The Case Against Christianity

by Michael Martin

Book Overview

In this systematic philosophical critique of the major tenets of Christianity, Michael Martin examines the semantic and epistemological bases of religious claims and beliefs. Beginning with a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566390818
• ISBN13: 9781566390811
• Release Date: March 1993
• Publisher: Temple University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Challenging and Fascinating

"The Case Against Christianity" is one religion's dogma scrutinized by a philosopher. On every level -- whether you are a believer or not-- is is profoundly challenging. Why, Martin asks in his intro, should someone believe in Christ? He details two options: epistemic reasons ( having knowledge that makes one believe) and beneficial reasons (reasons that enhance well being, regardless of truth). Narrowing his focus to epistemic reasons, Martin examines in the first chapter the evidence for a historical Jesus (are there enough independent sources to prove that Jesus even lived?) and then moves on to the tenets of the faith. Each chapter relies heavily on scholorship and ideas and arguments that already exist. By the end, I felt that no stone was left unturned. In spite of its rather lean 260 pages, I felt like I'd run a marathon by the time I made it to the end. Make no mistake about it -- this is a serious book, and a neophyte may be scared away. I found it to be as challenging -- and rewarding -- as C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity" and "The Problem of Pain".Highly recommended.

Christianity cannot be based on logic

This book should be examined by anyone who wants an unbiased perspective of christianity. The arguments are as objective as any and the author doesn't go out of his way to scandalise the religion. Instead he makes the all important point that ultimately, christianity is a religion of blind faith more than anything that could possibly germinate in human logic or reason. Highly recommended to anyone contemplating a christian conversion and for christians who dare examine the arguments. Anti-missionary groups will want to order copies for their members and the Jews will rejoice for having stuck to their faith. Truly a book for all!

A systematic critique of the Christian religion

In this book, Michael Martin does an excellent job of dissecting the Christian religion with a tone of objectivity. The reader knows the author's conclusions from the title of the book, but it does not weaken his intellectual style. Though his position as philospher instead of theologian has brought his credibility in doubt, I was at least insured he would not jump to conclusions and keep them with stubborness. He states the problems with each Christian doctrine, reviews rebuttals to his arguments, and goes on to show the fallacy of the rebuttals. Some Christians, especially evangelicals, will quickly be unimpressed with his arguments when he doubts the probability of miracles. I personally thought his conclusions on miracles were rational and reasonable, but it takes an unbiased mind to appreciate his logic. Overall, I recommend this book to any person interested in religion because the book is based upon facts and philosophy, and I find it a devastating blow to Christianity's reasonableness. In conclusion, I find it to be a rational belief to accept Michael Martin's conclusions on Christianity and its doctrines.

An excellent critique of Christianity

This is by far the best sustained, scholarly attack on xianity I've seen. Martin's previous book, Atheism: A Philosophical Justification, dealt with theism in general, but this book shows the failings of xian theism in particular. Not only does Martin masterfully present the strong anti-xian arguments, he anticipates-- and defuses--possible objections to which theologians might resort. Convincing and well done. Atheists often read theistic material, including the bible, in order to stay informed. If only more xians were as open-minded and would read works such as this. There would be fewer xians!

Takes no prisoners!

I was reluctant to read this as I thought I had read all of the arguments against religious belief that existed. I expected a rehash of the old arguments from David Hume and Thomas Paine. It turns out that Martin has much to add that is new. If you value rationality, and want to make your mind superstition proof, you can strengthen yourself with this book. If you are an atheist, this will only make you more self-confident about the nonsense of believing in the christian god. If you are a believer, watch out! This will plant more doubts in your mind than you may wish. But that's okay! As a former christian, I can tell you that I am much happier as an atheist than I ever was when I wasted my time on believing in god.