Letters to doubting Thomas

Letters to doubting Thomas [∞]

"Letters to Doubting Thomas: A Case for the Existence of God" by C. Stephen Layman is a philosophical exploration of theism presented through a series of fictional letters between two characters: Zachary, a philosopher, and his skeptical friend, Thomas. Through their correspondence, the book examines arguments for and against the existence of God, comparing Naturalism (the belief that ultimate reality is physical and there is no deity) with Theism (the belief in an almighty, perfectly good God).

barnesandnoble.com

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Religious Experience: The reliability and significance of personal religious experiences in arguing for the existence of God.
• Philosophical Arguments: Discussions on various arguments for God's existence, including cosmological, design, and moral arguments.
• Free Will and Evil: Analysis of the problem of evil and the concept of free will in the context of divine existence.

Reception:

The book has been praised for its engaging format and accessibility to readers without a background in philosophy. Noel Hendrickson from James Madison University commented, "This is the best book of its kind that I have ever seen—a significant accomplishment and a major contribution."

global.oup.com

On Goodreads, the book holds an average rating of 3.25 out of 5, based on 28 ratings and 2 reviews. One reviewer noted, "I really enjoyed it. It was very precise and technical while also easier for a layman (no pun intended) to understand."

goodreads.com

However, some critiques have been raised. For instance, David Roemer, in his Amazon review, mentioned that while the book discusses contingent beings, it lacks a clear distinction between finite beings (humans) and an infinite being (God). He stated, "Not in the above quote, nor anywhere else in the book, does he say that humans are finite beings and that God is an infinite being."

amazon.com

Conclusion:

"Letters to Doubting Thomas" offers a thoughtful and accessible dialogue on the existence of God, making complex philosophical arguments approachable for a general audience. While it has received commendations for its clarity and engaging style, some readers may find certain philosophical distinctions underexplored. Overall, it serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the philosophical debates surrounding theism and naturalism.

Bob

Ignores the proof suggested by the thesis of this site.