I Like Surprising Ideas, Don't You?

Review of:  Against All Gods: What's Right And Wrong About The New Atheism

“Against All Gods” deals with questions which are raised by the “New Atheists” and in particular it deals with the naturalistic presuppositions at the root of their bold assertions.  Many books refuting the new atheism are now available but this one has something special that the other books don’t have: Phillip E. Johnson.

Dr. Johnson has an outstanding ability to cut through the tactics of his intellectual opponents, get to the root of their arguments, dissect their arguments, and then reveal the flaws and inconsistencies in their thinking.  He is a brilliant thinker—even, at times a “surprising” thinker, like when he mentions what he LIKES about Richard Dawkins (he has a lovely singing voice, you know)—and he combines his sharp thinking with effective communication skills.

For example, Johnson addresses the reality that Darwinism has become something of a “grand narrative” nowadays, among intellectuals.  And it is applied as a “corrosive force” to every field of study and philosophy and worldview.  But then Johnson makes this insightful observation:

“The one subject to which the corrosive Darwinian method is never applied is Darwinism itself, which is too cherished to be subjected to such undignified investigation.  It must be a rock of certainty, while everything else is dissolved into shifting sand by the acid of reductionism.  In consequence, the possibility that Darwinism itself is a product of brain chemistry rather than reason is never mentioned, much less featured on the cover of Time [magazine].”

He goes on, “When you hold a dominating position of unquestioned epistemic superiority, you do not need to debate rivals on equal terms, because it is safer and more devastating to sweep them away by explaining them in the language of your own paradigm.”

What a great insight!  (Although, I suspect those who disagree with him wouldn’t like the uncomfortable truth he points out.)

I’ve read most of Phillip Johnson’s books—at least the ones that are written for lay audiences—and have found them to be very interesting, very helpful, and intellectually profound.

Three chapters in “Against All Gods” were written by Dr. John Mark Reynolds.  The way that I’ve carried on about Phillip Johnson might lead one to believe that I was unimpressed with Dr. Reynolds’ contributions.  But that’s not true.  Reynolds’ chapters are interesting and helpful, as well—especially the parts where he includes lengthy quotes by Phillip Johnson.  (Come on, that’s a joke.  I’m kidding.) 

Reynolds’ tone is irenic and even, at times, gracious.  Like Johnson, he hands a compliment or two to the new atheists for their contribution to opening up an important and necessary discussion of God.  He writes, “The best thing about the new atheists is that they are starting some good conversations.”

I especially enjoyed Reynolds’ chapter which described how to read “Old Books”.  (I immediately took out my high school yearbook and applied some of the principles.)

“Against All Gods” is interesting, it is well-written and it effectively communicates insightful, well-reasoned thinking.

Dan Marler

Oak Lawn, IL