzutage zu einem sozia- Atheisten verwendet wird. Sie führt letztlich dazu, dass len und kulturellen Phänomen geworden. Durch seine jegliches theologische Unterfangen in Frage gestellt wird. len und kulturellen Phänomen geworden. Durch seine jegliches theologische Unterfangen in Frage gestellt wird. Hauptvertreter, die selbsternannten „Vier Reiter“ Richard Als Schlussfolgerung daraus ergibt sich, dass der Mangel Hauptvertreter, die selbsternannten „Vier Reiter“ Richard Als Schlussfolgerung daraus ergibt sich, dass der Mangel Dawkins, Peter Hitchens, Daniel Dennett und Sam an soliden theologischen und logischen Argumenten, Dawkins, Peter Hitchens, Daniel Dennett und Sam an soliden theologischen und logischen Argumenten, Harris, wurde er auch zu einer offenen apologetischen wie ihn die Kritik der Neuen Atheisten ausweist, so Harris, wurde er auch zu einer offenen apologetischen wie ihn die Kritik der Neuen Atheisten ausweist, so Herausforderung. Dieser Artikel legt zunächst kurz die gut wie dem Ende der Vernunft gleichkommt. Der Herausforderung. Dieser Artikel legt zunächst kurz die gut wie dem Ende der Vernunft gleichkommt. Der grundlegenden Anklagen der Neuen Atheisten dar und Artikel weist schließlich auf die drei hauptsächlichen grundlegenden Anklagen der Neuen Atheisten dar und Artikel weist schließlich auf die drei hauptsächlichen untersucht die falsche Darstellung der Bibel, die so Herausforderungen hin, die an den christlichen Glauben untersucht die falsche Darstellung der Bibel, die so Herausforderungen hin, die an den christlichen Glauben häufig charakteristisch für ihre Schriften ist. Dabei tritt gestellt werden: das Verständnis der Gesellschaft, häufig charakteristisch für ihre Schriften ist. Dabei tritt gestellt werden: das Verständnis der Gesellschaft, die funktionale Hermeneutik deutlich hervor, welche die der Dienst an der Einheit der Kirche und der legitime die funktionale Hermeneutik deutlich hervor, welche die der Dienst an der Einheit der Kirche und der legitime Grundlage ihrer Kritik am christlichen Glauben darstellt. Gebrauch religiöser Sprache. Grundlage ihrer Kritik am christlichen Glauben darstellt. Gebrauch religiöser Sprache. ******** ******** SUMMARY SUMMARY tional to their criticism of the Christian faith. Second, tional to their criticism of the Christian faith. Second, The New has become a social and cultural phe- we explore the method of the New Atheists’ theologi- The has become a social and cultural phe- we explore the method of the New Atheists’ theologi- nomenon. Through its main spokesmen, Richard Dawk- cal reconstruction which leads to their questioning of all nomenon. Through its main spokesmen, Richard Dawk- cal reconstruction which leads to their questioning of all ins, Peter Hitchens, Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris, the theological endeavour. This part concludes that the lack ins, Peter Hitchens, Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris, the theological endeavour. This part concludes that the lack self-proclaimed ‘Four Horsemen’, it has also become of solid theological and logical arguments in the New self-proclaimed ‘Four Horsemen’, it has also become of solid theological and logical arguments in the New an open challenge to Christian apologetics. After a brief Atheists’ criticisms could well be synonymous with the an open challenge to Christian apologetics. After a brief Atheists’ criticisms could well be synonymous with the presentation of the basic grievances of the New Atheists, end of reason. The article finally mentions three main presentation of the basic grievances of the New Atheists, end of reason. The article finally mentions three main this article first surveys the misrepresentation of the Bible challenges to the Christian faith: those of understanding this article first surveys the misrepresentation of the Bible challenges to the Christian faith: those of understanding which often characterises their writings. In doing so, their our society, of serving the unity of the Church, and of which often characterises their writings. In doing so, their our society, of serving the unity of the Church, and of one-sided hermeneutics will clearly appear as founda- legitimising the use of religious language. one-sided hermeneutics will clearly appear as founda- legitimising the use of religious language. ******** ******** 1. Introduction1 cultural and philosophical position known as the 1. Introduction1 cultural and philosophical position known as the Since the first publication, in 2004, of Sam Harris’s ‘New Atheism’. It rapidly became a social phenom- Since the first publication, in 2004, of Sam Harris’s ‘New Atheism’. It rapidly became a social phenom- The End of Reason we have witnessed the rise of a enon with the subsequent publication of Richard The End of Reason we have witnessed the rise of a enon with the subsequent publication of Richard

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Dawkins’ The God Delusion (2006), Daniel ‘the most dangerous author in Britain’ – as if an Dawkins’ The God Delusion (2006), Daniel ‘the most dangerous author in Britain’ – as if an Dennett’s Breaking the Spell (also 2006) and average work of fantasy literature could endanger Dennett’s Breaking the Spell (also 2006) and average work of fantasy literature could endanger ’ God is not Great (2007). one’s faith.8 Peter Hitchens, a celebrated journal- Christopher Hitchens’ God is not Great (2007). one’s faith.8 Peter Hitchens, a celebrated journal- These four books together form the English ist,9 brother to the late Christopher Hitchens and These four books together form the English ist,9 brother to the late Christopher Hitchens and ‘canon’ of New Atheism.2 To these we should himself former atheist, gives Pullman and other ‘canon’ of New Atheism.2 To these we should himself former atheist, gives Pullman and other add Harris’ Letter to a Christian Nation (2006), New Atheists writers too much credit.10 add Harris’ Letter to a Christian Nation (2006), New Atheists writers too much credit.10 Victor Stenger’s God: The Failed Hypothesis (2007) Although the necessity to engage with the New Victor Stenger’s God: The Failed Hypothesis (2007) Although the necessity to engage with the New and Dan Barker’s Godless (2008); A.C. Grayling’s Atheists does not come from the need to respond and Dan Barker’s Godless (2008); A.C. Grayling’s Atheists does not come from the need to respond Against All Gods (2007) had much influence in to any cogent argument against the existence of Against All Gods (2007) had much influence in to any cogent argument against the existence of the U.K. as did Michel Onfray’s Atheist Manifesto the biblical God, the challenges posed by these the U.K. as did Michel Onfray’s Atheist Manifesto the biblical God, the challenges posed by these (2007) in France. writers are nonetheless serious.11 Reviewers have (2007) in France. writers are nonetheless serious.11 Reviewers have The four main promoters of this informal noted that despite being received with ridicule The four main promoters of this informal noted that despite being received with ridicule atheist movement, Dawkins, Hitchens, Dennett by many theologians, the New Atheists cannot atheist movement, Dawkins, Hitchens, Dennett by many theologians, the New Atheists cannot and Harris, were labelled by Dawkins the ‘Four be easily dismissed. They have also pointed to and Harris, were labelled by Dawkins the ‘Four be easily dismissed. They have also pointed to Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ as if to mark the end the noteworthy questions that appear in the New Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ as if to mark the end the noteworthy questions that appear in the New of all religion and of the Christian faith in particu- Atheists’ attacks on Christianity; questions that of all religion and of the Christian faith in particu- Atheists’ attacks on Christianity; questions that lar.3 According to a 2007 Wall Street Journal arti- should in their opinion challenge every honest lar.3 According to a 2007 Wall Street Journal arti- should in their opinion challenge every honest cle following the publication of Hitchens’ God is Christian believer.12 Even though I agree that cle following the publication of Hitchens’ God is Christian believer.12 Even though I agree that not Great, ‘atheism’s newest champions have sold the questions are at times worthy of interest, they not Great, ‘atheism’s newest champions have sold the questions are at times worthy of interest, they close to a million books’.4 This impressive number might not pose a threat to every Christian. As we close to a million books’.4 This impressive number might not pose a threat to every Christian. As we indicates that, at the very least, New Atheism is shall see, most of the New Atheists’ best attacks indicates that, at the very least, New Atheism is shall see, most of the New Atheists’ best attacks a cultural phenomenon not to be blindly disre- against Scripture, for example, are not the result a cultural phenomenon not to be blindly disre- against Scripture, for example, are not the result garded. This, in fact, is what two authors, Bradley of careful consideration. However, because the garded. This, in fact, is what two authors, Bradley of careful consideration. However, because the and Tate, have argued in their investigation of the New Atheists have a social voice and regularly mis- and Tate, have argued in their investigation of the New Atheists have a social voice and regularly mis- philosophical and literary connections of the New quote Scripture, we need to consider their use of philosophical and literary connections of the New quote Scripture, we need to consider their use of Atheism. Exploring the reasons behind the incred- Scripture and the challenges before us. Atheism. Exploring the reasons behind the incred- Scripture and the challenges before us. ible rise of the Four Horsemen in just four years, ible rise of the Four Horsemen in just four years, they conclude that the main reason does not lie 2. The rise of Bible utilitarians they conclude that the main reason does not lie 2. The rise of Bible utilitarians in the realm of philosophical or scientific analysis in the realm of philosophical or scientific analysis but in the realm of social imagination.5 Indeed, ‘it 2.1 New Atheism’s misrepresentations of but in the realm of social imagination.5 Indeed, ‘it 2.1 New Atheism’s misrepresentations of might be more convincing to see the New Atheism the Bible might be more convincing to see the New Atheism the Bible as a response to a very specific cultural and political One of the most striking features of the New as a response to a very specific cultural and political One of the most striking features of the New climate: the so-called return to the religious in the Atheists’ use of the Bible is their almost exclu- climate: the so-called return to the religious in the Atheists’ use of the Bible is their almost exclu- supposedly secular West’.6 Certainly, the renewed sive use of the Old Testament in general, and the supposedly secular West’.6 Certainly, the renewed sive use of the Old Testament in general, and the visibility of religion in western societies forms the Book of Deuteronomy in particular, to attack the visibility of religion in western societies forms the Book of Deuteronomy in particular, to attack the background of New Atheism, especially after the Christian faith. To the New Atheists, the God background of New Atheism, especially after the Christian faith. To the New Atheists, the God 9/11 attacks and the rise of Christian and Islamic who revealed himself at the Sermon on the Mount 9/11 attacks and the rise of Christian and Islamic who revealed himself at the Sermon on the Mount fundamentalism. Indeed, the New Atheists have is also the God of the Old Testament that some fundamentalism. Indeed, the New Atheists have is also the God of the Old Testament that some not missed the chance to capitalise on what they would describe as guilty of premeditated mass- not missed the chance to capitalise on what they would describe as guilty of premeditated mass- saw as the evil done in the name of inherent evil murder. Like the other three Horsemen, Hitchens saw as the evil done in the name of inherent evil murder. Like the other three Horsemen, Hitchens religions.7 makes much use of the so-called genocides of religions.7 makes much use of the so-called genocides of Against this cultural background, some have the Old Testament, in which he finds the essen- Against this cultural background, some have the Old Testament, in which he finds the essen- 13 13 questioned the expression New Atheism: what tial nature of the biblical God. Commenting on questioned the expression New Atheism: what tial nature of the biblical God. Commenting on precisely is new: their arguments or something Numbers 31:17 (‘Now therefore kill every male precisely is new: their arguments or something Numbers 31:17 (‘Now therefore kill every male else? In fact, the New Atheism’s novelty lies more among the little ones, and kill every woman that else? In fact, the New Atheism’s novelty lies more among the little ones, and kill every woman that in the social context from which it came than in the has known a man by lying with him’), a passage in the social context from which it came than in the has known a man by lying with him’), a passage persuasiveness of the arguments. In this respect, concerned with regulation for war against the persuasiveness of the arguments. In this respect, concerned with regulation for war against the they are children of their age, an age of emotional Midianites, Hitchens concludes: they are children of their age, an age of emotional Midianites, Hitchens concludes: non-argumentation. Thus the fear expressed by Now this is certainly not the worst of the non-argumentation. Thus the fear expressed by Now this is certainly not the worst of the some Christian thinkers regarding the strength of genocidal incitements that occurs in the Old some Christian thinkers regarding the strength of genocidal incitements that occurs in the Old New Atheist writers is partly misplaced, as is the Testament … but it has an element of lascivi- New Atheist writers is partly misplaced, as is the Testament … but it has an element of lascivi- case with Peter Hitchens’ statement that Philip ousness that makes it slightly too obvious what case with Peter Hitchens’ statement that Philip ousness that makes it slightly too obvious what Pullman, an atheist writer of fantasy books, was the rewards of a freebooting soldier could be.14 Pullman, an atheist writer of fantasy books, was the rewards of a freebooting soldier could be.14

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Suffice to say that Hitchens never really tries to sages for emotional purposes. Indeed, they have Suffice to say that Hitchens never really tries to sages for emotional purposes. Indeed, they have explore the meanings of the key concept of herem; successfully psychologically influenced their audi- explore the meanings of the key concept of herem; successfully psychologically influenced their audi- he is merely content with quoting crude descrip- ence without making any cogent demonstration. he is merely content with quoting crude descrip- ence without making any cogent demonstration. tions of biblical violence.15 Nonetheless, their use of the Old Testament needs tions of biblical violence.15 Nonetheless, their use of the Old Testament needs To the New Atheists, Old Testament violence to be challenged because their goal is to demon- To the New Atheists, Old Testament violence to be challenged because their goal is to demon- has always been an argument of choice to support strate that violence is inherent to the Christian has always been an argument of choice to support strate that violence is inherent to the Christian the impossibility of belief in God. Under Harris’ faith. We need to re-explain those passages. We do the impossibility of belief in God. Under Harris’ faith. We need to re-explain those passages. We do pen, even the Golden Rule becomes trivially ridi- not need to answer the New Atheists, who clearly pen, even the Golden Rule becomes trivially ridi- not need to answer the New Atheists, who clearly culed: do not care much about theological understand- culed: do not care much about theological understand- We read the Golden Rule and judge it to be ing, but we need to reach those attracted to their We read the Golden Rule and judge it to be ing, but we need to reach those attracted to their a brilliant distillation of many of our ethical arguments and realise that for all of our talk about a brilliant distillation of many of our ethical arguments and realise that for all of our talk about impulses. And then we come across another of fulfilment in Christ, the usual explanations may impulses. And then we come across another of fulfilment in Christ, the usual explanations may God’s teachings on morality: if a man discov- not seem legitimate to most people. The New God’s teachings on morality: if a man discov- not seem legitimate to most people. The New ers on his wedding night that his bride is not Atheists challenge us to present our biblical schol- ers on his wedding night that his bride is not Atheists challenge us to present our biblical schol- a virgin, he must stone her to death on her arship in contemporary and popular terms. a virgin, he must stone her to death on her arship in contemporary and popular terms. father’s doorstep (Deuteronomy 22:13-21).16 In fact, the New Atheists also challenge our father’s doorstep (Deuteronomy 22:13-21).16 In fact, the New Atheists also challenge our christological reading of the Old Testament by christological reading of the Old Testament by Such violence infuriates the New Atheists and Such violence infuriates the New Atheists and regularly attacking Christian theologians for their regularly attacking Christian theologians for their according to them justifies dismissing any positive according to them justifies dismissing any positive selective and inconsistent reading of Scripture and selective and inconsistent reading of Scripture and reference to the New Testament. reference to the New Testament. of the Old Testament in particular. Sam Harris, for of the Old Testament in particular. Sam Harris, for In fact, the New Atheists often take the Bible’s In fact, the New Atheists often take the Bible’s example, states that Christians can only argue that example, states that Christians can only argue that depictions of human sin to be positive accounts, depictions of human sin to be positive accounts, stoning an adulteress to death was not practised stoning an adulteress to death was not practised as if God himself approved, even recommended, as if God himself approved, even recommended, anymore because they read the Old Testament anymore because they read the Old Testament these actions.17 This use of Scripture is again utili- these actions.17 This use of Scripture is again utili- selectively. Whatever we may think of the strength selectively. Whatever we may think of the strength tarian in nature, disregarding the obvious mean- tarian in nature, disregarding the obvious mean- of his argument, we must recognise that, at the of his argument, we must recognise that, at the ing of texts to suits their needs – as in the case ing of texts to suits their needs – as in the case very least, he and the other Horsemen challenge very least, he and the other Horsemen challenge of the last three chapters (19-21) of the book of of the last three chapters (19-21) of the book of us to present a defence of our own reading. Such us to present a defence of our own reading. Such Judges. Hitchens can then conclude: ‘The Bible Judges. Hitchens can then conclude: ‘The Bible a defence should use the concept of history of a defence should use the concept of history of may, indeed does, contain a warrant for traffick- may, indeed does, contain a warrant for traffick- redemption, which I take to be the most impor- redemption, which I take to be the most impor- ing in humans, for ethnic cleansing, for slavery, ing in humans, for ethnic cleansing, for slavery, tant framework for interpreting both testaments. tant framework for interpreting both testaments. for bride-price, and for indiscriminate massa- for bride-price, and for indiscriminate massa- Interestingly, the New Atheists often present Interestingly, the New Atheists often present cre …’18 Hitchens seems to blame the Bible for cre …’18 Hitchens seems to blame the Bible for themselves as expert exegetes even though most of themselves as expert exegetes even though most of merely reporting and describing cruel events. If merely reporting and describing cruel events. If them never had any formal training in either Greek them never had any formal training in either Greek this becomes the norm, reporters and journalists this becomes the norm, reporters and journalists or biblical Hebrew. As an example, let us consider or biblical Hebrew. As an example, let us consider should be forbidden to report on wars, famine, should be forbidden to report on wars, famine, Hitchens’ use of Psalm 121. He points out that Hitchens’ use of Psalm 121. He points out that genocides or even poverty; maybe Hitchens genocides or even poverty; maybe Hitchens himself should be blamed for reporting on wars the celebrated opening of psalm 121, for exam- himself should be blamed for reporting on wars the celebrated opening of psalm 121, for exam- throughout the world.19 ple – ’I shall lift up mine eyes unto the hills, throughout the world.19 ple – ’I shall lift up mine eyes unto the hills, The sheer nonsense of this proposition is obvi- from whence cometh my help’- is rendered The sheer nonsense of this proposition is obvi- from whence cometh my help’- is rendered ous. It is, however, the hermeneutical method of in English as a statement but in the original ous. It is, however, the hermeneutical method of in English as a statement but in the original the New Atheists: the mentioning or reporting of takes the form of a question: where is the help the New Atheists: the mentioning or reporting of takes the form of a question: where is the help 22 22 violence is taken to be the justification of violence. coming from? violence is taken to be the justification of violence. coming from? Again, Bible passages are used in a rather strange The statement that the Psalm should begin with Again, Bible passages are used in a rather strange The statement that the Psalm should begin with utilitarian way; there is no consistent presentation a question is no doubt a cutting remark directed utilitarian way; there is no consistent presentation a question is no doubt a cutting remark directed of the Old and New Testaments, nor is there any at theologians of all confessions23 but Hitchens of the Old and New Testaments, nor is there any at theologians of all confessions23 but Hitchens regard for historical developments in God’s revela- overlooks several crucial factors. He is unaware regard for historical developments in God’s revela- overlooks several crucial factors. He is unaware tion.20 that most translators do actually translate Psalm tion.20 that most translators do actually translate Psalm Despite their simplistic and literalistic use of 121:1 as a question; this is the case for the follow- Despite their simplistic and literalistic use of 121:1 as a question; this is the case for the follow- the Bible, the New Atheists are challenging.21 We ing translations: the ESV, the Jerusalem Bible, the the Bible, the New Atheists are challenging.21 We ing translations: the ESV, the Jerusalem Bible, the could of course deny this by (rightly) saying that NIV, the ASV, the Darby Bible, the New American could of course deny this by (rightly) saying that NIV, the ASV, the Darby Bible, the New American if they offer no critical interpretation of the Old Standard Bible, the New Life Version, the Wycliffe if they offer no critical interpretation of the Old Standard Bible, the New Life Version, the Wycliffe Testament, they have not proven anything – they Bible and Young’s Literal Translation … among Testament, they have not proven anything – they Bible and Young’s Literal Translation … among have merely quoted a few sensational, violent pas- others, and only in the English language. Only the have merely quoted a few sensational, violent pas- others, and only in the English language. Only the

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Douay Rheims and the King James Version have argument: brandishing a naturalistic theory does Douay Rheims and the King James Version have argument: brandishing a naturalistic theory does translated verse 1 as a statement. Hence Hitchens’ not necessarily entail that religious explanations translated verse 1 as a statement. Hence Hitchens’ not necessarily entail that religious explanations assertion that verse 1 is rendered as a statement are false. Hitchens would first have to disprove the assertion that verse 1 is rendered as a statement are false. Hitchens would first have to disprove the does not stand scrutiny. Although he poses as an religious explanation and, second, prove the natu- does not stand scrutiny. Although he poses as an religious explanation and, second, prove the natu- expert exegete, he does not even consider the ralistic one to be true. expert exegete, he does not even consider the ralistic one to be true. actual translations worth checking.24 The New Atheists’ favourite theological target actual translations worth checking.24 The New Atheists’ favourite theological target Harris makes an even better case for evaluating is the doctrine of revelation. André Comte- Harris makes an even better case for evaluating is the doctrine of revelation. André Comte- the New Atheists’ use of Scripture. The youngest Sponville, the second main representative of New the New Atheists’ use of Scripture. The youngest Sponville, the second main representative of New of the Four Horsemen regularly attacks the ‘God of Atheism in France, asks rhetorically: of the Four Horsemen regularly attacks the ‘God of Atheism in France, asks rhetorically: Abraham’ as if Abraham were the archetype of bib- Which father would be content, in order to raise Abraham’ as if Abraham were the archetype of bib- Which father would be content, in order to raise lical violence and wickedness. Of course, if Harris his children, with a word given to other people, lical violence and wickedness. Of course, if Harris his children, with a word given to other people, ever wanted to misrepresent the Bible, he could dead for centuries, a word that would be trans- ever wanted to misrepresent the Bible, he could dead for centuries, a word that would be trans- have chosen a better example to suit his purposes: mitted only by equivocal or dubious texts?29 have chosen a better example to suit his purposes: mitted only by equivocal or dubious texts?29 (the choice of Dawkins and Hitchens). It Moses (the choice of Dawkins and Hitchens). It is indeed a rather unusual reading of Genesis that But Comte-Sponville forgets to tell us what he is indeed a rather unusual reading of Genesis that But Comte-Sponville forgets to tell us what he leads him to take ‘the God of Abraham’ as the best would rather have and leaves the reader with a leads him to take ‘the God of Abraham’ as the best would rather have and leaves the reader with a example of religious intolerance. Let us, for coun- deconstructive argument. Moreover, his igno- example of religious intolerance. Let us, for coun- deconstructive argument. Moreover, his igno- ter-argument’s sake, mention that Abraham enters rance of theology blinds him to a crucial point ter-argument’s sake, mention that Abraham enters rance of theology blinds him to a crucial point into an alliance with foreign nations and that of which every student in theology is aware: that into an alliance with foreign nations and that of which every student in theology is aware: that he is called to be a blessing for all nations. One providence, inspiration and the work of the Spirit he is called to be a blessing for all nations. One providence, inspiration and the work of the Spirit should also remember that the ‘God of Abraham’ also account for the authority and continuous rel- should also remember that the ‘God of Abraham’ also account for the authority and continuous rel- even blesses Ishmael and his descendants; strange evance of Scripture. Yet despite this caricature, even blesses Ishmael and his descendants; strange evance of Scripture. Yet despite this caricature, indeed for a God of religious intolerance! Comte-Sponville’s assertion challenges our theo- indeed for a God of religious intolerance! Comte-Sponville’s assertion challenges our theo- Harris’ arguments rest on isolated quota- logical interpretation and demands that we clarify Harris’ arguments rest on isolated quota- logical interpretation and demands that we clarify tions from disconnected texts as if a collection of our reasons for maintaining our doctrine of revela- tions from disconnected texts as if a collection of our reasons for maintaining our doctrine of revela- verses could make a solid case against the God of tion. verses could make a solid case against the God of tion. Scripture. His use of the Bible can be summarised However, such theological considerations Scripture. His use of the Bible can be summarised However, such theological considerations in the following manner: would certainly be too much to ask from the New in the following manner: would certainly be too much to ask from the New Atheists. In fact they are satisfied with observing Atheists. In fact they are satisfied with observing (1) the Old Testament says A that there is a diversity of religious revelations. (1) the Old Testament says A that there is a diversity of religious revelations. (2) the New Testament says B Hitchens, for example, notes that: (2) the New Testament says B Hitchens, for example, notes that: (3) therefore the OT and the NT are false (3) therefore the OT and the NT are false Since all of these revelations, many of them Since all of these revelations, many of them As if there was no possible literary, logical and hopelessly inconsistent, cannot by definition be As if there was no possible literary, logical and hopelessly inconsistent, cannot by definition be theological relationship between the two testa- simultaneously true, it must follow that some of theological relationship between the two testa- simultaneously true, it must follow that some of ments. There is not the beginning of an argument them are false and illusory. It could also follow ments. There is not the beginning of an argument them are false and illusory. It could also follow to show, even at a distance, the relation between that only one of them is authentic, but in the to show, even at a distance, the relation between that only one of them is authentic, but in the the premises and the conclusion. This strikingly first place this seems dubious and in the second the premises and the conclusion. This strikingly first place this seems dubious and in the second mistaken form of reasoning unfortunately plagues mistaken form of reasoning unfortunately plagues 25 place it appears to necessitate in 25 place it appears to necessitate religious war in the writings of all the New Atheists. order to decide whose revelation is the true the writings of all the New Atheists. order to decide whose revelation is the true 30 30 2.2 New Atheism’s theological reconstruction one. 2.2 New Atheism’s theological reconstruction one. Based on their utilitarian reading of the Bible, the He makes three remarkable mistakes. The first is Based on their utilitarian reading of the Bible, the He makes three remarkable mistakes. The first is New Atheists often provide a criticism of Christian to posit a logical relationship between ‘there is a New Atheists often provide a criticism of Christian to posit a logical relationship between ‘there is a theology, which they cannot but despise – Harris diversity of revelations’ and ‘that one can be true theology, which they cannot but despise – Harris diversity of revelations’ and ‘that one can be true calls theology ‘ignorance with wings’.26 The New is dubious’. Certainly, Hitchens would not reason calls theology ‘ignorance with wings’.26 The New is dubious’. Certainly, Hitchens would not reason Atheists use the same non-rational method to in the same way with scientific explanations: the Atheists use the same non-rational method to in the same way with scientific explanations: the attack Christian theology as they use against the diversity of scientific models does not say anything attack Christian theology as they use against the diversity of scientific models does not say anything Bible. In Hitchens’ chapter ‘The Metaphysical about the validity of such models. Bible. In Hitchens’ chapter ‘The Metaphysical about the validity of such models. Claims of Religion are False’27 the ‘proof’ consists His second logical mistake is that his argument Claims of Religion are False’27 the ‘proof’ consists His second logical mistake is that his argument only in a random enumeration of Scripture verses seems to run like this: if several revelations exist, only in a random enumeration of Scripture verses seems to run like this: if several revelations exist, summarised in the following argument: ‘Another then all of them are false; or in syllogistic form: summarised in the following argument: ‘Another then all of them are false; or in syllogistic form: explanation is possible hence, the religious expla- (1) given A explanation is possible hence, the religious expla- (1) given A nation is false.’28 This is another logically faulty (2) given B nation is false.’28 This is another logically faulty (2) given B

EJT 22:1 • 53 EJT 22:1 • 53 • Yannick Imbert •

(3) therefore A and B are both false are obvious witnesses to the rise of emotional (3) therefore A and B are both false are obvious witnesses to the rise of emotional 33 33 Of course, he immediately indicates that he cannot reason. As David Bentley Hart rightly summa- Of course, he immediately indicates that he cannot reason. As David Bentley Hart rightly summa- draw such a conclusion and that the diversity of rises, ‘Sensation sells better than reason.’ If they draw such a conclusion and that the diversity of rises, ‘Sensation sells better than reason.’ If they revelations might still allow for one of them to be gain more influence in the years to come, the chal- revelations might still allow for one of them to be gain more influence in the years to come, the chal- true. However, he refutes this possibility by stat- lenge to the Christian faith will become more sig- true. However, he refutes this possibility by stat- lenge to the Christian faith will become more sig- ing that this would necessarily entail religious war. nificant, but not for sound philosophical reasons. ing that this would necessarily entail religious war. nificant, but not for sound philosophical reasons. Here is his third mistake: an error of categories. We will probably see an emotional extremism rise Here is his third mistake: an error of categories. We will probably see an emotional extremism rise His conclusion, briefly stated, is that the diver- from the ashes of rational atheism. This new wave His conclusion, briefly stated, is that the diver- from the ashes of rational atheism. This new wave of atheism will be non-argumentative, willingly of atheism will be non-argumentative, willingly sity of revelations (and consequently of religions) 34 sity of revelations (and consequently of religions) 34 necessitates that they eradicate each others until offensive and radically condescending. There is necessitates that they eradicate each others until offensive and radically condescending. There is only one remains: if one is true, it will annihilate no proper way to describe New Atheism other only one remains: if one is true, it will annihilate no proper way to describe New Atheism other than pointing to its long and excruciatingly - than pointing to its long and excruciatingly pain- the competing options. Here he mistakenly takes a 35 the competing options. Here he mistakenly takes a 35 metaphysical and epistemological statement (‘there ful descent into triviality and narcissism. metaphysical and epistemological statement (‘there ful descent into triviality and narcissism. Unfortunately, the contemporary fascination Unfortunately, the contemporary fascination is only one revelation’) to be a socio-political one. is only one revelation’) to be a socio-political one. yields two alarming conclusions: first, that ‘sen- yields two alarming conclusions: first, that ‘sen- Instead of reading this statement as meaning the Instead of reading this statement as meaning the sationalism sells better than sense’36 and second sationalism sells better than sense’36 and second certainty (epistemology) that only one revelation certainty (epistemology) that only one revelation that ‘it probably says more than it is comfortable that ‘it probably says more than it is comfortable is true, he reads it to mean that only one must is true, he reads it to mean that only one must to know about the relative vapidity of our culture to know about the relative vapidity of our culture remain socially.31 There are other examples of the remain socially.31 There are other examples of the that we have lost the capacity to produce profound that we have lost the capacity to produce profound same simplistic argumentation against revelation.32 same simplistic argumentation against revelation.32 belief’.37 At any rate, the New Atheism could well belief’.37 At any rate, the New Atheism could well Other kinds of arguments used by the New be synonymous with the end of reason. Other kinds of arguments used by the New be synonymous with the end of reason. Atheists are psychological explanations, especially Atheists are psychological explanations, especially in the case of the New Testament, and of Paul in in the case of the New Testament, and of Paul in particular. In this respect, Michel Onfray is a per- 3. Apologetic challenges particular. In this respect, Michel Onfray is a per- 3. Apologetic challenges fect example. In his public courses on the history 3.1 The challenge of understanding fect example. In his public courses on the history 3.1 The challenge of understanding of given at the Popular University of the society of philosophy given at the Popular University of the society , Onfray draws heavily on a psychosomatic In this second part I want to draw key apologetic Caen, Onfray draws heavily on a psychosomatic In this second part I want to draw key apologetic analysis of Paul’s religion along Nietzschean lines. points from the above. The first challenge is simply analysis of Paul’s religion along Nietzschean lines. points from the above. The first challenge is simply To put it simply, because Paul was, by his own that of understanding our society. As I mentioned To put it simply, because Paul was, by his own that of understanding our society. As I mentioned account, weak and irremediably sick, he devel- at the beginning of this article, there is consider- account, weak and irremediably sick, he devel- at the beginning of this article, there is consider- oped a theology of weakness and destruction of able debate regarding whether the New Atheism oped a theology of weakness and destruction of able debate regarding whether the New Atheism the body. adds anything new to atheistic thought. I, for one, the body. adds anything new to atheistic thought. I, for one, What is highly remarkable here is that, ironi- do not think it has more to offer as criticism of What is highly remarkable here is that, ironi- do not think it has more to offer as criticism of cally, Onfray is one of the few New Atheists to take religion, and Christianity in particular, than pre- cally, Onfray is one of the few New Atheists to take religion, and Christianity in particular, than pre- the New Testament texts for granted. Indeed, he vious atheistic philosophical movements. One the New Testament texts for granted. Indeed, he vious atheistic philosophical movements. One has only two options to construct his account of of its rare claims to novelty is that they advance has only two options to construct his account of of its rare claims to novelty is that they advance Paul’s theology. His first option is to accept the their position on the basis of radically materialistic Paul’s theology. His first option is to accept the their position on the basis of radically materialistic Pauline epistles as reliable. In this case, he can build thought. But they do not provide, in my opinion, Pauline epistles as reliable. In this case, he can build thought. But they do not provide, in my opinion, a critique of Christianity based on Paul’s psycho- any consistent construction of a new atheistic phi- a critique of Christianity based on Paul’s psycho- any consistent construction of a new atheistic phi- somatic obsessions. But in this case his intellectual losophy.38 somatic obsessions. But in this case his intellectual losophy.38 honesty – if he has any – requires that he allows However, we should also evaluate the impor- honesty – if he has any – requires that he allows However, we should also evaluate the impor- theologians to build alternative explanations based tance of the New Atheism by looking at its audi- theologians to build alternative explanations based tance of the New Atheism by looking at its audi- on a wider range of New Testament texts such as ence. In fact, this is most likely the main novelty. on a wider range of New Testament texts such as ence. In fact, this is most likely the main novelty. 1 Corinthians 13. His second option is to consider The conditions of belief in our hypermodern west- 1 Corinthians 13. His second option is to consider The conditions of belief in our hypermodern west- the New Testament accounts as not reliable. In ern societies are significantly different from the the New Testament accounts as not reliable. In ern societies are significantly different from the this case, and by logical consequence, Onfray must context of atheist thinkers such as this case, and by logical consequence, Onfray must context of atheist thinkers such as Albert Camus refrain from presenting a reconstruction of Pauline or Jean-Paul Sartre.39 Previous atheist thinkers refrain from presenting a reconstruction of Pauline or Jean-Paul Sartre.39 Previous atheist thinkers theology based on non-reliable documents! But were more willing to engage with religion at an theology based on non-reliable documents! But were more willing to engage with religion at an in the end Onfray chooses the inconsistent route intellectual level as they were willing to debate the in the end Onfray chooses the inconsistent route intellectual level as they were willing to debate the of relying on non-receivable texts to build a bio- reality of the human predicament.40 Theirs was a of relying on non-receivable texts to build a bio- reality of the human predicament.40 Theirs was a graphical account of Paul’s theology. In this, his time of erosion of certitude, but also of serious graphical account of Paul’s theology. In this, his time of erosion of certitude, but also of serious Nietzschean hermeneutics proves its limits. philosophical and rational investigation, as well as Nietzschean hermeneutics proves its limits. philosophical and rational investigation, as well as To conclude this first part, the New Atheists of social disorder. Our socio-cultural context has To conclude this first part, the New Atheists of social disorder. Our socio-cultural context has

54 • EJT 22:1 54 • EJT 22:1 • The End of Reason: New Atheists and the Bible • dramatically changed: new generations are much am convinced is a necessary and crucially impor- dramatically changed: new generations are much am convinced is a necessary and crucially impor- less conscious of the necessity of presenting a con- tant field: that of hermeneutical presuppositions. less conscious of the necessity of presenting a con- tant field: that of hermeneutical presuppositions. sistent position, most likely because of the erosion For example, Tina Beattie, professor of Catholic sistent position, most likely because of the erosion For example, Tina Beattie, professor of Catholic of rational truth in favour of a diversity of narrative Studies at Roehampton, argues in her The New of rational truth in favour of a diversity of narrative Studies at Roehampton, argues in her The New truths. Moreover, our age of and emo- Atheists that the main representative atheist writ- truths. Moreover, our age of cynicism and emo- Atheists that the main representative atheist writ- tionalism keeps many people from engaging in ers are no threat to the mainline Christian church tionalism keeps many people from engaging in ers are no threat to the mainline Christian church critical thinking. It is therefore no surprise to find because their attacks are directed at a specific part critical thinking. It is therefore no surprise to find because their attacks are directed at a specific part that the contemporary audience is eager to read of Christianity, Fundamentalism.43 To her, the that the contemporary audience is eager to read of Christianity, Fundamentalism.43 To her, the books that offer no reasoned account for the truth New Atheists mistakenly read the Bible in the same books that offer no reasoned account for the truth New Atheists mistakenly read the Bible in the same of atheism or for the falsity of religion. Hence way Fundamentalists do: they read the Bible as if it of atheism or for the falsity of religion. Hence way Fundamentalists do: they read the Bible as if it the first challenge does not come from the New was historical. Her conclusion is clear: we should the first challenge does not come from the New was historical. Her conclusion is clear: we should Atheist writers themselves but from understanding choose to take ‘the Bible as fiction, but fiction Atheist writers themselves but from understanding choose to take ‘the Bible as fiction, but fiction contemporary culture, society and people. At the worth reading’.44 Beattie also reminds her readers contemporary culture, society and people. At the worth reading’.44 Beattie also reminds her readers end, it is only because people read their books that that even though Christian theologians have suc- end, it is only because people read their books that that even though Christian theologians have suc- the New Atheists are well known, and not because cessfully answered the New Atheists on their own the New Atheists are well known, and not because cessfully answered the New Atheists on their own of their philosophical insights! ground, they have in doing so overlooked the real of their philosophical insights! ground, they have in doing so overlooked the real This brings us to the issue of vernacular theo- challenges internal to the Christian community. In This brings us to the issue of vernacular theo- challenges internal to the Christian community. In logical language. A key thing we learn from the this respect Beattie may well be correct. However, logical language. A key thing we learn from the this respect Beattie may well be correct. However, New Atheists is that the language we use accounts one should not revisit the nature of Scripture New Atheists is that the language we use accounts one should not revisit the nature of Scripture for much of our relevance in society. We have merely because of social challenges but on exegeti- for much of our relevance in society. We have merely because of social challenges but on exegeti- often stressed the necessity of a consistent and cal and hermeneutical grounds – biblical studies often stressed the necessity of a consistent and cal and hermeneutical grounds – biblical studies true worldview over against the need to be under- and systematic theology always go hand in hand. true worldview over against the need to be under- and systematic theology always go hand in hand. stood, even at a very basic and popular level. But Yet, nothing in the New Atheists’ writings neces- stood, even at a very basic and popular level. But Yet, nothing in the New Atheists’ writings neces- I suspect that this concern of ours is not shared by sitates revisiting the nature of Scripture. I suspect that this concern of ours is not shared by sitates revisiting the nature of Scripture. most of our contemporaries. The success of the Beattie is not the only scholar to make such most of our contemporaries. The success of the Beattie is not the only scholar to make such New Atheists shows that people are willing to be claims. In God and the New Atheism John Haught New Atheists shows that people are willing to be claims. In God and the New Atheism John Haught inconsistent as long as they understand that other also shows that the New Atheists have adopted inconsistent as long as they understand that other also shows that the New Atheists have adopted people stand for the same inconsistency – as long the same obsolete hermeneutics as Christian people stand for the same inconsistency – as long the same obsolete hermeneutics as Christian as they understand that they belong to an accepted Fundamentalists: as they understand that they belong to an accepted Fundamentalists: social community. Maybe we need an equivalent social community. Maybe we need an equivalent Here again it is only because he embraces a crea- Here again it is only because he embraces a crea- to Dawkins, who holds the Chair of the Public to Dawkins, who holds the Chair of the Public tionist hermeneutical method that Dennett can tionist hermeneutical method that Dennett can Understanding of Science.41 Colleagues in the area Understanding of Science.41 Colleagues in the area claim so triumphantly that evolutionary biology claim so triumphantly that evolutionary biology of biblical studies, we may need a Chair for the of biblical studies, we may need a Chair for the has exposed Genesis as a mere fossil.45 has exposed Genesis as a mere fossil.45 Public Understanding of Biblical Interpretation. Public Understanding of Biblical Interpretation. I believe Haught is mistaken. If Dennett can claim I believe Haught is mistaken. If Dennett can claim 3.2 The challenge to the unity of the Church that evolutionary biology has exposed Genesis – 3.2 The challenge to the unity of the Church that evolutionary biology has exposed Genesis – Secondly, the New Atheists ironically and unwit- and other specifics of the Christian faith – as mere Secondly, the New Atheists ironically and unwit- and other specifics of the Christian faith – as mere tingly appear to be a real challenge to the unity fraud or legend, it is not because of a so-called tingly appear to be a real challenge to the unity fraud or legend, it is not because of a so-called of the Church. This is not because their positions creationist hermeneutic but because Dennett has, of the Church. This is not because their positions creationist hermeneutic but because Dennett has, pose a serious threat to the Church but because like all other New Atheists, adopted a material- pose a serious threat to the Church but because like all other New Atheists, adopted a material- of the answers given by theologians. Answering ist epistemology and metaphysical foundation.46 of the answers given by theologians. Answering ist epistemology and metaphysical foundation.46 the New Atheism, theologians have engaged Moreover, Haught’s reference to a ‘creation- the New Atheism, theologians have engaged Moreover, Haught’s reference to a ‘creation- their writings in a variety of ways. Among the ist hermeneutic’ is a red herring. It would seem their writings in a variety of ways. Among the ist hermeneutic’ is a red herring. It would seem best responses ranks David Bentley Hart’s Atheist that Haught’s point is clear enough: Creationists best responses ranks David Bentley Hart’s Atheist that Haught’s point is clear enough: Creationists Delusions which points to serious mistakes in are the chosen opponents of the New Atheists. Delusions which points to serious mistakes in are the chosen opponents of the New Atheists. the New Atheists’ scholarship but also provides However, to refer to a specific ‘creationist’ herme- the New Atheists’ scholarship but also provides However, to refer to a specific ‘creationist’ herme- detailed answers to the main questions of the Four neutics is misleading for it has no methodological detailed answers to the main questions of the Four neutics is misleading for it has no methodological Horsemen. Alister McGrath has also produced reality. There is of course a ‘creationist’ reading of, Horsemen. Alister McGrath has also produced reality. There is of course a ‘creationist’ reading of, several good responses to the New Atheists’ chal- say, Genesis 1-3, but there is no ‘creationist her- several good responses to the New Atheists’ chal- say, Genesis 1-3, but there is no ‘creationist her- lenge. Other theologians have chosen a simpler meneutic’. lenge. Other theologians have chosen a simpler meneutic’. path, pointing to the limitations and inherent sim- What is at stake in the New Atheists’ criticism is path, pointing to the limitations and inherent sim- What is at stake in the New Atheists’ criticism is plistic caricature on the part of the New Atheists.42 not a particular reading of the Bible but the mere plistic caricature on the part of the New Atheists.42 not a particular reading of the Bible but the mere Yet other theologians have engaged in what I existence of the Bible as Word of God – no matter Yet other theologians have engaged in what I existence of the Bible as Word of God – no matter

EJT 22:1 • 55 EJT 22:1 • 55 • Yannick Imbert • how you explain this. Haught and Beattie are in atheism of Dawkins and the like. how you explain this. Haught and Beattie are in atheism of Dawkins and the like. this respect blind to the fact that the New Atheists’ So the present challenge comes from this respect blind to the fact that the New Atheists’ So the present challenge comes from attacks are not prevented by claiming that only Feuerbach’s theory of the emptiness of religious attacks are not prevented by claiming that only Feuerbach’s theory of the emptiness of religious the Fundamentalists hold to such and such bibli- language. He is a more serious influence than the Fundamentalists hold to such and such bibli- language. He is a more serious influence than cal claims. If that was the case, one would have some Christian theologians and apologists have cal claims. If that was the case, one would have some Christian theologians and apologists have to defend the Christian position by showing that yet acknowledged. Moreover, of those who have to defend the Christian position by showing that yet acknowledged. Moreover, of those who have only Fundamentalists believe God to be Creator hinted at the possible influence of Feuerbach, only Fundamentalists believe God to be Creator hinted at the possible influence of Feuerbach, (by supernatural or natural processes) of the uni- many have at times seriously misread the German (by supernatural or natural processes) of the uni- many have at times seriously misread the German verse, that Christ has ever historically existed, that philosopher. Tina Beattie, for example, thinks that verse, that Christ has ever historically existed, that philosopher. Tina Beattie, for example, thinks that he died and was raised from the dead. But I take it Feuerbach’s theory that religion is a projection of he died and was raised from the dead. But I take it Feuerbach’s theory that religion is a projection of that not only American Christian Fundamentalists human desire can be summarised this way: ‘the that not only American Christian Fundamentalists human desire can be summarised this way: ‘the believe in these particular doctrinal points.47 Of associations between masculinity and divinity mean believe in these particular doctrinal points.47 Of associations between masculinity and divinity mean course, the danger here would be to warrant the that Christian beliefs about God are influenced by course, the danger here would be to warrant the that Christian beliefs about God are influenced by New Atheists’ charges on these grounds. I am masculine fantasies and projections’.50 This is a New Atheists’ charges on these grounds. I am masculine fantasies and projections’.50 This is a convinced that Haught gives too much ground to serious misrepresentation of Feuerbach’s theory convinced that Haught gives too much ground to serious misrepresentation of Feuerbach’s theory the New Atheists.48 In fact, we should always be of ‘projection’ for even a superficial and cursory the New Atheists.48 In fact, we should always be of ‘projection’ for even a superficial and cursory suspicious when someone argues against any given reading of his work shows that when he refers to suspicious when someone argues against any given reading of his work shows that when he refers to position merely because of its supposed ‘anachro- ‘man’s projection’ he does not have in mind a gen- position merely because of its supposed ‘anachro- ‘man’s projection’ he does not have in mind a gen- nistic’ nature, as if the past could not convey truth. dered notion but a universal one.51 Religion is the nistic’ nature, as if the past could not convey truth. dered notion but a universal one.51 Religion is the In many ways, what Haught rejects as ‘obsolete projection of humanity’s desires, not masculinity’s In many ways, what Haught rejects as ‘obsolete projection of humanity’s desires, not masculinity’s theology’ is obsolete because it never existed. desires.52 As Nathan Hilberg, professor of philos- theology’ is obsolete because it never existed. desires.52 As Nathan Hilberg, professor of philos- I said that the second challenge was the preser- ophy of religion at the University of Pittsburgh, I said that the second challenge was the preser- ophy of religion at the University of Pittsburgh, vation of the unity of the Church. Indeed, Beattie indicates: vation of the unity of the Church. Indeed, Beattie indicates: and Haught are eager to separate themselves from and Haught are eager to separate themselves from when Feuerbach wrote about God, he was not when Feuerbach wrote about God, he was not ‘’ because they think ‘Christian Fundamentalism’ because they think referring to the God typically associated with referring to the God typically associated with they have found a perfect line of defence. The they have found a perfect line of defence. The the Western theistic tradition: the Creator of the Western theistic tradition: the Creator of New Atheists attack Christian Fundamentalism, New Atheists attack Christian Fundamentalism, heavens and the earth, for example. Rather, by heavens and the earth, for example. Rather, by not Christianity itself. In doing so, they uninten- not Christianity itself. In doing so, they uninten- ‘God,’ Feuerbach was describing a projection of ‘God,’ Feuerbach was describing a projection of tionally but irremediably threaten the unity of the tionally but irremediably threaten the unity of the our species-consciousness.53 our species-consciousness.53 Church by ostracising one tradition of the Christian Church by ostracising one tradition of the Christian Church. In many ways Haught and Beattie’s Projection of desires is one of the basic tenets Church. In many ways Haught and Beattie’s Projection of desires is one of the basic tenets responses to the New Atheists are as much a chal- of his understanding of the nature and rise of reli- responses to the New Atheists are as much a chal- of his understanding of the nature and rise of reli- lenge for us as the New Atheists themselves. When gion. Desire is the origin of the gods. This par- lenge for us as the New Atheists themselves. When gion. Desire is the origin of the gods. This par- taking up the New Atheists’ challenges, we should ticular point is clear in his Theogony (1857) and taking up the New Atheists’ challenges, we should ticular point is clear in his Theogony (1857) and not forget that our words should not endanger the can be considered his most elaborate explana- not forget that our words should not endanger the can be considered his most elaborate explana- unity of the Church. tion of the religious phenomenon. In The Essence unity of the Church. tion of the religious phenomenon. In The Essence of Christianity his conclusion is even clearer: the of Christianity his conclusion is even clearer: the 3.3 Feuerbach and the challenge of religious root of religion itself is desire, not understood 3.3 Feuerbach and the challenge of religious root of religion itself is desire, not understood language morally but metaphysically.54 This metaphysical language morally but metaphysically.54 This metaphysical The third challenge is that of religious language. desire is what Neusch also calls will to live, self- The third challenge is that of religious language. desire is what Neusch also calls will to live, self- The New Atheists seem not to care for precise development or the instinct for . This The New Atheists seem not to care for precise development or the instinct for happiness. This argumentation because to them religious language desire for happiness is, according to his reading of argumentation because to them religious language desire for happiness is, according to his reading of is not worth discussing. In this respect, some of Feuerbach, the deepest layer within humankind.55 is not worth discussing. In this respect, some of Feuerbach, the deepest layer within humankind.55 them, particularly French New Atheists, rely heav- This clarifies what Feuerbach means when he them, particularly French New Atheists, rely heav- This clarifies what Feuerbach means when he ily on Ludwig Feuerbach’s theory of religion. famously concludes that ‘the secret of theology is ily on Ludwig Feuerbach’s theory of religion. famously concludes that ‘the secret of theology is Incidentally, it is remarkable that Hitchens does anthropology’.56 Everything begins with his state- Incidentally, it is remarkable that Hitchens does anthropology’.56 Everything begins with his state- not include any text by Feuerbach in his collection ment that ‘all therefore which, in the point of view not include any text by Feuerbach in his collection ment that ‘all therefore which, in the point of view of essential atheist readings, The Portable Atheist.49 of metaphysical, transcendental speculation and of essential atheist readings, The Portable Atheist.49 of metaphysical, transcendental speculation and The absence of Feuerbach is an interesting indi- religion, has the significance only of the second- The absence of Feuerbach is an interesting indi- religion, has the significance only of the second- cation of the differences between continental and ary, the subjective, the medium, the organ – has cation of the differences between continental and ary, the subjective, the medium, the organ – has Anglo-Saxon philosophical traditions, especially if in truth the significance of the primary, of the Anglo-Saxon philosophical traditions, especially if in truth the significance of the primary, of the one keeps in mind the more existential direction essence, of the object itself’.57 The complexity of one keeps in mind the more existential direction essence, of the object itself’.57 The complexity of of continental atheists compared to the scientific Feuerbach’s Essence of Christianity precludes the of continental atheists compared to the scientific Feuerbach’s Essence of Christianity precludes the

56 • EJT 22:1 56 • EJT 22:1 • The End of Reason: New Atheists and the Bible • possibility of presenting a simple summary but one tury ago: ‘it is perfectly true that nothing exists possibility of presenting a simple summary but one tury ago: ‘it is perfectly true that nothing exists thing stands out from the previous quote: every- merely because we wish it, but it is not true that thing stands out from the previous quote: every- merely because we wish it, but it is not true that thing that is predicated of God, must be predicated something cannot exist if we wish it. Feuerbach’s thing that is predicated of God, must be predicated something cannot exist if we wish it. Feuerbach’s of the human essence. Everything that belongs to entire critique of religion and the proof of his athe- of the human essence. Everything that belongs to entire critique of religion and the proof of his athe- the human nature – the secondary – is in fact pri- ism, however, rest upon this single argument – a the human nature – the secondary – is in fact pri- ism, however, rest upon this single argument – a mary, that is, it belongs to the human nature in logical fallacy’.63 It can be rather surprising to find mary, that is, it belongs to the human nature in logical fallacy’.63 It can be rather surprising to find the primary sense. Humans possess love, good- New Atheists like Michel Onfray openly building the primary sense. Humans possess love, good- New Atheists like Michel Onfray openly building ness, etc. not by virtue of being created by God on such assumptions without interacting with the ness, etc. not by virtue of being created by God on such assumptions without interacting with the but by and in themselves. All other divine attrib- relevant critical scholarship.64 but by and in themselves. All other divine attrib- relevant critical scholarship.64 utes are only desires to transcend the limitations Nevertheless, the challenge of Feuerbach’s utes are only desires to transcend the limitations Nevertheless, the challenge of Feuerbach’s of the human species (or species-consciousness).58 atheism is not to be taken lightly. The New of the human species (or species-consciousness).58 atheism is not to be taken lightly. The New Hence for Feuerbach, the essential organs of Atheists may not have taken the critical evalua- Hence for Feuerbach, the essential organs of Atheists may not have taken the critical evalua- religions bear witness to the essential subject of tions of his work into account, but this does not religions bear witness to the essential subject of tions of his work into account, but this does not human essence. This means that if feeling is the mean that we do not have a difficult challenge human essence. This means that if feeling is the mean that we do not have a difficult challenge essential organ of religion, the nature of God is an ahead of us. Certainly, the New Atheists, particu- essential organ of religion, the nature of God is an ahead of us. Certainly, the New Atheists, particu- expression of feeling; but also, and more impor- larly Onfray, are open to the charge of presenting expression of feeling; but also, and more impor- larly Onfray, are open to the charge of presenting tantly, that if humanity is the essential organ of a dubious theory of religion. But I am convinced tantly, that if humanity is the essential organ of a dubious theory of religion. But I am convinced religion, the nature of God is an expression of that they do not need to answer previous criticisms religion, the nature of God is an expression of that they do not need to answer previous criticisms human nature. In this sense, Feuerbach has simply of Feuerbach. In fact, the New Atheists take the human nature. In this sense, Feuerbach has simply of Feuerbach. In fact, the New Atheists take the taken a radical anthropological understanding of counter-arguments against Feuerbach to be irrel- taken a radical anthropological understanding of counter-arguments against Feuerbach to be irrel- the incarnation. Barth, for example, perceptively evant, which is quite a solid position given their the incarnation. Barth, for example, perceptively evant, which is quite a solid position given their notes than when Feuerbach identifies human assumption that religious language is devoid of notes than when Feuerbach identifies human assumption that religious language is devoid of essence and divine essence, he merely claims to be objective meaning. essence and divine essence, he merely claims to be objective meaning. part of the Lutheran tradition.59 This, for Barth, is part of the Lutheran tradition.59 This, for Barth, is mainly the result of a Lutheran stress on the eleva- 3.4 The legitimacy of theological construction mainly the result of a Lutheran stress on the eleva- 3.4 The legitimacy of theological construction tion of Christ’s human nature.60 If, for Feuerbach, The last challenge before us is that of hermeneu- tion of Christ’s human nature.60 If, for Feuerbach, The last challenge before us is that of hermeneu- the true nature of religion is the study of human tics and theological construction. In fact, many the true nature of religion is the study of human tics and theological construction. In fact, many nature, it entails that the proper object of religion remarks made by the New Atheists strike a chord. nature, it entails that the proper object of religion remarks made by the New Atheists strike a chord. is not God but something the notion of God has We have become so used to interpreting the is not God but something the notion of God has We have become so used to interpreting the subjectively hidden from our view. In fact, the Scriptures that we may have forgotten that bibli- subjectively hidden from our view. In fact, the Scriptures that we may have forgotten that bibli- object of God is then nothing else than God’s own cal interpretation can look obscure and even ille- object of God is then nothing else than God’s own cal interpretation can look obscure and even ille- nature taken objectively, and since the nature of gitimate to our contemporaries. For example, the nature taken objectively, and since the nature of gitimate to our contemporaries. For example, the God is nothing objectively, it must be in itself the christological interpretation of the Old Testament, God is nothing objectively, it must be in itself the christological interpretation of the Old Testament, objective subject of its originating thought pro- even if necessary, still needs to be justified in order objective subject of its originating thought pro- even if necessary, still needs to be justified in order cess,61 that is, humanity’s self-consciousness. We for our contemporaries to see its legitimacy. To cess,61 that is, humanity’s self-consciousness. We for our contemporaries to see its legitimacy. To can then conclude that ‘theology is anthropology repeat a point already mentioned, when the New can then conclude that ‘theology is anthropology repeat a point already mentioned, when the New and, therefore, the hidden meaning of Christianity Atheists charge theologians with selective reading and, therefore, the hidden meaning of Christianity Atheists charge theologians with selective reading is atheism’.62 of the Bible, they may actually have a point. Not is atheism’.62 of the Bible, they may actually have a point. Not Some among the New Atheists use Feuerbach that their remarks are in themselves warranted, Some among the New Atheists use Feuerbach that their remarks are in themselves warranted, to suggest that the Bible is exclusively the Holy but, in the absence of clear explanation on our to suggest that the Bible is exclusively the Holy but, in the absence of clear explanation on our Scripture of the Christian community, and then part, our contemporaries are left with no alterna- Scripture of the Christian community, and then part, our contemporaries are left with no alterna- that it is only the expression of this community’s tive but that of the Four Horsemen. that it is only the expression of this community’s tive but that of the Four Horsemen. projected desires, not the expression of something This particular challenge may prove one of projected desires, not the expression of something This particular challenge may prove one of universally human. In this way we can understand the most difficult because of the intense theo- universally human. In this way we can understand the most difficult because of the intense theo- what Onfray says about the nature of Christian logical debate regarding hermeneutics, especially what Onfray says about the nature of Christian logical debate regarding hermeneutics, especially theology: it is the projection of the Christians’ regarding the New Testament’s use of the Old theology: it is the projection of the Christians’ regarding the New Testament’s use of the Old desires. However, we can challenge the New Testament.65 In this respect, recent comments by desires. However, we can challenge the New Testament.65 In this respect, recent comments by Atheists’ reliance on Feuerbach for, in the end, his some biblical scholars about the rather odd use Atheists’ reliance on Feuerbach for, in the end, his some biblical scholars about the rather odd use overall theory of religion relies heavily of some- of the Old Testament by the New may well work overall theory of religion relies heavily of some- of the Old Testament by the New may well work thing that is difficult to demonstrate: that religion in favour of the New Atheists. They make simi- thing that is difficult to demonstrate: that religion in favour of the New Atheists. They make simi- comes from the projection of objectified human lar remarks regarding the non-contextual, and at comes from the projection of objectified human lar remarks regarding the non-contextual, and at desires. This assumption has been seriously ques- times illegitimate, handling of the Old Testament desires. This assumption has been seriously ques- times illegitimate, handling of the Old Testament tioned. Eduard von Hartmann wrote nearly a cen- by the New Testament. This argument, which tioned. Eduard von Hartmann wrote nearly a cen- by the New Testament. This argument, which

EJT 22:1 • 57 EJT 22:1 • 57 • Yannick Imbert • makes the point that the New Testament under- the how and why of our hermeneutics. That is, they makes the point that the New Testament under- the how and why of our hermeneutics. That is, they stands the Old Testament in ways the latter in demand that we provide a metaphysical ground stands the Old Testament in ways the latter in demand that we provide a metaphysical ground itself does not warrant, is behind much of the New for our epistemological understanding of scriptural itself does not warrant, is behind much of the New for our epistemological understanding of scriptural Atheists’ criticism. hermeneutics. Here probably lies another problem: Atheists’ criticism. hermeneutics. Here probably lies another problem: The real difference is that, whereas theologi- that our hermeneutics, whatever its method or key The real difference is that, whereas theologi- that our hermeneutics, whatever its method or key ans are legitimately concerned with a christologi- concept, has not yet been explained in a manner ans are legitimately concerned with a christologi- concept, has not yet been explained in a manner cal reading that would respect the integrity and that can be understood by our society. I would cal reading that would respect the integrity and that can be understood by our society. I would diversity of the Old Testament books, the New argue that we need to make a clear case for bibli- diversity of the Old Testament books, the New argue that we need to make a clear case for bibli- Atheists are concerned about the way theologi- cal theology67 as well as for a renewed historical- Atheists are concerned about the way theologi- cal theology67 as well as for a renewed historical- ans disregard parts of the Old Testament. This is redemptive reading of the whole Scripture. ans disregard parts of the Old Testament. This is redemptive reading of the whole Scripture. particularly clear in their attack on religious mod- particularly clear in their attack on religious mod- eration. Harris, for example, says that ‘in America, 3.5 Nietzsche and Onfray eration. Harris, for example, says that ‘in America, 3.5 Nietzsche and Onfray religious moderation is further enforced by the I would like to end with another main influence religious moderation is further enforced by the I would like to end with another main influence fact that most Christians and Jews do not read the on many continental New Atheists, Friedrich fact that most Christians and Jews do not read the on many continental New Atheists, Friedrich Bible in its entirety and consequently have no idea Nietzsche. Again, it is striking that Hitchens’ Bible in its entirety and consequently have no idea Nietzsche. Again, it is striking that Hitchens’ just how vigorously the God of Abraham wants Portable Atheist does not contain anything by just how vigorously the God of Abraham wants Portable Atheist does not contain anything by heresy expunged’.66 This remark, even if hopelessly Nietzsche. The absence of the two fathers of heresy expunged’.66 This remark, even if hopelessly Nietzsche. The absence of the two fathers of superficial, illustrates what might be a problem modern atheism strikes me as rather strange. superficial, illustrates what might be a problem modern atheism strikes me as rather strange. for our contemporaries: how the Old Testament Could it be that Hitchens finds that Harris’ and for our contemporaries: how the Old Testament Could it be that Hitchens finds that Harris’ and is read through the New; how some of the diffi- Dennett’s superficial writings serve his purpose is read through the New; how some of the diffi- Dennett’s superficial writings serve his purpose cult and radical passages of the Old Testament can better than the deep, challenging thoughts of cult and radical passages of the Old Testament can better than the deep, challenging thoughts of legitimately be read in a christological and escha- Feuerbach and Nietzsche?68 I have no doubt that, legitimately be read in a christological and escha- Feuerbach and Nietzsche?68 I have no doubt that, tological manner. indeed, Harris and Dennett are better representa- tological manner. indeed, Harris and Dennett are better representa- We could of course present several answers to tives of the current surge of emotional atheism We could of course present several answers to tives of the current surge of emotional atheism the New Atheists’ challenge of our reading of than the radical position of, say, Nietzsche. the New Atheists’ challenge of our reading of than the radical position of, say, Nietzsche. Scripture. We could stress, in true postmodern Michel Onfray has made a good case for the Scripture. We could stress, in true postmodern Michel Onfray has made a good case for the fashion, the exclusively narrative and communitar- current relevance of Nietzsche’s philosophy of the fashion, the exclusively narrative and communitar- current relevance of Nietzsche’s philosophy of the ian reading of Scripture. In doing so, we would body. To Onfray, the crucial value of Nietzsche lies ian reading of Scripture. In doing so, we would body. To Onfray, the crucial value of Nietzsche lies certainly secure the possibility of reading the Old in the realm of epistemology. Against the numer- certainly secure the possibility of reading the Old in the realm of epistemology. Against the numer- Testament through the New. However, in doing ous views that locate knowledge in one specific Testament through the New. However, in doing ous views that locate knowledge in one specific so we would partly give up our epistemologi- part of human nature, Nietzsche argues that we so we would partly give up our epistemologi- part of human nature, Nietzsche argues that we cal ground by making revealed truth a function think, because the body thinks. Nietzsche’s mes- cal ground by making revealed truth a function think, because the body thinks. Nietzsche’s mes- of communitarian narrative. Some scholars argue sianic idea is precisely that: thought does not of communitarian narrative. Some scholars argue sianic idea is precisely that: thought does not that the New Testament uses the Old in creative think, neither consciousness, neither intelligence that the New Testament uses the Old in creative think, neither consciousness, neither intelligence ways; however, what do ‘creative ways’ precisely or reason, but the body alone.69 Onfray can there- ways; however, what do ‘creative ways’ precisely or reason, but the body alone.69 Onfray can there- mean and can they be warranted as comprehen- fore conclude that knowledge is biography70 and mean and can they be warranted as comprehen- fore conclude that knowledge is biography70 and sive hermeneutical methods? If we do not pro- take as an example a towering figure of French lit- sive hermeneutical methods? If we do not pro- take as an example a towering figure of French lit- vide a convincing answer, we cannot expect our erature, ’s Essays, in which vide a convincing answer, we cannot expect our erature, Michel de Montaigne’s Essays, in which contemporaries to be convinced by claims about Montaigne affirms that if he speaks of himself it contemporaries to be convinced by claims about Montaigne affirms that if he speaks of himself it the authority of Scripture. Still others say that the is only because talking about himself makes his the authority of Scripture. Still others say that the is only because talking about himself makes his New Testament does not provide a consistently discourse universal.71 With this example, Onfray’s New Testament does not provide a consistently discourse universal.71 With this example, Onfray’s legitimate reading of the Old Testament. In this Nietzsche argues that a proper methodological legitimate reading of the Old Testament. In this Nietzsche argues that a proper methodological case, we are on the verge of arguing that the New reading (or hermeneutics) must consider that the case, we are on the verge of arguing that the New reading (or hermeneutics) must consider that the Testament does not provide a justified interpreta- context is never historical in itself, but is the history Testament does not provide a justified interpreta- context is never historical in itself, but is the history tive reading of the Old Testament. At best, we are of the body. Thus hermeneutics becomes, properly tive reading of the Old Testament. At best, we are of the body. Thus hermeneutics becomes, properly again open to the charge of arbitrary and selective speaking, exegesis of the body and philosophy again open to the charge of arbitrary and selective speaking, exegesis of the body and philosophy reading of the Old Testament. becomes transfigurated physiology. Onfray sum- reading of the Old Testament. becomes transfigurated physiology. Onfray sum- Again, the New Atheists challenge us to provide marises Nietzsche’s hermeneutics by saying that Again, the New Atheists challenge us to provide marises Nietzsche’s hermeneutics by saying that a consistent and biblical interpretative method. In ‘philosophy (and so theology) is always a body a consistent and biblical interpretative method. In ‘philosophy (and so theology) is always a body doing this, we will also position hermeneutics in trying to resolve a problem coming from his idi- doing this, we will also position hermeneutics in trying to resolve a problem coming from his idi- the necessary metaphysical ground: that of the self- osyncrasy’.72 The motto of this new epistemology the necessary metaphysical ground: that of the self- osyncrasy’.72 The motto of this new epistemology attesting and self-revealing God. They challenge is that knowledge of oneself is knowledge of one’s attesting and self-revealing God. They challenge is that knowledge of oneself is knowledge of one’s us to explain which ground we have in reality for body.73 One can even say that knowledge of a - us to explain which ground we have in reality for body.73 One can even say that knowledge of a philo-

58 • EJT 22:1 58 • EJT 22:1 • The End of Reason: New Atheists and the Bible • sophical moment or of a religious tradition comes has done, that these books display ‘an odd defen- sophical moment or of a religious tradition comes has done, that these books display ‘an odd defen- only by and through the personal acts of a given siveness … as though they were a sign not of vic- only by and through the personal acts of a given siveness … as though they were a sign not of vic- author. Religious texts are constituted mainly by tory but of desperation’.78 author. Religious texts are constituted mainly by tory but of desperation’.78 ‘the smallest door of personal experience through This myopic caricature of Christian episte- ‘the smallest door of personal experience through This myopic caricature of Christian episte- the hugest fortress of Existing’. mology and belief leaves us wondering in which the hugest fortress of Existing’. mology and belief leaves us wondering in which Again, the later Feuerbach supports this view, way we could significantly engage them. As one Again, the later Feuerbach supports this view, way we could significantly engage them. As one adding to his earlier philosophy of religion the reviewer has said, adding to his earlier philosophy of religion the reviewer has said, convictions that (1) mind and body are just two because [the New Atheists] lack any concept of convictions that (1) mind and body are just two because [the New Atheists] lack any concept of aspects of one material organism; and (2) this context or necessary connection, we are never aspects of one material organism; and (2) this context or necessary connection, we are never organism is animated by an overwhelming drive offered the thorough coverage of any question, organism is animated by an overwhelming drive offered the thorough coverage of any question, for fulfilment (Glückseligkeitstrieb) which, in turn, breaking down a case into simpler elements and for fulfilment (Glückseligkeitstrieb) which, in turn, breaking down a case into simpler elements and manifests itself in needs and desires. Onfray’s criti- building up the patterns of relation; rather, we manifests itself in needs and desires. Onfray’s criti- building up the patterns of relation; rather, we cisms of Pauline Christianity might in this case be are given the tracing of single elements (often a cisms of Pauline Christianity might in this case be are given the tracing of single elements (often a unwarranted. Of course, on Onfray’s own basis, word) through different frames and contexts.79 unwarranted. Of course, on Onfray’s own basis, word) through different frames and contexts.79 one may wonder how we can truly understand one may wonder how we can truly understand It is difficult to interact and establish a real dialogue It is difficult to interact and establish a real dialogue anything about the world or ourselves while our anything about the world or ourselves while our with these writers. However, even the shallow- with these writers. However, even the shallow- bodies are acting upon us independently of our bodies are acting upon us independently of our ness of their writings demands a serious apologet- ness of their writings demands a serious apologet- thoughts and ideas. Can we have any control over thoughts and ideas. Can we have any control over ics. In order to engage the Four Horsemen, we ics. In order to engage the Four Horsemen, we the events of our history as well as the truth of the the events of our history as well as the truth of the should never review their positions on our terms should never review their positions on our terms world surrounding us? To my mind, there is little world surrounding us? To my mind, there is little but on their basis.80 In order to engage in effective but on their basis.80 In order to engage in effective doubt that Onfray must surrender all possibility apologetic defence of the biblical faith, we need doubt that Onfray must surrender all possibility apologetic defence of the biblical faith, we need of finding a solid ground on which to establish to reconsider our presentation of biblical herme- of finding a solid ground on which to establish to reconsider our presentation of biblical herme- a proper ethical or political philosophy. His her- neutics and show the manner in which our biblical a proper ethical or political philosophy. His her- neutics and show the manner in which our biblical meneutics of the self and the world is doomed to theology provides a consistent and epistemologi- meneutics of the self and the world is doomed to theology provides a consistent and epistemologi- be merely an exegesis of events. That is cally legitimate reading of Scripture. But this epis- be merely an exegesis of individual events. That is cally legitimate reading of Scripture. But this epis- to say, we have here the opportunity not only to temological challenge also reveals another area in to say, we have here the opportunity not only to temological challenge also reveals another area in answer the challenge of Nietzschean hermeneutics which we have to engage the New Atheists for, in answer the challenge of Nietzschean hermeneutics which we have to engage the New Atheists for, in but also to challenge this hermeneutics. the end, they take the debate within the realm of but also to challenge this hermeneutics. the end, they take the debate within the realm of metaphysics, as Hart perceived: metaphysics, as Hart perceived: 4. Conclusion The only points at which the New Atheists seem 4. Conclusion The only points at which the New Atheists seem At first, the New Atheists’ challenges do not to invite any serious intellectual engagement are At first, the New Atheists’ challenges do not to invite any serious intellectual engagement are appear to be as serious as one might have feared. those at which they try to demonstrate that all appear to be as serious as one might have feared. those at which they try to demonstrate that all Their crusade against religion sounds like a disor- the traditional metaphysical arguments for the Their crusade against religion sounds like a disor- the traditional metaphysical arguments for the ganised diatribe rather than a thoughtful confron- reality of God fail. At least, this should be their ganised diatribe rather than a thoughtful confron- reality of God fail. At least, this should be their tation of ideas and worldviews. Their arguments most powerful line of critique, and no doubt tation of ideas and worldviews. Their arguments most powerful line of critique, and no doubt are like ‘a meditation upon some rather arbitrarily would be if any of them could demonstrate a are like ‘a meditation upon some rather arbitrarily would be if any of them could demonstrate a chosen aspects of the world’.74 As I have shown, respectable understanding of those traditional chosen aspects of the world’.74 As I have shown, respectable understanding of those traditional their case is so plighted with categorical, logical metaphysical arguments, as well as an ability to their case is so plighted with categorical, logical metaphysical arguments, as well as an ability to and hermeneutical errors that the intellectual chal- refute them.81 and hermeneutical errors that the intellectual chal- refute them.81 lenge is not much of a threat.75 Moreover, the Metaphysics is precisely where Christian theology lenge is not much of a threat.75 Moreover, the Metaphysics is precisely where Christian theology unfortunate nature of the New Atheists’ criticisms has always been at its best and it can thus be the unfortunate nature of the New Atheists’ criticisms has always been at its best and it can thus be the often prevents us from engaging them in any sig- field where we should also take the challenge of often prevents us from engaging them in any sig- field where we should also take the challenge of nificant way.76 This, however, does not mean that New Atheism. Merely to answer the biblical chal- nificant way.76 This, however, does not mean that New Atheism. Merely to answer the biblical chal- the challenge is not real, on the contrary. Even if lenge would be a serious mistake because it would the challenge is not real, on the contrary. Even if lenge would be a serious mistake because it would we can agree with Pascal when he concludes that overlook the necessity of broader apologetic we can agree with Pascal when he concludes that overlook the necessity of broader apologetic ‘atheism shows strength of mind, but only up to responses. ‘atheism shows strength of mind, but only up to responses. a certain degree’, the New Atheists’ refusal to To answer the New Atheists’ challenge, apolo- a certain degree’, the New Atheists’ refusal to To answer the New Atheists’ challenge, apolo- engage with theological scholarship demonstrates getics should point to the essential inconsisten- engage with theological scholarship demonstrates getics should point to the essential inconsisten- that we have not yet taken into account that in cies of their endeavour. Indeed, if their cultural that we have not yet taken into account that in cies of their endeavour. Indeed, if their cultural the realm of philosophical debates, they have sur- anthropological premises are true, if all we have the realm of philosophical debates, they have sur- anthropological premises are true, if all we have rendered reason for the tyranny of emotionalism.77 left is a materialistic or Nietzschean epistemology rendered reason for the tyranny of emotionalism.77 left is a materialistic or Nietzschean epistemology Maybe we could even consider, as Michael Novak with its corresponding view of the world, the New Maybe we could even consider, as Michael Novak with its corresponding view of the world, the New

EJT 22:1 • 59 EJT 22:1 • 59 • Yannick Imbert •

Atheists must surrender all prospects of providing forums, and other books have also played an impor- Atheists must surrender all prospects of providing forums, and other books have also played an impor- a global theory grounded in reality – reality being tant role in driving this social phenomenon.’ Richard a global theory grounded in reality – reality being tant role in driving this social phenomenon.’ Richard an individual body-made notion. Given the New Cimino and Christopher Smith, ‘The New Atheism an individual body-made notion. Given the New Cimino and Christopher Smith, ‘The New Atheism Atheists’ use of Scripture and their alliance of epis- and the Formation of the Imagined Secularist Atheists’ use of Scripture and their alliance of epis- and the Formation of the Imagined Secularist temological with scientism, apologet- Community’, Journal of Media and Religion 10.1 temological materialism with scientism, apologet- Community’, Journal of Media and Religion 10.1 (2011) 24-38. Taylor Francis Online, http://www. (2011) 24-38. Taylor Francis Online, http://www. ics should demonstrate that their position can only tandfonline.com, accessed August 12, 2012. ics should demonstrate that their position can only tandfonline.com, accessed August 12, 2012. lead to a non-existing reality. This can be achieved, 3 Richard Dawkins, ‘The Four Horsemen’, The lead to a non-existing reality. This can be achieved, 3 Richard Dawkins, ‘The Four Horsemen’, The I surmise, by restating our traditional understand- Richard Dawkins Foundation, http://richard I surmise, by restating our traditional understand- Richard Dawkins Foundation, http://richard ing of the nature of God, of creation and Scripture dawkins.net, accessed August 12, 2012. ing of the nature of God, of creation and Scripture dawkins.net, accessed August 12, 2012. in contemporary terms. Here, the Christian faith 4 Peter Berkowitz, ‘The New New Atheism’, Wall in contemporary terms. Here, the Christian faith 4 Peter Berkowitz, ‘The New New Atheism’, Wall can demonstrate the uniqueness and necessary Street Journal July 16, 2007, http://online.wsj. can demonstrate the uniqueness and necessary Street Journal July 16, 2007, http://online.wsj. presence of the God of hope and salvation. After com, accessed August 12, 2012. presence of the God of hope and salvation. After com, accessed August 12, 2012. a long absence metaphysics must be brought back 5 Arthur Bradley and Andrew Tate, The New Atheist a long absence metaphysics must be brought back 5 Arthur Bradley and Andrew Tate, The New Atheist into the philosophical debate. Novel: Fiction, Philosophy and Polemic after 9/11 into the philosophical debate. Novel: Fiction, Philosophy and Polemic after 9/11 We should not grant too much ground to the (London, New York: Continuum, 2010) 2, con- We should not grant too much ground to the (London, New York: Continuum, 2010) 2, con- clude that the rise of this atheistic movement is the clude that the rise of this atheistic movement is the New Atheists when they endanger the unity of the result of a new creation myth which emerged from New Atheists when they endanger the unity of the result of a new creation myth which emerged from Church. The challenges we face require a strong a particular socio-cultural narrative beginning with Church. The challenges we face require a strong a particular socio-cultural narrative beginning with biblical and theological apologetics embodied the alliance of American politics with the Religious biblical and theological apologetics embodied the alliance of American politics with the Religious in a public understanding of biblical interpreta- Right, and lasting well into the opening of the 21st in a public understanding of biblical interpreta- Right, and lasting well into the opening of the 21st tion. This is all the more necessary because, if our century. If the New Atheism is ‘undoubtedly surf- tion. This is all the more necessary because, if our century. If the New Atheism is ‘undoubtedly surf- biblical scholarship does not integrate the neces- ing some sort of cultural ’, the fact remains biblical scholarship does not integrate the neces- ing some sort of cultural Zeitgeist’, the fact remains sary epistemological and metaphysical ground that ‘unlike older models of atheism that depend sary epistemological and metaphysical ground that ‘unlike older models of atheism that depend for Christian knowledge, we have given the New on complex philosophical or theological argu- for Christian knowledge, we have given the New on complex philosophical or theological argu- Atheists ground for charging us with fideism and ments, New Atheism is intentionally designed for Atheists ground for charging us with fideism and ments, New Atheism is intentionally designed for even relativism.82 mass consumption. All of the authors adopt a con- even relativism.82 mass consumption. All of the authors adopt a con- versational tone. They write in the first person, and versational tone. They write in the first person, and Two different conclusions are in order, by try to avoid technical language. This open and per- Two different conclusions are in order, by try to avoid technical language. This open and per- which I mean not a conclusion in two points but sonal way of addressing the reader also makes the which I mean not a conclusion in two points but sonal way of addressing the reader also makes the two different conclusions. The first is that the New New Atheists a remarkably emotional group. They two different conclusions. The first is that the New New Atheists a remarkably emotional group. They Atheists’ challenges are an opportunity to reassert are not opposed to religion on a purely intellectual Atheists’ challenges are an opportunity to reassert are not opposed to religion on a purely intellectual the unified and unique metaphysical and episte- level. Religion makes them angry.’ Lightning Peter the unified and unique metaphysical and episte- level. Religion makes them angry.’ Lightning Peter mological foundation for knowledge, including Jay, ‘Misunderstanding Religion: A Critique of the mological foundation for knowledge, including Jay, ‘Misunderstanding Religion: A Critique of the knowledge of creation and Scripture (God’s two New Atheists’, Wesleyan University (2009) 5. knowledge of creation and Scripture (God’s two New Atheists’, Wesleyan University (2009) 5. revelations). In this case, we should not fear their 6 Bradley and Tate, The New Atheist Novel, 3. revelations). In this case, we should not fear their 6 Bradley and Tate, The New Atheist Novel, 3. challenges for we can find ground in the one who 7 Paul Copan makes the same point in the opening of challenges for we can find ground in the one who 7 Paul Copan makes the same point in the opening of himself interprets his world and his Word for us. his book Is God a Moral Monster? (Grand Rapids: himself interprets his world and his Word for us. his book Is God a Moral Monster? (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011) 16ff. Baker, 2011) 16ff. The second conclusion is that if we do not take our 8 Peter Hitchens, Mail on Sunday, 2002. The second conclusion is that if we do not take our 8 Peter Hitchens, Mail on Sunday, 2002. hermeneutical scholarship in the realm of public 9 Peter Hitchens was winner of the 2010 Orwell hermeneutical scholarship in the realm of public 9 Peter Hitchens was winner of the 2010 Orwell theology, if we do not embody our scholarship in Prize for foreign correspondence. theology, if we do not embody our scholarship in Prize for foreign correspondence. contemporary and popular expressions of faith, we 10 Terry Eagleton notes that Pullman criticised a god contemporary and popular expressions of faith, we 10 Terry Eagleton notes that Pullman criticised a god might already have lost the apologetic challenge. that had little to do with the transcendent God of might already have lost the apologetic challenge. that had little to do with the transcendent God of Judeo-Christianity. Judeo-Christianity. Yannick Imbert, PhD, DEA, is professor of apol- 11 Christian and non-Christian writers have pointed to Yannick Imbert, PhD, DEA, is professor of apol- 11 Christian and non-Christian writers have pointed to ogetics and church history at the Faculté Jean the inherent limitations of the New Atheists: ‘There ogetics and church history at the Faculté Jean the inherent limitations of the New Atheists: ‘There Calvin in Aix-en-Provence, France are atheists, such as Richard Dawkins, whose minds Calvin in Aix-en-Provence, France are atheists, such as Richard Dawkins, whose minds are closed, and whose hatred of all religions blinds are closed, and whose hatred of all religions blinds them to the range and diversity of human poten- them to the range and diversity of human poten- Notes tial.’ Vivienne Blackburn, ‘Albert Camus: The chal- Notes tial.’ Vivienne Blackburn, ‘Albert Camus: The chal- 1 This is the edited version of a paper presented at lenge of the unbeliever’, Scottish Journal of Theology 1 This is the edited version of a paper presented at lenge of the unbeliever’, Scottish Journal of Theology the 2012 conference of FEET, the Fellowship of 64.3 (2011) 313-326, here 312. the 2012 conference of FEET, the Fellowship of 64.3 (2011) 313-326, here 312. European Evangelical Theologians, in Berlin. 12 ‘I suspect that what many theists, including many European Evangelical Theologians, in Berlin. 12 ‘I suspect that what many theists, including many 2 ‘The best-selling books by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Christians, find troubling about the New Atheism 2 ‘The best-selling books by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Christians, find troubling about the New Atheism Dennett, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris are not the questions that can too easily be Dennett, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris are not the questions that can too easily be form the “canon” of the new atheism, but media answered but those questions that, if we are honest, form the “canon” of the new atheism, but media answered but those questions that, if we are honest, in the form of magazines, Web sites, blogs, online we struggle to answer or simply cannot answer. in the form of magazines, Web sites, blogs, online we struggle to answer or simply cannot answer.

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In this regard, I find several of Hitchens’ favorite 23 In fact, Hitchens shows no basic interaction with In this regard, I find several of Hitchens’ favorite 23 In fact, Hitchens shows no basic interaction with attacks on Christian to be noteworthy …’ recent decent scholarship. Of course he quotes from attacks on Christian theism to be noteworthy …’ recent decent scholarship. Of course he quotes from Jacob H. Friesenhahn, ‘Evil, the New Atheism, and several sources including H.L. Mencken’s Treatise Jacob H. Friesenhahn, ‘Evil, the New Atheism, and several sources including H.L. Mencken’s Treatise the God of the Trinity’, The Other Journal 20 (July on the Gods (Baltimore: John Hopkins University the God of the Trinity’, The Other Journal 20 (July on the Gods (Baltimore: John Hopkins University 12, 2012), http://theotherjournal.com, accessed Press, 1997) and Thomas Paine’s The Age of 12, 2012), http://theotherjournal.com, accessed Press, 1997) and Thomas Paine’s The Age of August 12, 2012. The beginning of the article is Reason (and from a secondary source!). However, August 12, 2012. The beginning of the article is Reason (and from a secondary source!). However, also worth quoting: ‘some theists, especially those Mencken was an American journalist, essayist, mag- also worth quoting: ‘some theists, especially those Mencken was an American journalist, essayist, mag- of a more academic stripe, scoff at the fad of New azine editor, satirist and Paine a great political and of a more academic stripe, scoff at the fad of New azine editor, satirist and Paine a great political and Atheism. They speak of its intellectual inferiority social deist activist. Neither of the two was a trained Atheism. They speak of its intellectual inferiority social deist activist. Neither of the two was a trained and draw unflattering comparisons between today’s theologian or exegete. Even if that were the case, and draw unflattering comparisons between today’s theologian or exegete. Even if that were the case, atheist celebrities and past philosophical giants of one would expect more interaction with recent atheist celebrities and past philosophical giants of one would expect more interaction with recent atheism, such as Arthur Schopenhauer, Ludwig theological and philosophical material. Dawkins atheism, such as Arthur Schopenhauer, Ludwig theological and philosophical material. Dawkins Feuerbach, , , and also has no understanding of basic theology, a point Feuerbach, Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx, and also has no understanding of basic theology, a point .’ made by critics, Christian and non-Christian, such Sigmund Freud.’ made by critics, Christian and non-Christian, such 13 Hitchens’ fourfold objection to ‘religion’ and to as Terry Eagleton in the opening lines of his review 13 Hitchens’ fourfold objection to ‘religion’ and to as Terry Eagleton in the opening lines of his review Christianity in particular often revolves around of The God Delusion: ‘Imagine someone holding Christianity in particular often revolves around of The God Delusion: ‘Imagine someone holding this point. See the four ‘irreducible objections’ to forth on biology whose only knowledge of the this point. See the four ‘irreducible objections’ to forth on biology whose only knowledge of the faith he claims to identify: that it wholly misrepre- subject is the Book of British Birds, and you have faith he claims to identify: that it wholly misrepre- subject is the Book of British Birds, and you have sents the origins of the universe; that it combines a rough idea of what it feels like to read Richard sents the origins of the universe; that it combines a rough idea of what it feels like to read Richard the maximum of servility with the maximum of Dawkins on theology.’ Terry Eagleton, ‘Lunging, the maximum of servility with the maximum of Dawkins on theology.’ Terry Eagleton, ‘Lunging, solipsism: that religions are the cause and conse- Flailing, Mispunching’, London Review of Books, solipsism: that religions are the cause and conse- Flailing, Mispunching’, London Review of Books, quence of sexual repression; and finally that they http://www.lrb.co.uk, accessed August 12, 2012. quence of sexual repression; and finally that they http://www.lrb.co.uk, accessed August 12, 2012. are grounded in wishful thinking. 24 It is surprising to see that Hitchens is a ‘King James are grounded in wishful thinking. 24 It is surprising to see that Hitchens is a ‘King James 14 Christopher Hitchens, God is not Great: How Only’ believer since he takes the King James ver- 14 Christopher Hitchens, God is not Great: How Only’ believer since he takes the King James ver- Religion Poisons Everything (New York, Boston: sion to be the only Bible worth quoting from. On Religion Poisons Everything (New York, Boston: sion to be the only Bible worth quoting from. On Twelve, 2007) 126-127. Psalm 53, ‘The fool has said in his heart, there is Twelve, 2007) 126-127. Psalm 53, ‘The fool has said in his heart, there is 15 Regarding genocide, Walter Moberly, an OT scholar no God’, Hitchens remarks that ‘all that we can tell 15 Regarding genocide, Walter Moberly, an OT scholar no God’, Hitchens remarks that ‘all that we can tell at Durham University, notes that the injunction for sure from the otherwise meaningless assertion at Durham University, notes that the injunction for sure from the otherwise meaningless assertion ‘to destroy them and show them no mercy’ is fol- is that unbelief – not just heresy and backsliding ‘to destroy them and show them no mercy’ is fol- is that unbelief – not just heresy and backsliding lowed by the commandment not to marry stressing but unbelief – must have been known to exist even lowed by the commandment not to marry stressing but unbelief – must have been known to exist even the holiness of separation from other people; see in that remote epoch.’ Hitchens, God is not Great, the holiness of separation from other people; see in that remote epoch.’ Hitchens, God is not Great, Ian S. Markham, Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, 254. Ian S. Markham, Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, 254. Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong 25 Another kind of biblical argument greatly favoured Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong 25 Another kind of biblical argument greatly favoured (Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010). by the New Atheists is the differences between, or (Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010). by the New Atheists is the differences between, or 16 Sam Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation (New internal to, biblical books, as with the accounts 16 Sam Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation (New internal to, biblical books, as with the accounts York: Vintage, 2008) 49. of the Synoptic Gospels. Hitchens is troubled by York: Vintage, 2008) 49. of the Synoptic Gospels. Hitchens is troubled by 17 See John F. Haught, God and the New Atheism: A discrepancies between gospel accounts such as the 17 See John F. Haught, God and the New Atheism: A discrepancies between gospel accounts such as the Critical Response to Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens flight of Joseph and Mary to Egypt. To him, the Critical Response to Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens flight of Joseph and Mary to Egypt. To him, the (Louisville, London: Westminster John Knox Press, accounts of Matthew and Luke are irreconcilable: (Louisville, London: Westminster John Knox Press, accounts of Matthew and Luke are irreconcilable: 2008) 97. in Matthew, Joseph was warned in a dream to make 2008) 97. in Matthew, Joseph was warned in a dream to make 18 Hitchens, God is not Great, 102. immediate escape to Egypt while according to Luke 18 Hitchens, God is not Great, 102. immediate escape to Egypt while according to Luke 19 Hitchens is the one Horseman who has, to his the ‘holy family’ stayed in Bethlehem for some 19 Hitchens is the one Horseman who has, to his the ‘holy family’ stayed in Bethlehem for some credit, consistently taken sides with the weak and days. However, to any Sunday school child these credit, consistently taken sides with the weak and days. However, to any Sunday school child these the oppressed. discrepancies are easily explained – not dismissed. the oppressed. discrepancies are easily explained – not dismissed. 20 Copan, Is God a Moral Monster?, 62-66. Regarding New Testament difficulties, Hitchens 20 Copan, Is God a Moral Monster?, 62-66. Regarding New Testament difficulties, Hitchens 21 The challenge also comes from the observation that even credits C.S. Lewis with intellectual honesty, 21 The challenge also comes from the observation that even credits C.S. Lewis with intellectual honesty, the New Atheism is a form of rational fundamental- referring to the apologist’s famous argument (tri- the New Atheism is a form of rational fundamental- referring to the apologist’s famous argument (tri- ism. Hart is among those critics who have identified lemma) that Jesus was either a fraud, a lunatic or ism. Hart is among those critics who have identified lemma) that Jesus was either a fraud, a lunatic or the position of New Atheists as atheistic fideism. He indeed that he was what he claimed to be; see C.S. the position of New Atheists as atheistic fideism. He indeed that he was what he claimed to be; see C.S. regularly attacks the New Atheists’ ‘invincible ten- Lewis, Mere Christianity (London: Collins, 1952) regularly attacks the New Atheists’ ‘invincible ten- Lewis, Mere Christianity (London: Collins, 1952) dency toward fundamentalism’. They often refuse 54-56. But Hitchens rhetorically concludes: ‘Either dency toward fundamentalism’. They often refuse 54-56. But Hitchens rhetorically concludes: ‘Either to argue and are merely content to quote self- the Gospels are in some sense literal truth, or the to argue and are merely content to quote self- the Gospels are in some sense literal truth, or the attested authorities without decent critical reason- whole thing is essentially a fraud and perhaps an attested authorities without decent critical reason- whole thing is essentially a fraud and perhaps an ing; see David Bentley Hart, Atheist Delusions: The immoral one at that.’ (Hitchens, God is not Great, ing; see David Bentley Hart, Atheist Delusions: The immoral one at that.’ (Hitchens, God is not Great, Christian Revolution and its Fashionable Enemies 142) Christian Revolution and its Fashionable Enemies 142) (New Haven, London: Yale University Press, 2009) 26 Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation, 96. (New Haven, London: Yale University Press, 2009) 26 Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation, 96. 231. 27 Hitchens, God is not Great, 73-84. 231. 27 Hitchens, God is not Great, 73-84. 22 Hitchens, God is not Great, 253. 28 Or rather, if a natural evolutionary explanation is 22 Hitchens, God is not Great, 253. 28 Or rather, if a natural evolutionary explanation is

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possible, all other explanations are false. Dennett Guardian Monday, November 2, 2009, http:// possible, all other explanations are false. Dennett Guardian Monday, November 2, 2009, http:// regularly makes the same point: ‘One reader of an www.guardian.co.uk, accessed August 12, 2012. regularly makes the same point: ‘One reader of an www.guardian.co.uk, accessed August 12, 2012. early draft of this chapter complained at this point, 35 The most narcissist of the Four Horsemen might early draft of this chapter complained at this point, 35 The most narcissist of the Four Horsemen might saying that by treating the hypothesis of God as just well be Harris, who proclaimed: ‘The fact that my saying that by treating the hypothesis of God as just well be Harris, who proclaimed: ‘The fact that my one more scientific hypothesis, to be evaluated by continuous and public rejection of Christianity one more scientific hypothesis, to be evaluated by continuous and public rejection of Christianity the standards of science in particular and rational does not worry me in the least should suggest to the standards of science in particular and rational does not worry me in the least should suggest to thought in general, Dawkins and I are ignoring the you just how inadequate I think your reasons for thought in general, Dawkins and I are ignoring the you just how inadequate I think your reasons for very widespread claim by believers in God that their being a Christian are.’ Harris, Letter to a Christian very widespread claim by believers in God that their being a Christian are.’ Harris, Letter to a Christian faith is quite beyond reason, not a matter to which Nation, 4. faith is quite beyond reason, not a matter to which Nation, 4. such mundane methods of testing applies. It is not 36 Hart, Atheist Delusions, 220. such mundane methods of testing applies. It is not 36 Hart, Atheist Delusions, 220. just unsympathetic, he claimed, but strictly unwar- 37 Hart, Atheist Delusions, 220. just unsympathetic, he claimed, but strictly unwar- 37 Hart, Atheist Delusions, 220. ranted for me simply to assume that the scientific 38 This critical judgment may not apply to Michel ranted for me simply to assume that the scientific 38 This critical judgment may not apply to Michel method continues to apply with full force in this Onfray, who is probably the most consistent New method continues to apply with full force in this Onfray, who is probably the most consistent New domain of truth.’ Daniel C. Dennett, Darwin’s Atheist. A large portion of his works can be seen domain of truth.’ Daniel C. Dennett, Darwin’s Atheist. A large portion of his works can be seen Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life as a system of ‘atheist ’ including ethics Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life as a system of ‘atheist hedonism’ including ethics (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996) 153. (La sculpture de soi [Paris: Grasset, 1993]), a politi- (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996) 153. (La sculpture de soi [Paris: Grasset, 1993]), a politi- 29 André Comte-Sponville, Présentations de la philoso- cal theory (Politique du rebelle [Paris: Grasset, 29 André Comte-Sponville, Présentations de la philoso- cal theory (Politique du rebelle [Paris: Grasset, phie (Paris: Albin Michel, 2000) 97. 1999]), (Archéologie du présent [Adam phie (Paris: Albin Michel, 2000) 97. 1999]), aesthetics (Archéologie du présent [Adam 30 Hitchens, God is not Great, 97. Biro, 2003]), epistemology (Fééries anatomiques 30 Hitchens, God is not Great, 97. Biro, 2003]), epistemology (Fééries anatomiques 31 Moreover, if consistency were the only criterion [Paris: Grasset, 2003]) and metaphysics (Traité 31 Moreover, if consistency were the only criterion [Paris: Grasset, 2003]) and metaphysics (Traité for validity, as his first sentence seems to imply, the d’athéologie [Paris: Grasset, 2005]). His works are for validity, as his first sentence seems to imply, the d’athéologie [Paris: Grasset, 2005]). His works are whole New Atheist endeavour would soon crumble. nonetheless often poorly written (unless one likes whole New Atheist endeavour would soon crumble. nonetheless often poorly written (unless one likes 32 To take another example, consider Harris’ remark: random successions of irrelevant adjectives) and 32 To take another example, consider Harris’ remark: random successions of irrelevant adjectives) and ‘The idea that any one of our religions represents their arguments often pointless. ‘The idea that any one of our religions represents their arguments often pointless. the infallible word of the One True God requires an 39 I am not talking here about plausibility structure, the infallible word of the One True God requires an 39 I am not talking here about plausibility structure, encyclopedic ignorance of history, mythology, and which is an expression often taken out of context encyclopedic ignorance of history, mythology, and which is an expression often taken out of context art even to be entertained – as the beliefs, rituals, these days, but only about the socio-cultural con- art even to be entertained – as the beliefs, rituals, these days, but only about the socio-cultural con- and iconography of each of our religions attest for text in which the New Atheists are writing. and iconography of each of our religions attest for text in which the New Atheists are writing. centuries of cross-pollination among them.’ Sam 40 There are crucial differences between Onfray centuries of cross-pollination among them.’ Sam 40 There are crucial differences between Onfray Harris, The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the and Camus beyond the obvious intellectual ones. Harris, The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the and Camus beyond the obvious intellectual ones. Future of Reason (London: Free Press, 2005) 16. For example, Camus knew Christianity well; in Future of Reason (London: Free Press, 2005) 16. For example, Camus knew Christianity well; in There are several logical and categorical mistakes fact, his chosen topic for the diploma in Diplôme There are several logical and categorical mistakes fact, his chosen topic for the diploma in Diplôme here. Harris affirms that to state that one’s religion d’Etudes Supérieures was ‘Christian metaphysics here. Harris affirms that to state that one’s religion d’Etudes Supérieures was ‘Christian metaphysics is the true one is to reject the reality of other reli- and Neoplatonism’, displaying a great sensitivity is the true one is to reject the reality of other reli- and Neoplatonism’, displaying a great sensitivity gions; but no believer thinks that other religions to Augustine. This explains Camus’ early engage- gions; but no believer thinks that other religions to Augustine. This explains Camus’ early engage- do not exist! Harris takes a metaphysical statement ment of the Christian faith from his atheist position. do not exist! Harris takes a metaphysical statement ment of the Christian faith from his atheist position. to be a historical one. This confusion is surprising For him, dialogue was possible, unlike for the New to be a historical one. This confusion is surprising For him, dialogue was possible, unlike for the New for it takes an ignorant philosopher to bypass so Atheists. Cf. Nicholas Lash, Theology for Pilgrims for it takes an ignorant philosopher to bypass so Atheists. Cf. Nicholas Lash, Theology for Pilgrims easily the distinction between these two categories! (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2008) who easily the distinction between these two categories! (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2008) who Harris’ second mistake is to support the conclusion suggests that looking for truth is not a concern Harris’ second mistake is to support the conclusion suggests that looking for truth is not a concern that the diversity of religions entails the falsity of all, of the New Atheists who identify themselves with that the diversity of religions entails the falsity of all, of the New Atheists who identify themselves with making the same logical fallacy found in Hitchens. Dawkins and the like. I give two quotes from Albert making the same logical fallacy found in Hitchens. Dawkins and the like. I give two quotes from Albert Finally, even if the cross-pollination of religions was Camus, Camus at Combat (Princeton University Finally, even if the cross-pollination of religions was Camus, Camus at Combat (Princeton University substantiated, it does not in itself constitute proof Press, 2005): (1) ‘No-one wants to see a dialogue substantiated, it does not in itself constitute proof Press, 2005): (1) ‘No-one wants to see a dialogue that all sacred texts are false. between Christians and unbelievers more than we that all sacred texts are false. between Christians and unbelievers more than we 33 As when Hitchens, God is not Great, 110-111, do, because we think both sides would benefit.’ 33 As when Hitchens, God is not Great, 110-111, do, because we think both sides would benefit.’ attacks the gospel accounts of Christ’s crucifixion Camus at Combat, 27 March, 1945, 181-182. (2) attacks the gospel accounts of Christ’s crucifixion Camus at Combat, 27 March, 1945, 181-182. (2) by picking a fight with Mel Gibson’s movie The ‘Christians are taught to love their neighbour. Yet by picking a fight with Mel Gibson’s movie The ‘Christians are taught to love their neighbour. Yet Passion of Christ, as if the so-called sectarianism of others who do not share their faith may yet hope to Passion of Christ, as if the so-called sectarianism of others who do not share their faith may yet hope to Gibson’s Catholicism was to be legitimately univer- arrive at the same goal out of a simple concern for Gibson’s Catholicism was to be legitimately univer- arrive at the same goal out of a simple concern for salised. truth, a spirit of selflessness and an appreciation of salised. truth, a spirit of selflessness and an appreciation of 34 ‘Third, how dare we be so condescending? I don’t man’s greatness.’ Camus at Combat, 8 September, 34 ‘Third, how dare we be so condescending? I don’t man’s greatness.’ Camus at Combat, 8 September, have faith. I really don’t. Rowan Williams does 1944, 32. have faith. I really don’t. Rowan Williams does 1944, 32. as do many of my fellow philosophers like Alvin 41 Timothy Jenkins has hinted at the possibility that as do many of my fellow philosophers like Alvin 41 Timothy Jenkins has hinted at the possibility that Plantinga (a Protestant) and Ernan McMullin (a we need to take Dawkins, for example, seriously, Plantinga (a Protestant) and Ernan McMullin (a we need to take Dawkins, for example, seriously, Catholic).’ Michael Ruse, ‘Dawkins et al bring us because of his ability to communicate his athe- Catholic).’ Michael Ruse, ‘Dawkins et al bring us because of his ability to communicate his athe- into disrepute: There’s a schism alright, and I seem ist position: ‘We should consider the positive case into disrepute: There’s a schism alright, and I seem ist position: ‘We should consider the positive case to find myself on the unfashionable side of it’, The that Dawkins proposes, for that is what moves his to find myself on the unfashionable side of it’, The that Dawkins proposes, for that is what moves his

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sympathetic readers …’ Timothy Jenkins, ‘Closer to of theology to constant underwriting of religious sympathetic readers …’ Timothy Jenkins, ‘Closer to of theology to constant underwriting of religious Dan Brown than to Gregor Mendel: on Dawkins’ abuse; reducing the meaning of faith to mindless Dan Brown than to Gregor Mendel: on Dawkins’ abuse; reducing the meaning of faith to mindless The God Delusion,’ Scottish Journal of Theology belief in whatever has no evidence; reducing the The God Delusion,’ Scottish Journal of Theology belief in whatever has no evidence; reducing the 62.3 (2009) 269-281, here 276. meaning of evidence to what is ‘available to sci- 62.3 (2009) 269-281, here 276. meaning of evidence to what is ‘available to sci- 42 On the side of apologetics, see R. Albert Mohler ence’; reducing the whole reality to what is known 42 On the side of apologetics, see R. Albert Mohler ence’; reducing the whole reality to what is known Jr., Atheism Remixed: A Christian Confronts the by science; and finally reducing the idea of God to a Jr., Atheism Remixed: A Christian Confronts the by science; and finally reducing the idea of God to a New Atheists (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008) or Ravi hypothesis. New Atheists (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008) or Ravi hypothesis. Zacharias, The End of Reason: A Response to the 49 Christopher Hitchens, The Portable Atheist: Essential Zacharias, The End of Reason: A Response to the 49 Christopher Hitchens, The Portable Atheist: Essential New Atheists (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008). Readings for the Nonbeliever (Philadelphia: Da Capo New Atheists (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008). Readings for the Nonbeliever (Philadelphia: Da Capo Unfortunately, often criticisms do not include ques- Press, 2007). Hitchens’ only passing reference to Unfortunately, often criticisms do not include ques- Press, 2007). Hitchens’ only passing reference to tioning the deeper presuppositions of New Atheists Feuerbach puts him with the German Idealists, a tioning the deeper presuppositions of New Atheists Feuerbach puts him with the German Idealists, a or tracing back their philosophical background. debatable choice (The Portable Atheist, 75). or tracing back their philosophical background. debatable choice (The Portable Atheist, 75). However, an effective apologetics must account 50 Beattie, The New Atheists, 127. However, an effective apologetics must account 50 Beattie, The New Atheists, 127. for these backgrounds in order to demonstrate the 51 I use the English word ‘projection’ to translate the for these backgrounds in order to demonstrate the 51 I use the English word ‘projection’ to translate the inherent contradiction within the New Atheists’ German term Vergegenständigung. An alternative inherent contradiction within the New Atheists’ German term Vergegenständigung. An alternative worldview. translation might be ‘objectification’. See Marx worldview. translation might be ‘objectification’. See Marx 43 Tina Beattie, The New Atheists: The Twilight of W. Wartofsky, Feuerbach (Cambridge: Cambridge 43 Tina Beattie, The New Atheists: The Twilight of W. Wartofsky, Feuerbach (Cambridge: Cambridge Reason and the War on Religion (London: Darton, University Press, 1977) 206-210. In fact, the feuer- Reason and the War on Religion (London: Darton, University Press, 1977) 206-210. In fact, the feuer- Longman and Todd, 2007) 5-6. bachian concept of ‘projection’ is not easily under- Longman and Todd, 2007) 5-6. bachian concept of ‘projection’ is not easily under- 44 Beattie, The New Atheists, 82. stood, even with a solid hegelian background, since 44 Beattie, The New Atheists, 82. stood, even with a solid hegelian background, since 45 Haught, God and the New Atheism, 34. His quote is it never functions without the complementary 45 Haught, God and the New Atheism, 34. His quote is it never functions without the complementary from an interview with Dennett who said: ‘Darwin’s notion of ‘objectification’ and can never be under- from an interview with Dennett who said: ‘Darwin’s notion of ‘objectification’ and can never be under- idea has banished the Book of Genesis to the limbo stood apart from its outcome, ‘alienation’. The idea has banished the Book of Genesis to the limbo stood apart from its outcome, ‘alienation’. The of quaint mythology.’ See John Brockman, The fact that Feuerbach never used the German word of quaint mythology.’ See John Brockman, The fact that Feuerbach never used the German word Third Culture (New York, Touchstone Books, ‘Projektion’ but many other synonyms (including Third Culture (New York, Touchstone Books, ‘Projektion’ but many other synonyms (including 1996) 187. ‘vergegenständlichen’) does not help to clarify his 1996) 187. ‘vergegenständlichen’) does not help to clarify his 46 Haught further suggests that the New Atheists meaning; see Van A. Harvey, Feuerbach and the 46 Haught further suggests that the New Atheists meaning; see Van A. Harvey, Feuerbach and the are wrong because they equate the Christian faith Interpretation of Religion (Cambridge: Cambridge are wrong because they equate the Christian faith Interpretation of Religion (Cambridge: Cambridge with the creationist and Intelligent Design folks. University Press, 1997) 32. with the creationist and Intelligent Design folks. University Press, 1997) 32. But then, he also refers to the equation between 52 Feuerbach cannot be clearer when he says: ‘The But then, he also refers to the equation between 52 Feuerbach cannot be clearer when he says: ‘The Christianity and biblical literalism in the New fundamental dogmas of Christianity are realised Christianity and biblical literalism in the New fundamental dogmas of Christianity are realised Atheists’ perspective. Biblical literalism is the mirror wishes of the heart – the essence of Christianity is Atheists’ perspective. Biblical literalism is the mirror wishes of the heart – the essence of Christianity is error to scientism because, in Haught’s words: the essence of human feeling.’ Ludwig Feuerbach, error to scientism because, in Haught’s words: the essence of human feeling.’ Ludwig Feuerbach, ‘the religious literalist assumes that the full depth The Essence of Christianity (New York: Harper and ‘the religious literalist assumes that the full depth The Essence of Christianity (New York: Harper and of what is going on in the real world is made evi- Brothers, 1957) 140. of what is going on in the real world is made evi- Brothers, 1957) 140. dent to the true believer in the plainest sense of the 53 Nathan S. Hilberg, Religious Truth and Religious dent to the true believer in the plainest sense of the 53 Nathan S. Hilberg, Religious Truth and Religious sacred text’ (God and the New Atheism, 30). The Diversity (New York: Peter Lang, 2009) 59. sacred text’ (God and the New Atheism, 30). The Diversity (New York: Peter Lang, 2009) 59. issue for Haught, then, is clearly hermeneutics. 54 Marcel Neusch, Aux sources de l’athéisme contem- issue for Haught, then, is clearly hermeneutics. 54 Marcel Neusch, Aux sources de l’athéisme contem- 47 Haught, God and the New Atheism, 5, also thinks porain: Cents ans de débats sur Dieu (Paris: Le 47 Haught, God and the New Atheism, 5, also thinks porain: Cents ans de débats sur Dieu (Paris: Le that the New Atheists argue against a now obsolete Centurion, 1977) 61. that the New Atheists argue against a now obsolete Centurion, 1977) 61. theology (conservative) – over against more ‘pro- 55 As Barth well summarises: ‘Hence, according to theology (conservative) – over against more ‘pro- 55 As Barth well summarises: ‘Hence, according to gressive’ theologians. To him, an example is the Feuerbach, man could not admit natural religion gressive’ theologians. To him, an example is the Feuerbach, man could not admit natural religion New Atheists’ reference to faith as propositional but as the illusory expression of natural nostal- New Atheists’ reference to faith as propositional but as the illusory expression of natural nostal- and narrowly intellectual, exactly as conserva- gias and wishes of the human heart.’ Karl Barth, and narrowly intellectual, exactly as conserva- gias and wishes of the human heart.’ Karl Barth, tive believers put it. He adds: ‘Theologians today Dogmatique, I/2** (Genève: Labor et Fides, tive believers put it. He adds: ‘Theologians today Dogmatique, I/2** (Genève: Labor et Fides, understand faith as the commitment of one’s whole 1954) 81. understand faith as the commitment of one’s whole 1954) 81. being to God. But the New Atheists, echoing a now 56 Feuerbach, The Essence of Christianity, 270. being to God. But the New Atheists, echoing a now 56 Feuerbach, The Essence of Christianity, 270. obsolete theology, think of faith in a narrow intel- 57 Feuerbach, The Essence of Christianity, 9. obsolete theology, think of faith in a narrow intel- 57 Feuerbach, The Essence of Christianity, 9. lectual and propositional sense.’ Haught’s examples 58 ‘God as God, that is, as a being not finite, not lectual and propositional sense.’ Haught’s examples 58 ‘God as God, that is, as a being not finite, not do not refer to established or influential theologi- human, not materially conditioned, not phenom- do not refer to established or influential theologi- human, not materially conditioned, not phenom- ans in my own evangelical Reformed tradition, even enal, is only an object of thought. He is the incor- ans in my own evangelical Reformed tradition, even enal, is only an object of thought. He is the incor- though most of the theologians referred to have a poreal, formless, incomprehensible – the abstract, though most of the theologians referred to have a poreal, formless, incomprehensible – the abstract, degree of theological interest and insight. negative being: he is known, i.e., becomes an object, degree of theological interest and insight. negative being: he is known, i.e., becomes an object, 48 Haught, God and the New Atheism, 35-55, gives only by abstraction and negation.’ Feuerbach, The 48 Haught, God and the New Atheism, 35-55, gives only by abstraction and negation.’ Feuerbach, The a helpful summary of the New Atheists’ position, Essence of Christianity, 35. a helpful summary of the New Atheists’ position, Essence of Christianity, 35. faulting them with a series of reductions: reduc- 59 Barth, Dogmatique, IV/2* (Genève: Labor et faulting them with a series of reductions: reduc- 59 Barth, Dogmatique, IV/2* (Genève: Labor et ing monotheistic religions to scriptural literalists Fides, 1968) 83-86. ing monotheistic religions to scriptural literalists Fides, 1968) 83-86. and dogmatic extremists; reducing the cultural role 60 Barth, Dogmatique, I/2**, 83. Feuerbach says that and dogmatic extremists; reducing the cultural role 60 Barth, Dogmatique, I/2**, 83. Feuerbach says that

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‘Unlike Catholicism, Protestantism is no longer truth of the Idea.’ Feuerbach, Principles, 50. ‘Unlike Catholicism, Protestantism is no longer truth of the Idea.’ Feuerbach, Principles, 50. concerned with what God is in himself, but only 70 Michel Onfray, Contre-histoire de la Philosophie, vol. concerned with what God is in himself, but only 70 Michel Onfray, Contre-histoire de la Philosophie, vol. with what he is for man; hence, it knows no specu- 11, ‘Mort de Dieu, naissance des hommes’ (Paris: with what he is for man; hence, it knows no specu- 11, ‘Mort de Dieu, naissance des hommes’ (Paris: lative or contemplative tendency like Catholicism. Frémeaux et Associés, 2009). lative or contemplative tendency like Catholicism. Frémeaux et Associés, 2009). It has ceased to be theology – it is essentially 71 Of course, Onfray does not talk about himself: his It has ceased to be theology – it is essentially 71 Of course, Onfray does not talk about himself: his Christology; that is, religious anthropology.’ philosophy is not biography, hence, his philosophy, Christology; that is, religious anthropology.’ philosophy is not biography, hence, his philosophy, Ludwig Feuerbach, Principles of the Philosophy of the according to his own criteria, is nothing philosophi- Ludwig Feuerbach, Principles of the Philosophy of the according to his own criteria, is nothing philosophi- Future (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1986) 5. cal! It is pure thought, abstract thought, a model, a Future (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1986) 5. cal! It is pure thought, abstract thought, a model, a 61 ‘And here may be applied, without any limitation, system without any universal relevance. 61 ‘And here may be applied, without any limitation, system without any universal relevance. the proposition: the object of any subject is noth- 72 Michel Onfray, Contre-histoire de la Philosophie vol. the proposition: the object of any subject is noth- 72 Michel Onfray, Contre-histoire de la Philosophie vol. ing else than the subject’s own nature taken objec- 14, ‘Nietzsche’ (Paris: Frémeaux et Associés, 2010). ing else than the subject’s own nature taken objec- 14, ‘Nietzsche’ (Paris: Frémeaux et Associés, 2010). tively.’ Feuerbach, The Essence of Christianity, 12. 73 Nietzsche, The Gay Science, ‘Preface,’ second tively.’ Feuerbach, The Essence of Christianity, 12. 73 Nietzsche, The Gay Science, ‘Preface,’ second 62 Harvey, Feuerbach, 25. aphorism, http://nietzsche.holtof.com, accessed 62 Harvey, Feuerbach, 25. aphorism, http://nietzsche.holtof.com, accessed 63 Eduard von Hartmann, Geschichte der Logik, 2 vols August 12, 2012. 63 Eduard von Hartmann, Geschichte der Logik, 2 vols August 12, 2012. (Leipzig, 1900) II:444. 74 Jenkins, ‘Closer to Dan Brown’, 279. (Leipzig, 1900) II:444. 74 Jenkins, ‘Closer to Dan Brown’, 279. 64 Unfortunately, Onfray regularly takes recourse to 75 Haught, God and the New Atheism, xi: ‘It’s not that 64 Unfortunately, Onfray regularly takes recourse to 75 Haught, God and the New Atheism, xi: ‘It’s not that sarcasm, ridicule and ignorant caricature, such as my livelihood as a theologian is remotely at stake – sarcasm, ridicule and ignorant caricature, such as my livelihood as a theologian is remotely at stake – when he summarises five centuries of history of the although the authors in question would fervently when he summarises five centuries of history of the although the authors in question would fervently Church and theology with the expression ‘boul- wish it were so.’ Church and theology with the expression ‘boul- wish it were so.’ lie patrologique’ and when he refers to Jean-Luc 76 ‘The most disappointing feature of The God lie patrologique’ and when he refers to Jean-Luc 76 ‘The most disappointing feature of The God Marion and René Girard as witnesses to the ‘per- Delusion is Dawkins’s failure to engage religious Marion and René Girard as witnesses to the ‘per- Delusion is Dawkins’s failure to engage religious manence of scholasticism’, most likely conveying thought in any serious way. This is, obviously, an manence of scholasticism’, most likely conveying thought in any serious way. This is, obviously, an an exceedingly negative meaning. He forgets that odd thing to say about a book-length investigation an exceedingly negative meaning. He forgets that odd thing to say about a book-length investigation philosophy, especially analytic philosophy, can in into God. But the problem reflects Dawkins’s cava- philosophy, especially analytic philosophy, can in into God. But the problem reflects Dawkins’s cava- part be traced back to the scholastics. See Alain de lier attitude about the quality of religious thinking. part be traced back to the scholastics. See Alain de lier attitude about the quality of religious thinking. Libera, Penser au Moyen Age (Paris: Le Seuil, 1991). Dawkins tends to dismiss simple expressions of Libera, Penser au Moyen Age (Paris: Le Seuil, 1991). Dawkins tends to dismiss simple expressions of 65 See for example the debate between G.K. Beale, The belief as base superstition.’ H. Allen Orr, ‘A mission 65 See for example the debate between G.K. Beale, The belief as base superstition.’ H. Allen Orr, ‘A mission Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism: Responding to convert’, The New York Review of Books, January Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism: Responding to convert’, The New York Review of Books, January to the New Challenges to Biblical Authority (Wheaton: 11, 2007, 22-24, at http://www.nybooks.com/ to the New Challenges to Biblical Authority (Wheaton: 11, 2007, 22-24, at http://www.nybooks.com/ Crossway, 2008) and Richard Longenecker, ‘”Who articles/archives/2007/jan/11/a-mission-to- Crossway, 2008) and Richard Longenecker, ‘”Who articles/archives/2007/jan/11/a-mission-to- is the Prophet Talking About?” Some Reflections convert/?pagination=false, accessed July 23, 2012. is the Prophet Talking About?” Some Reflections convert/?pagination=false, accessed July 23, 2012. on the New Testament’s Use of the Old’, Themelios 77 Blaise Pascal, Pensées, trad. Roger Ariew on the New Testament’s Use of the Old’, Themelios 77 Blaise Pascal, Pensées, trad. Roger Ariew 13 (1987) 4-8. (Indianapolis: Hackett, 2005) Fragment 225, 51. 13 (1987) 4-8. (Indianapolis: Hackett, 2005) Fragment 225, 51. 66 Harris, The End of Faith, 18. 78 Copan, Is God a Moral Monster?, 16. 66 Harris, The End of Faith, 18. 78 Copan, Is God a Moral Monster?, 16. 67 A significant work of biblical theology is Brevard 79 Jenkins, ‘Closer to Dan Brown’, 274. 67 A significant work of biblical theology is Brevard 79 Jenkins, ‘Closer to Dan Brown’, 274. S. Child, Biblical Theology of the Old and New 80 That might be one of the rare mistakes in Terry S. Child, Biblical Theology of the Old and New 80 That might be one of the rare mistakes in Terry Testaments (London: SCM, 1992). Works by Eagleton’s review of The God Delusion (Eagleton, Testaments (London: SCM, 1992). Works by Eagleton’s review of The God Delusion (Eagleton, Herman N. Ridderbos, The coming of the king- ‘Lunging, Flailing, Mispunching’). Herman N. Ridderbos, The coming of the king- ‘Lunging, Flailing, Mispunching’). dom (Philippsburg: Presbyterian & Reformed, 81 David Bentley Hart, ‘Believe it or not’, First Things dom (Philippsburg: Presbyterian & Reformed, 81 David Bentley Hart, ‘Believe it or not’, First Things 1962) and Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology: Old http://www.firstthings.com, accessed August 12, 1962) and Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology: Old http://www.firstthings.com, accessed August 12, and New Testaments (1975; repr. Eugene: Wipf & 2012. and New Testaments (1975; repr. Eugene: Wipf & 2012. Stock, 2003) should also be rediscovered. More 82 As far as relativism is concerned, I thank German Stock, 2003) should also be rediscovered. More 82 As far as relativism is concerned, I thank German recently, see Daniel J. Trier, ‘Biblical theology and/ attendees of the 2012 FEET conference for men- recently, see Daniel J. Trier, ‘Biblical theology and/ attendees of the 2012 FEET conference for men- or theological interpretation of Scripture?’, Scottish tioning an interesting point made by some German or theological interpretation of Scripture?’, Scottish tioning an interesting point made by some German Journal of Theology 61.1 (2008) 16-31. atheist philosophers. In their opinion, atheism has Journal of Theology 61.1 (2008) 16-31. atheist philosophers. In their opinion, atheism has 68 This seems to be Hart’s personal conclusion: ‘As a two main opponents: postmodern plurality and 68 This seems to be Hart’s personal conclusion: ‘As a two main opponents: postmodern plurality and whole, Dennett’s argument consists in little more fundamentalism. Both are advocating the value whole, Dennett’s argument consists in little more fundamentalism. Both are advocating the value than the persistent misapplication of quantitative of religion, fundamentalism in claiming the abso- than the persistent misapplication of quantitative of religion, fundamentalism in claiming the abso- and empirical terms to unquantifiable and intrin- lute necessity of the deity, postmodern plurality in and empirical terms to unquantifiable and intrin- lute necessity of the deity, postmodern plurality in sically non-empirical realities, sustained by classifi- merely pointing to its possibility. But the mere possi- sically non-empirical realities, sustained by classifi- merely pointing to its possibility. But the mere possi- cations that are entirely arbitrary and fortified by bility for God is, logically enough, already too much cations that are entirely arbitrary and fortified by bility for God is, logically enough, already too much arguments that any attentive reader should notice for the New Atheists – and in fact for any consistent arguments that any attentive reader should notice for the New Atheists – and in fact for any consistent are wholly circular.’ Hart, Atheist Delusions, 7. atheist. Among the German atheist philosophers, are wholly circular.’ Hart, Atheist Delusions, 7. atheist. Among the German atheist philosophers, 69 In this, Feuerbach is close to Nietzsche when he one must at least be aware of Michael Schmidt- 69 In this, Feuerbach is close to Nietzsche when he one must at least be aware of Michael Schmidt- says: ‘that thought realises itself means, accordingly, Salomon, Manifest des evolutionären Humanismus says: ‘that thought realises itself means, accordingly, Salomon, Manifest des evolutionären Humanismus that it makes itself the object of the senses. Thus, the (Aschaffenburg: Alibri Verlag, 2006). My apologies that it makes itself the object of the senses. Thus, the (Aschaffenburg: Alibri Verlag, 2006). My apologies reality of the Idea is sensuousness, but reality is also for omitting other significant European atheist phi- reality of the Idea is sensuousness, but reality is also for omitting other significant European atheist phi- the truth of the Idea – hence sensuousness is the losophers counted among the New Atheists. the truth of the Idea – hence sensuousness is the losophers counted among the New Atheists.

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