The C.S. Lewis podcast Peter S Williams: How would CS Lewis respond to Richard Dawkins and the New Atheists?
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Jul 27, 2026 Peter S. Williams, Christian philosopher and apologist, explores how C.S. Lewis might answer Richard Dawkins and the New Atheists. He frames Dawkins' position, outlines four alleged self-contradictions, and contrasts scientism with Lewis's reasoned view of faith. He also discusses limits of empirical proof and unprovable logical and moral truths.
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New Atheists Condemn Belief And Respect
- The New Atheists combine empirical critique with moral condemnation of religion as not only false but evil.
- Peter S. Williams cites Gary Wolf's phrase to show this movement rejects both belief and respect for believers.
Lewis Would Point To Four Self Contradictions
- C.S. Lewis would argue Dawkins' position is self-contradictory across four domains: faith/knowledge, freedom/responsibility, ethics, and Jesus.
- Williams frames self-contradiction as fatal to a worldview's claim to truth.
Scientism Elevated Science To Exclusive Epistemology
- Williams identifies scientism as Dawkins' epistemology: the claim that only empirical science yields genuine knowledge.
- He distinguishes healthy scientific method from scientism's elevation of science into an exclusive theory of knowledge.
