Nationally recognized trial lawyer Mark Lanier turns his analytical mind to the arguments for atheism and agnosticism. With critical thinking and precision of thought, he examines the rationales made for unbelief and assesses them on their own terms, finding points of strength and weakness in their logic and coherence. He considers whether atheistic frameworks give satisfactory and consistent explanatory answers for understanding human existence and the world around us. He cross-examines the strongest arguments of prominent atheists and also interrogates the questions of agnostics as to whether God is knowable. Through his evenhanded, levelheaded approach, Lanier challenges us all to decide for ourselves what we believe.
216 pages.
1. A Legal Primer
2. Opening Statement
3. Atheism and the Burden of Proof
4. Atheist Arguments
5. Agnosticism, Evidence, and the Big Questions
6. Morality, Beauty, and Justice
7. Human Dignity and Significance
8. The Problem of Suffering
9. The Invisible God
10. Science and Faith
11. Evolution
12. Closing Argument
Acknowledgments
Notes