Reading Richard Dawkins: A Theological Dialogue with New Atheism
Theological reactions to the rise of the new atheist movement have largely been critically hostile or defensively deployed apologetics to shore up the faith against attack. Gary Keogh contends that focusing on scholarly material that is inherently agreeable to theology will not suffice in the context of modern academia. Theology, he says, needs to test its boundaries.
Reading Richard Dawkins illustrates how dialogue with antithetical viewpoints offers new perspectives on classical theological problems. Keogh demonstrates how a dialogical paradigm may take shape—one which is up to the task of facing its critics in the context of modern academia.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781451472042
- eBook ISBN 9781451479782
- Dimensions 6 x 9
- Pages 272
- Publication Date February 1, 2014
Contents
Contents:
Introduction
1. A Distinct Methodological Framework
2. Encountering Evolution: The Dawkins Perspective
3. Beyond Biology: An Evolutionary Weltanschauung
4. Religion: An Evolutionary View
5. Evil, Evolution, and God: Dawkins and Theology in Dialogue
Conclusion
Appendix
Bibliography
Endorsements
“This well-researched and carefully organized study makes a significant contribution to Christian theological reflection on the meaning of evolution. Its calm conversation with Richard Dawkins' atheist reading of Darwin is a model of mature theological scholarship."
—John F. Haught
Georgetown University
"The dialogical approach adopted in Reading Richard Dawkins is one of the key issues which distinguish it from the many publications that have flooded the market in the wake of the popular success of the new atheism of Richard Dawkins and others. Allied to this innately respectful methodology is the highly commendable attention to detail which shapes the argumentation, and is evidenced by the truly remarkable range and quality of the citations that are to be found on every page of the book. Written with remarkable clarity and in an accessible style, it draws the non-specialist reader almost effortlessly into a genuine dialogue with the author on issues which seem to challenge theism in our increasingly secular and scientific age. The author not only directly challenges the logic of new atheism, but also the self-destructiveness of refugee fideism. For this alone, the book is to be highly recommended."
—John F. Haught
Georgetown University
"Gary Keogh's energetic and structured approach takes the reader confidently into the conceptual world of Richard Dawkins. A trustworthy guide, he points out the scientific landmarks, locating them in the landscape of Dawkins' thought and relating them to the philosophical, scientific and theological issues that they raise. Gary Keogh is well informed, tough minded, well organized, and articulate. He is clear in language, elegant in composition and thorough in coverage."
—Joseph McCann
All Hallows College
"The dialogical approach adopted in Reading Richard Dawkins is one of the key issues which distinguish it from the many publications that have flooded the market in the wake of the popular success of the new atheism of Richard Dawkins and others. Allied to this innately respectful methodology is the highly commendable attention to detail which shapes the argumentation, and is evidenced by the truly remarkable range and quality of the citations that are to be found on every page of the book. Written with remarkable clarity and in an accessible style, it draws the non-specialist reader almost effortlessly into a genuine dialogue with the author on issues which seem to challenge theism in our increasingly secular and scientific age. The author not only directly challenges the logic of new atheism, but also the self-destructiveness of refugee fideism. For this alone, the book is to be highly recommended."
—Eoin Cassidy
Dublin City University
"For too many, the world is black and white: one's opponents are to be fought; one's allies are one’s friends. Gary Keogh adds more colour to our intellectual world, by engaging theologically with the writings of Richard Dawkins, not as a foe or a friend, but as a serious conversation partner. Keogh thereby sets an example for religious reflection in a modern, pluralistic context. He provides a great opportunity to encounter theologies that appreciates an evolutionary understanding of life on Earth."
—Willem B. Drees
Leiden University
Reviews
Review in The Midwest Book Review