Atheism has been around for centuries, but there is a new atheism that has been emerging within the past decade and it is becoming more and more prevalent in these Post Modern days. Mohler writes in his newest book Atheism Remix, “Atheists have represented only a small minority of Americans. Surveys estimate that atheists represent 2 percent of the population.” He continues, “The New Atheism is not just a reassertion of atheism. It is a movement that represents a far greater public challenge to Christianity than that posed by the atheistic movement of previous times.” Albert Mohler is referring to a band of atheists that have emerged in the past few decades namely, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchins, Sam Harris, and Daniel Dennett. These men have taken atheism to a new level. Mohler notes in his book that atheism throughout history has been fairly non-threatening to the mass public. However with the release of national best sellers from Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris they have ushered in this New Atheism that is making atheism a much more common and acceptable philosophy.
As this New Atheism is becoming more and more popular and acceptable to the general public R. Albert Mohler Jr. has attempted to take on these voices who are shouting from the rooftops their theories and beliefs and are ruthless in doing so. The book is basically broken down into four parts (or chapters). The first part deals with an introduction to atheism and how this New Atheist movement came to be. The second part deals with open war that New Atheism is waging on Theism and spends a good deal of time combing through the teachings of Dawkins, Harris, Hitchins and Dennett. Part three finds Mohler defending the position of Theism and spends a great deal of time with the works of Allister McGrath and Alvin Plantinga who have taken on the writings of these Atheists with scholarly and scientific articulacy. The final chapter looks at the future of Christianity and atheism and looks primarily at the writings of Tina Beattie, a feminist and Catholic theologian and John F. Haught senior fellow and in science and religion at Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University both opponents of atheism, yet have flawed theology at best.
Atheism Remix is a very easy read and is a great introduction to New Atheism from a Christian perspective. Mohler does have many references from specific author’s books, so there is no implying of what was said from various atheists. He has well documented footnotes so there should be no room for error of what was said and implied. Overall this 108 page book is good for informational purposes, however I wouldn’t suggest it if you are looking for a deep look at the New Atheist movement. Mohler merely scratches the surface on this issue, yet does a great and concise job at exposing the possible threats this movement can pose on Christianity in the future if it continues to go unfettered in the years to come.
Reviewed by Jeff Holton
