Beliefs Of The Unbelievers

Reprint of the original, first published in 1876.

Long before philosophers started making the case for atheism, powerful, affectively laden cultural currents were sowing doubt in Europe. Alec Ryrie looks to the history of the Reformation and argues that emotions—anger at priestly corruption and anxieties attending the erosion of time-honored certainties—were the handmaidens of atheism.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1876.

In "The Thomas Factor," Gary R. Habermas presents a transformative exploration of religious doubt and its potential as a catalyst for spiritual growth. This insightful book delves into the often misunderstood territory of doubt, revealing how it can be harnessed as a powerful tool for deepening one's faith and drawing closer to God. Habermas, with his extensive experience and empathetic approach, offers a lifeline to believers struggling with uncertainties in their spiritual journey. At the heart of the book is the dissection of three types of doubt: factual, emotional, and volitional. Habermas, through his own experiences and those of the individuals he has counseled, demonstrates that doubts are not a sign of weak faith but rather an opportunity for profound personal growth. He skillfully navigates the reader through the complexities of each doubt type, providing practical strategies for overcoming them. The book is enriched with examples from both the Old and New Testaments, showcasing that doubt has been a constant companion of even the most steadfast believers throughout history. In debunking common myths about doubting, Habermas sets the stage for building a resilient foundation for faith. Practical chapters guide the reader in developing a tailored strategy to address their doubts. This includes disciplines like prayer, Scripture memorization, journaling, and practicing Christian behavior. Habermas emphasizes that working through doubts is not just an intellectual exercise but involves the whole person — emotions, will, and intellect. "The Thomas Factor" does not shy away from the tougher aspects of theological inquiry. It addresses why theological differences exist and how to live with unanswered questions, thus equipping the reader to navigate the diverse landscape of Christian thought. Habermas concludes with a thoughtful discussion on the negative and positive consequences of doubt. He illustrates how doubt, when approached correctly, can lead to a stronger, more authentic faith, likening the process to refining gold. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone grappling with doubts about their faith. It offers not only solace and understanding but also practical tools for turning doubt into a stepping stone towards a more intimate and robust relationship with God. Target Audience: "The Thomas Factor" is ideal for Christians at any stage of their faith journey, particularly those wrestling with doubts or seeking a deeper understanding of their beliefs. It is also a valuable resource for pastors, counselors, and lay leaders who provide spiritual guidance and support.

“How has unbelief come to dominate so many Western societies? The usual account invokes the advance of science and rational knowledge. Ryrie’s alternative, in which emotions are the driving force, offers new and interesting insights into our past and present.” —Charles Taylor, author of A Secular Age Why have societies that were once overwhelmingly Christian become so secular? We think we know the answer, pointing to science and reason as the twin culprits, but in this lively, startlingly original reconsideration, Alec Ryrie argues that people embraced unbelief much as they have always chosen their worldviews: through the heart more than the mind. Looking back to the crisis of the Reformation and beyond, he shows how, long before philosophers started to make the case for atheism, powerful cultural currents were challenging traditional faith. As Protestant radicals eroded time-honored certainties and ushered in an age of anger and anxiety, some defended their faith by redefining it in terms of ethics, setting in motion secularizing forces that soon became transformational. Unbelievers tells a powerful emotional history of doubt with potent lessons for our own angry and anxious times. “Well-researched and thought-provoking...Ryrie is definitely on to something right and important.” —Christianity Today “A beautifully crafted history of early doubt...Unbelievers covers much ground in a short space with deep erudition and considerable wit.” —The Spectator “Ryrie traces the root of religious skepticism to the anger, the anxiety, and the ‘desperate search for certainty’ that drove thinkers like...John Donne to grapple with church dogma.” —New Yorker

Can an orthodox Christian, committed to the historic faith of the Church and the authority of the Bible, be a universalist? Is it possible to believe that salvation is found only by grace, through faith in Christ, and yet to maintain that in the end all people will be saved? Can one believe passionately in mission if one does not think that anyone will be lost forever? Could universalism be consistent with the teachings of the Bible? In The Evangelical Universalist the author argues that the answer is ‘yes!’ to all of these questions. Weaving together philosophical, theological, and biblical considerations, he seeks to show that being a committed universalist is consistent with the central teachings of the biblical texts and of historic Christian theology.

Martin Robinson helps chart a way through the difficult territory sometimes called modernity and post-modernity. He offers practical ways for Christians to understand and communicate with those who claim to have no faith at all.