The Urban Myths of Popular Modern Atheism
God – and the whole business of being dependent upon him - is being downgraded, downsized, downplayed, and most of all, just plain dismissed in the modern, cultured, educated parts of Europe and in academia. This process seems powered by a whole, growing series of interlocked urban myths about what is supposed to be involved in being a religious (and often specifically Christian) believer. These myths seem subscribed to in some form or another, even by many otherwise very sophisticated philosophers. But they seem common to pretty well all the known ‘new-atheists’ and, alas, by too many Christians (who then, quite unwittingly, give the atheists more of the ammunition they need).
Review
Hellen Giblin-Jowett / Progressive Voices - PCN March 2019
“[Firsly this book] is useful. Hill sets up a number of standard atheist objections (‘Religion-Causes-War’ and ‘There-Are-Plenty-Of-Good-People-Who-Aren’t-Even-Christians’) and then wallops them hard with his philosophically-refined theology / theologically-refined philosophy. His vigour and precision are wonderfully pleasing to read. Hill's reach is broad and his targets are many. Richard Dawkins and his ilk come in for a lot of stick as modern-day 'cultured despisers of religion' whose reasoning is flawed. Throughout, Hill deplores the crass and lazy ‘Christian’ theologies that only provoke and encourage misunderstandings. Christians, he says, are their own worst enemy. Instead, Hill urges a better theological understanding. As well as being useful, this book is funny. Hill has a keen sense of the ridiculous. Referring to Specsavers, Youtube, Judge Judy and the Department of Work and Pensions, he highlights the contrasts and continuities that affect our 2,000-year old relationship with Christ.