The Twilight of Atheism: Dr. Alister Mcgrath

Dr. Alister McGrath is an Episcopal priest, professor at Oxford and Cambridge (at one time or another), Christian apologist and intellectual. He holds three doctorates in molecular biophysics, philosophy and intellectual history. He also has advanced degrees in theology.  A very smart man and a former atheist. 

This book reviews the intellectual history of atheism. Very understandable and comprehensible. He also takes the time to explain why he left atheism and swam the Thames to the Episcopal Church. I have read other books by him on the Reformation ( Reformation Thought) and on Charles Darwin ( Darwinism and the Divine).  I think he is very congenial to the Catholic mind. 

He examines the growth of atheism in the Enlightenment with attention paid to Denis Diderot and others. I thought this book an engaging history of ideas. You probably know that ideas always come from somewhere and their origins are always, in my opinion, of great interest. Other writers like Fr. Michael Buckley, S.J. have covered similare territory ( At the Origins of Modern Atheism and Denying and Disclosing God: the Ambiguous Progress of Modern Atheism) but his books are somewhat more densely written. Dr. McGrath's book is more congenial in that respect.  England is a country that seems to me (and what do I know) dominated by atheists, Dawkins, Dennet and others. McGrath seems to disagree:

Individual atheist writers and thinkers are more than happy to appear on the nation’s chat shows to promote their latest books. But they have failed to communicate a compelling vision of atheism that is capable of drawing large numbers of people and holding them securely. McGrath, Alister. The Twilight of Atheism (p. 269). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

Perhaps he is right. On the other hand, I very much liked his take on the legitimacy of atheism's critique of religion,

But the real significance of atheism has to do with its critique of power and privilege. Whatever their failings—and they are many— atheist organizations are right in challenging the idea that any religious grouping can enjoy special privileges in a democratic society. Such groupings have a right to respect, but cannot expect to have influence beyond their demographically determined limits. When religion becomes the establishment, an abuse of power results that corrupts the worldview. When religion starts getting ideas about power, atheism soars in its appeal. McGrath, Alister. The Twilight of Atheism (pp. 275-276). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

I think Christians in the United States ought to carefully consider that remark. I recognize that not everyone intends we Catholics well. England has been horrible to Catholics in the past and is not very open to religion in general in the present. Yet, we ought to listen to what our antagonists think about us with an ear tuned in for the truth. We may learn something important. I highly recommend Dr. McGrath's fine book. Although not a co-religionist, we can learn much from him to the benefit of all Christians.