Theological reactions to the rise of the new atheist movement have largely been critically hostile or defensively deployed apologetics to shore up the faith against attack. Gary Keogh contends that focusing on scholarly material that is inherently agreeable to theology will not suffice in the context of modern academia. Theology needs to test its boundaries and venture into dialogue with those with antithetical positions. Engaging Richard Dawkins, as the embodiment of such a position, illustrates how such dialogue may offer new perspectives on classical theological problems, such as the relationship of science and religion, the existence of God, creation, natural suffering and theodicy. Keogh demonstrates how a dialogical paradigm may take shape, rather than merely discussing it as a theoretical framework. A dialogue between such opposing hermeneutics may provide a new paradigm of theological scholarship - one which is up to the task of facing its critics in the public and pluralistic context of modern academia.
Gary Keogh is a lecturer at All Hallows College of Dublin City University in Dublin, Ireland, and at the Newman Institute in Ballina, Ireland. He is the author of articles that have appeared in such journals as The Furrow and Doctrine and Life.
Gary Keogh is a lecturer at All Hallows College of Dublin City University in Dublin, Ireland, and at the Newman Institute in Ballina, Ireland. He is the author of articles that have appeared in such journals as The Furrow and Doctrine and Life.
"This well-researched and carefully organized study makes a significant contribution to Christian theological reflection on the meaning of evolution. Its calm conversation with Richard Dawkins' atheist reading of Darwin is a model of mature theological scholarship." John F. Haught Georgetown University "For too many, the world is black and white: one's opponents are to be fought; one's allies are one's friends. Gary Keogh adds more colour to our intellectual world, by engaging theologically with the writings of Richard Dawkins, not as a foe or a friend, but as a serious conversation partner. Keogh thereby sets an example for religious reflection in a modern, pluralistic context. He provides a great opportunity to encounter theologies that appreciates an evolutionary understanding of life on Earth." Willem B. Drees Leiden University "Gary Keogh's energetic and structured approach takes the reader confidently into the conceptual world of Richard Dawkins. A trustworthy guide, he points out the scientific landmarks, locating them in the landscape of Dawkins' thought and relating them to the philosophical, scientific and theological issues that they raise. Gary Keogh is well informed, tough minded, well organized, and articulate. He is clear in language, elegant in composition and thorough in coverage." Joseph McCann All Hallows College "The dialogical approach adopted in Reading Richard Dawkins is one of the key issues which distinguish it from the many publications that have flooded the market in the wake of the popular success of the new atheism of Richard Dawkins and others. Allied to this innately respectful methodology is the highly commendable attention to detail which shapes the argumentation, and is evidenced by the truly remarkable range and quality of the citations that are to be found on every page of the book. Written with remarkable clarity and in an accessible style, it draws the non-specialist reader almost effortlessly into a genuine dialogue with the author on issues which seem to challenge theism in our increasingly secular and scientific age. The author not only directly challenges the logic of new atheism, but also the self-destructiveness of refugee fideism. For this alone, the book is to be highly recommended." Eoin Cassidy Dublin City University
