In this episode, Dr. Paul D. Weaver interviews Dr. Alister McGrath about his book Coming to Faith Through Dawkins: 12 Essays on the Pathway from New Atheism to Christianity. This book features 12 essays from individuals who were drawn to Dawkins' ideas but eventually found Christianity to be more compelling.
Dr. Weaver and Dr. McGrath discuss Richard Dawkins' role in "New Atheism", the differences between Anthony Flew's former atheism and Dawkins' "New Atheism", McGrath's engagement with Dawkins, and the inspiration behind the book. They also explore elements of Dawkins' new atheism, including his attacks on religion, his acceptance of the warfare model of science and religion, his tone of dogmatic certainty, and the characteristics of new atheism that resemble religious cults. Dr. McGrath highlights two fascinating essays from the book and emphasizes the power of personal testimonies and the usefulness of the book for apologetics.
Bible and Theology Matters: Insightful Conversations with Bible Scholars