If There’s a God Why Are There Atheists? Why Atheists Believe in Unbelief

by R. C. Sproul

Publisher:

Christian Focus

, 2018

Overview

A common charge levelled against people with religious beliefs in general, and with Christian convictions in particular, is that their beliefs are motivated not by reasonable evidence but by psychological needs. In fact, many respected people, accepting the arguments of atheist thinkers, believe that psychology and the social sciences have explained away religion.

In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of If There’s a God, Why are There Atheists?, R.C. Sproul examines the arguments of four prominent atheists:

– Sigmund Freud: religion arises out of guilt and the fear of nature.

– Karl Marx: religion is used to keep the lower classes happy.

– Ludwig Feuerbach: religion is only wish–fulfilment.

– Friedrich Nietzsche: religion is rooted in man’s weakness.

Engaging with these thinkers’ works on a psychological as well as theological basis, Sproul shows that there are as many psychological and sociological explanations for unbelief as for belief – and that atheistic conclusions should not be accepted blindly.

For the believer who is troubled by doubts or who wants to respond intelligently to unbelievers, it offers clear, thought–provoking analysis. For the unbeliever who has an open mind, it offers stimulating debate, worthy of time and thought.

Contents

• Part One. The Battlefield: Belief and Unbelief
• Part Two. The Psychology of Unbelief

Product Details

• Title: If There’s a God Why Are There Atheists? Why Atheists Believe in Unbelief
• Author: R. C. Sproul
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Print Publication Date: 2018
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 207
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: 1900-1999; Apologetics; Apologetics History 20th century; Athesim; History; Theism
• ISBNs: 9781527101678, 9781527101685, 1527101673, 1527101681
• Resource ID: LLS:ITAGWATAWABIU
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-16T15:45:21Z

About R. C. Sproul

R. C. Sproul (1939– 2017) was a respected teacher, theologian, pastor. He was the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries in Orlando FL. He was also first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. His radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online.

Sproul held degrees from Westminster College, Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary, Free University of Amsterdam, and Whitefield Theological Seminary. He taught at several colleges and seminaries including Reformed Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Seminary. He served as senior minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, in Sanford, Florida. Sproul’s teaching can be heard daily on the “Renewing Your Mind” radio broadcast which plays in over 40 countries.

Sproul wrote over 70 books and articles including the classic The Holiness of God and several theological articles in Tabletalk magazine.