Mid-view of The Irrational Atheists…

So, I kind of intended on having The Irrational Atheists: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens done by now… but it took longer then expected to be delivered* and Baby still insists I go to bed around 8am. I’ll save the complete review for later, as we all know I get wordy, and the book deserves it, but I’d like to share why I bought the book in hopes that others read it.

Vox Day is a non-denominational Christian who has libertarian political views. I’m pointing this out because his theology and viewpoints do influence his writing style. Personally, I see nothing wrong with reading profitable works by Christians I disagree with. I have differing views on free will, for example, then non-denominational Christian libertarians. However, in the Christian scope of published works, there are books where one enjoys the meat.

A Christian would be lacking in his or her literary background if said Christian ignored Mere Christianity , Pilgrim’s Progress , Heretics and Orthodoxy , Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God , Foxe’s Book of Martyrs , The Book of Concord , and other works with theological meat. The theological meat reflects the denominational philosophy of the writer’s choice; however, all provide value to ones Christian walk. Regarding contemporary writers, one could read R. C. Sproul or John Piper as examples of those who provide solid law/gospel teaching.

A Christian could easily ignore works by Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, Robert Schuler, Joyce Meyers, and preach and fleecers and have lost nothing. Yes, I say one really doesn’t gain anything but the warm fuzzies for Jesus from Purpose Driven Life.

Vox Day noticed that popular atheist thinkers of the day are getting away with the subtle theological flaws Christians are accused of making. In my estimation, they seem to want people to have the warm fuzzies for atheism much like my bad theological examples want people to have the warm fuzzies for Jesus.

Day understands that, just as atheists are starting to say, “We’re just as good and happy and successful as the Christians are,” Christians are not stepping up and saying, “Wait, Christianity is not about behavior, happiness, and success.” Christians have watered down the gospel message so much that I could find in Hinduism, Buddhism, and a Marketing text book what I can find in Warren, Osteen, Schuler and the like.

Day takes a Chesterton like approach to dealing with the “bad theology” of the atheists, using reason, historical fact, and other verifiable information. His audience is those who are weak atheists or agnostics. A Christian can gain from this book, as well, from learning the teachings of popular atheist teachers, the holes in their doctrine, and the ammunition he provides to intelligently discuss atheism and Christianity with others.

I’m posting this before finishing the book… I’m about half way through. For those interested in apologetics who are inclined to purchase a book attacking atheist philosophies, Day is conducting a little experiment with Amazon ratings, so buy the book between 9 pm central Saturday and 9 pm Sunday. And during football half time, if possible. (Hey, if you’re a Vikings fan or dislike Randy Moss, you have time.)

Oh, and give his blog a visit. If you like Gen. Scuttlebutt or Fred on Everything , you’ll like Vox Day’s blog. Similar writing styles, all. But have your “A-game” on if you comment on a post. His readers take no prisoners.

*If you are pre-ordering several books, order them individually. Otherwise they take the slow boat to deliver the last of your order.