Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point
by RC Metcalf
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Book Summary Information
Author: RC MetcalfEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-03-15
ISBN: 0595432646
Number of pages: 114
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc.
Book Reviews of Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point
Book Review: Don't Listen to the 1-Star Reviewers...This is a Great Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
Have you noticed that this book only gets either 5-star reviews or 1-star reviews? If you loved Sam Harris's book, you probably won't like this one. OK, we all know that. Even so, you should read it to give yourself a chance to be fully informed. If you're looking for a good response to Sam Harris to share with a friend who's read "Letter to a Christian Nation," well, you've found it.
The reviewer that called RC Metcalf's book "rantings of the Christian Taliban" couldn't have actually read the book, or else totally missed the point. After all, Metcalf writes in his intro that "regardless of its effect on public policy, it remains [his] sincere desire that this book will provide the reader, along with Mr. Harris, a clearer picture of the reasonableness of the ... Christian faith."
Metcalf states, in no uncertain terms, that his book is not intended to have any effect on public policy, but rather on the individual reader. Dr. Metcalf's book was also not intended to present an extensive argument for the existence of God. It WAS meant to be a response from a Christian, who believes in God, to Sam Harris and his readers. Metcalf offers an excellent list of books that are good resources on the arguments for God.
As for the reviewer who accuses Metcalf of the fallacy of "appealing to authority"... at least Metcalf DOES cite authoritative resources for his claims. And he does so three times as much as Harris! Both Metcalf and Harris wrote books that are a little over 100 pages long. In Harris's "rantings" he only cites authorities 31 times, and one-sixth of those are references to articles in the New York Times, a highly liberal "authority" (to say the least). In contrast, RC Metcalf has 96 references in his book, including US & NZ government sites and websites of respected universities like Princeton. Or, Metcalf directly quotes sources like Harris, Dawkins and even Jesus.
Sam Harris's book has many more logical fallacies than RC Metcalf's book. Harris builds a straw man (another logical fallacy) by describing Christianity as he sees it, rather than for what it actually is. Such a straw man is easy to tear down. The problem is that most Christians have little in common with the religion Harris describes. In fact, from what I read, Metcalf corrects this version of Christianity by giving the reader an accurate picture of Christianity, which also has nothing in common with the Taliban. Rather than using ad hominem fallacies, Metcalf addresses concrete issues raised by Harris and corrects his faulty assumptions... and he does so with respect, not ranting.
I have to say, I was impressed with "Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point." RC Metcalf addresses Harris as one scientist to another, but writes clearly and doesn't mince his words. There are two other books that respond to Sam Harris. One was written by a historian, Michael Patrick Leahy and one by a theologian, Douglas Wilson. They all have their place, because Harris chose to tread on science, history and theology. I prefer Metcalf's response because, although he's a scientist, he obviously has a good grasp of theology. I think it can be harder for non-scientists to write about science, and those areas suffered in the other two books. If you can, read them all! If you can't, start with this one. If I could have, I would have given it six stars. Despite what atheist reviewers have written, you won't be disappointed.
Summary of Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point
Is Christianity rational? Sam Harris, best-selling author of Letter to a Christian Nation offers a uniquely pointed perspective on Christian America. Mr. Harris views religion today, on the whole, as a highly negative component of American culture. R.C. Metcalf presents a compelling counter treatise challenging Mr. Harris? atheist worldview. Raised in an atheist home and trained in secular universities, Dr. Metcalf, now both scientist and Christian, speaks out in support of evangelical Christianity in America.Does faith inhibit honest science?
Is Christianity a danger to society?
Are Christian morals irrational?
Does evil prove God doesn?t exist?
Are humans good by nature?
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