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In 1998/99 five scholars presented lectures at Washington National Cathedral about our images of God and what difference they make. This book, and its companion videos, will allow parish study groups and individuals to consider and discuss the viewpoints of Marcus Borg, Karen Armstrong, Jack Miles, James Cone, and Andrew Sung Park.

While the book and videos can be used independently of one another, in combination they make an excellent parish study resource. The material itself is designed in such as way that it can be covered in six or more group sessions, and study questions accompany each chapter.

This reader prints selections of some of the most profound and pioneering discussions of agnosticism over the past two centuries. Beginning with early formulations of the agnostic perspective by Thomas Henry Huxley (who coined the term), Bertrand Russell, and others, editor S. T. Joshi shows how agnosticism received a strong boost in the later 19th century from the so-called higher criticism of the Bible. Selections from Edward Burnett Tylor, Arthur Schopenhauer, Robert G. Ingersoll, and Edward Westermarck made a strong case that religion was a natural product of primitive development and that the Bible was the product of an age of scientific ignorance and superstition.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Christianity in Europe was in a state of decline among the intellectual classes. The writings of W. E. H. Leckey, Leslie Stephen, and Walter Lippmann show that leading commentators were openly pondering a European society in which Christianity was a thing of the past.

The increasing success of the natural sciences during this same time period supported the agnostic viewpoint by accounting for phenomena on a natural, rather than a supernatural, basis. Selections from John William Draper, Albert Einstein, Isaac Asimov, and others demonstrate the scientific respectability of agnosticism.

Finally, selections from such thinkers as Frederic Harrison, H. L. Mencken, and Corliss Lamont emphasize how living with agnosticism can be intellectually and morally satisfying, even exhilarating.

I long...to take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

The Book of Psalms

One of the most encouraging metaphors for divine love is that of finding shelter under the protection of God’s wings. On every page of this uplifting gift book, the gentle artwork of Carolyn Shores Wright tenderly reminds readers that God cares not only for the birds of the air but so much more for His children.

Loving quotations, reassuring Scripture, and calming prose thoughtfully express the message that God longs to show compassion and care, rest and refuge to those who are hurting. A comforting gift for anyone experiencing illness or suffering a recent loss in their lives.

Many arguments from atheists, agnostics, and skeptics are difficult, or at least intimidating, for most Christians to answer. With clear reasoning and understandable language Ron Rhodes provides readers with the explanations and scriptural background they need to respond to common arguments against faith including:

• There is no such thing as absolute truth.
• Genesis is a myth, not a scientific account.
• A loving God cannot exist—there is too much evil and suffering.
• If God created all things, how did He create Himself?
• Sin is an outdated concept.

With this resource, Christians will be able to confidently respond to logical arguments against the foundations of Christianity.