Why People Don't Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian Faith

Religion is increasingly seen as a dangerous source of violence in the world, breeding a fear of faith in a very vocal group of critics. Most Christians are blissfully unaware of the litany of allegations being brought against religion, including that it is the cause of intolerance, imperialism, irrationality, bigotry, and war, to name a few. But ignorance is not the answer.

In Why People Don't Believe, Paul Chamberlain strives to represent the concerns and challenges raised against religious faith, particularly those raised against Christianity, to help readers understand them. He then thoughtfully responds to these criticisms, honestly evaluating whether they have merit. Lastly, he outlines the many good and humane contributions Christianity has made to the world throughout the past 2,000 years.

Anyone who is troubled by today's headlines involving religious violence or who wants to be able to respond intelligently to critics will find Why People Don't Believe a welcome, hopeful book.

From the Back Cover

What good is religion?

Religious faith is increasingly seen as dangerous and violent. The litany of allegations being brought against religion includes that it is the cause of intolerance, imperialism, irrationality, bigotry, and war, to name a few. How are Christians to respond?

In Why People Don't Believe, Paul Chamberlain honestly represents the challenges raised against religious faith and Christianity in particular. He deftly responds to these criticisms, evaluating whether they have merit, and outlines the many positive contributions Christianity has made to the world over the past two thousand years.

If you are troubled by today's headlines involving religious violence or if you're at a loss when it comes to responding to critics, you will find Why People Don't Believe a helpful and hopeful book.

"Excellent--on all counts. Chamberlain chooses the right seven challenges to faith, describes them clearly and fairly, responds carefully and rationally, and provides today's serious Christians with answers that will at once strengthen the faith of believers and refute the objections many non-Christians have toward placing their faith in Christ."--James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next Door

"Paul Chamberlain addresses seven frontline issues that center on religion producing evil in our world. His responses are detailed, creative, and layered, thereby building a formidable array of potential rejoinders. I enjoyed this book immensely; it belongs on the shelf of thinking readers who are concerned about these issues, whatever their viewpoint."--Gary R. Habermas, distinguished research professor, Liberty University and Theological Seminary

"Paul Chamberlain has written an accessible analysis of the New Atheists' arguments. He adeptly exposes their philosophical weaknesses and flawed assumptions. Yet he also rightly challenges professing Christians--in matters of intellectual engagement and of moral and spiritual influence--not to contribute to the problem that helps fuel the fires of disbelief."--Paul Copan, professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University; author of Is God a Moral Monster?

Paul Chamberlain (PhD, Marquette University) is director of the Institute of Christian Apologetics and professor of apologetics, ethics, and philosophy of religion at Trinity Western University (ACTS division) in British Columbia. He is the author of Talking about Good and Bad without Getting Ugly, Final Wishes, and Can We Be Good without God?