There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind

In one of the biggest religion news stories of the new millennium, the Associated Press announced that Professor Antony Flew, the world's leading atheist, now believes in God.

Flew is a pioneer for modern atheism. His famous paper, Theology and Falsification, was first presented at a meeting of the Oxford Socratic Club chaired by C. S. Lewis and went on to become the most widely reprinted philosophical publication of the last five decades. Flew earned his fame by arguing that one should presuppose atheism until evidence of a God surfaces. He now believes that such evidence exists, and There Is a God chronicles his journey from staunch atheism to believer.

For the first time, this book will present a detailed and fascinating account of Flew's riveting decision to revoke his previous beliefs and argue for the existence of God. Ever since Flew's announcement, there has been great debate among atheists and believers alike about what exactly this "conversion" means. There Is a God will finally put this debate to rest.

This is a story of a brilliant mind and reasoned thinker, and where his lifelong intellectual pursuit eventually led him: belief in God as designer.

In one of the biggest religion news stories of the new millennium, the Associated Press announced that Professor Antony Flew, the world's leading atheist, now believes in God.

Flew is a pioneer for modern atheism. His famous paper, Theology and Falsification, was first presented at a meeting of the Oxford Socratic Club chaired by C. S. Lewis and went on to become the most widely reprinted philosophical publication of the last five decades. Flew earned his fame by arguing that one should presuppose atheism until evidence of a God surfaces. He now believes that such evidence exists, and There Is a God chronicles his journey from staunch atheism to believer.

For the first time, this book will present a detailed and fascinating account of Flew's riveting decision to revoke his previous beliefs and argue for the existence of God. Ever since Flew's announcement, there has been great debate among atheists and believers alike about what exactly this "conversion" means. There Is a God will finally put this debate to rest.

This is a story of a brilliant mind and reasoned thinker, and where his lifelong intellectual pursuit eventually led him: belief in God as designer.

Philosopher and former atheist Antony Flew set the agenda for modern atheism with his 1950 essay "Theology and Falsification," which became the most widely reprinted philosophical publication of the last half century. Flew has published over thirty books, including God and Philosophy, The Presumption of Atheism, and How to Think Straight. He spent twenty years as professor of philosophy at the University of Keele and has also held positions at Oxford, the University of Aberdeen, and the University of Reading. He now lives in Reading, England.

British philosopher Flew has long been something of an evangelist for atheism, debating theologians and pastors in front of enormous crowds. In 2004, breathless news reports announced that the nonagenarian had changed his mind. This book tells why. Ironically, his arguments about the absurdity of God-talk launched a revival of philosophical theists, some of whom, like Alvin Plantinga and Richard Swinburne, were important in Flew’s recent conversion to theism. Breakthroughs in science, especially cosmology, also played a part: if the speed or mass of the electron were off just a little, no life could have evolved on this planet. Perhaps the arrogance of the “New Atheists” also emboldened him, as Flew taunts them for failing to live up to the greatness of atheists of yore. The book concludes with an appendix by New Testament scholar and Anglican bishop N.T. Wright, arguing for the coherence of Christian belief in the resurrection. Flew praises Wright, though he maintains some distance still from orthodox Christianity. The book will be most avidly embraced by traditional theists seeking argumentative ammunition. It sometimes disappoints: quoting other authorities at length, citing religion-friendly scientists for pages at a time and belaboring side issues, like the claim that Einstein was really a religious believer of sorts. (Nov.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

"Flew’s exposition will be a source for reflective inquiry for many, many years..."

"Towering and courageous... Flew’s colleagues in the church of fundamentalist atheism will be scandalized."

"This is a fascinating and very readable account ."

"A clear, accessible account of the ’pilgrimage of reason’ which has led Flew to a belief in God."

"Antony Flew’s book will incense atheists who suppose (erroneously) that science proves there is no God."

"A very clear and readable book tracing his path back to theism, revealing his total openness to new rational arguments."

"A stellar philosophical mind ponders the latest scientific results. The conclusion: a God stands behind the rationality of nature."

"Antony Flew not only has the philosophical virtues; he has the virtues of the philosopher. Civil in argument, relentlessly reasonable.."

"Flew couldn’t be more engaging and remain an analytic philosopher..."

"In clear prose and brief chapters, Flew explains the four lines of evidence that convinced him....An intellectual conversion of great significance."

"A most valuable and readable overview of the many evidential changes of landscape that 20th century science is furnishing to the oldest question in Western civilization: Is there a God?"

"The most lucid and penetrative pieces of philosophical theology to appear in years, altogether brilliant."

"A fascinating record .it will come as a most uncomfortable jolt to those who were once his fellow atheists."

"This is a remarkable book in many ways."

Average Rating:

4 of 4 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Betty (Louisville, KY), August 04, 2009

Very interesting book...some of it is difficult for me to understand. But, the part that I do understand is fascinating. I plan to buy several copies for Christmas gifts for some agnostic friends and family. Thank you.

Reviewed by Philip G. Kerr (Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia), July 20, 2008

Of my reading in this area, this is by far and away the clearest exposition I have come across to date. Flew drops names par excellence. His writing is engaging (perhaps difficult in a very few places for the neophyte philosophers amongst us). His 'parables' are incisive. I was thoroughly absorbed and felt like I was with him on his life journey. Another writer of this ilk is Phillip Johnson, many of whose works I have read and enjoyed. Take up this book and read it ... be refreshed.

Reviewed by John Cronin (Rosedale, NY), January 22, 2008

An interesting read by one of the most famous atheists of the 20th century. While I disagree with the stated contention that Flew had more of an impact than anyone else on the question of God, he certainly is a man who "follows the evidence wherever it may lead."

Reviewed by M. Renfro (Melbourne, FL), December 28, 2007

WOW! Prompted by the need to research what the "other side" was thinking and saying this book was suggested to me. In one book by a supreme authority (in this field) you get both sides of the argument. Highly philosophical it is sometimes a bit hard to absorb but well worth the effort. A must for your thinking atheist friends.

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