The Real Face of Atheism

by Ravi Zacharias

Atheism is a world without God. Its true nature—whether disguised in Eastern mysticism or American cynicism—is despair. In this thought-provoking and witty book, Ravi Zacharias provides Christians a clear apologetic for their faith.

Formerly published as A Shattered Visage, The Real Face of Atheism systematically examines atheistic positions on human nature, the meaning of life, morality, the "First Cause," death, and more. With a new introduction and revisions throughout, The Real Face of Atheism is the perfect text for pastors, students, and thinking laypeople who want to improve their apologetic skill and reach out to non-believers.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Philosophy, Religion, Christianity, Atheism

188 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Frederick Antony Ravi Kumar Zacharias was an Indian-born Canadian-American Christian evangelical minister and Christian apologist who founded Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). He was involved in Christian apologetics for a period spanning more than forty years, authoring more than thirty books. He also hosted the radio programs Let My People Think and Just Thinking. Zacharias belonged to the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), the Keswickian Christian denomination in which he was ordained as a minister. After his death, allegations of sexual harassment against him emerged, were investigated, and found to be true.

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a terrible book. There are so many errors in this book and so many holes in his arguments that I don't even know where to begin. The whole book is basically an ad hominem attack on atheism as the points he attempts to address have no bearing on the validity of atheism as they are not ideas inherent in atheism.

Chapter one is dedicated solely to attacking Nietzsche and erroneously attempting to connect his writings (and of course by extension atheism) with various genocides of the 20th century. Even if atheism had caused these tragedies (and it did not) that would still have no bearing on it's validity as it does not effect whether or not any gods exist.

Chapter two is laughably devoted to debunking evolution. I don't think I really need to say much about this other than that Zacharias demonstrates a laughable understanding and ignorance of evolution going so far as to conflate it with abiogenesis but never even talks about the scientific research in that area. Of course here he uses the "God of the gaps" fallacy to say that because science doesn't yet have a theory (as if he would believe it if it did) concerning how life began that it then must have been God.

The rest of the arguments basically boil down to "I think you need God for X, therefore you need God for X and atheism can't give us X" which is not true and again even if it were it would not have any bearing on whether there is a god(s) or not. Arguments like "atheists have no basis for morality" and "death sucks and atheism can't give you comfort for it, therefore God". He constantly makes statements and gives no evidence or data to back them up (like atheists can't truly be happy, using atheist philosophers who suffered emotional problem as evidence). He often quotes Christian apologist philosophers as though that is evidence.

He also often sets up criteria by which ideas must be judged (to try and say atheism does not pass these) that his own beliefs cannot stand up against.

This guy does a good job of going through some of this book's bullshit: http://www.infidels.org/library/moder...

[Freerk Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

In an attempt to challenge my intellect I decided to read A Shattered Visage. Although I appreciate the effort, Zacharia shows that he does not grasp the true implications of the most important statements of atheism. He only touches the surface of the main issues he discusses very lightly. When I finished the book I was very dissapointed, for I had hoped that a Christian intellectual like Zacharia would be able to challenge me.

The main point Zacharia is trying to make with this book is that although atheism refutes God, it does not give any alternatives regarding the meaning of life, or why where are even here on earth in the first place and the fundamentals we should base our morality on.

When Zacharia states that according to atheists, life has no meaning, he is absolutely right. But he is completely erroneous when he demands an alternative. He fails to recognize that meaninglessness is an option, which is a major flaw in this book. What the implications of meaninglessness are, is an interesting area for debate, and I had hoped he would have addressed this, instead of stating that because there is lack of meaning, proves that atheism is wrong.

When Zacharia tries to discuss to origin of life and the universe he clearly shows his lack of knowlegde about science and evolution. He states that because atheism is not able to give answers to all the questions involving the origin of life and the universe, at the end there must be a God. Just because there are many unknowns, does not mean they will be unknowns forever. Science has proven that it improves itself each time. But even if questions remain unanswered, why would that imply that we have to fill up the gaps we have with a God? A lot of gaps we had, aren't gaps anymore and we did not fill them with a God either. It is once more astonishing how Zacharia fails to see such an easy point. I wonder how many research he has done in the field of science, or with how many atheists he has spoken.

When it comes to morality it is getting outright preposterous. Zacharia practically states that when there is no objective morality (or Moral Law), we mess everything up because we are not able to grasp what is right or wrong without a God telling us what is right or wrong. To support this argument he gives very selective examples of a few atheist philosophers who led dubious lifestyles, or went crazy. It is evident that morality is social, cultural and even evolutionary. The church used to condemn interracial marriage, but are there today any Christians who are against interracial marriage? Of course not (well, except for a few racists maybe), because religion adapts to cultural change, not the other way around. Morals change, and we as humans have to reason for ourselves what is good and what is wrong.

It is amusing to see how correct Zacharia is: -'The atheist is left with no reason for being, no morality to espouse, no meaning for life, and no hope beyond the grave'- but how hard he fails to recognize that this is actually a valid point of view. This is exemplary for the way Christians think, for they cannot even acknowledge the fact that there are people out there who consciously decide not to believe in a God. No reason for being, no Moral Law, no meaning for life and no afterlife is an alternative, bleak and terrifying as it sounds. Does this mean I am planning to commit suicide? No, I am thrilled to find out where life will bring me.

[Winston Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Anyone who has read more than one of Ravi's books has likely encountered Ravi's tragic suicide attempt as a teenager. As an adult, Ravi milks this for all he thinks it's worth. It features as a central theme in The Lamb and the Fuhrer, The End of Reason and Has Christianity Failed You?

While an effective emotional tool, it wears thin on many people, myself included. Not only because it is an experience unique to the author, but also because Zacharias, in his dishonesty, attempts to smear all atheists with the brush of despair and a meaningless existence. Funny how countries which comprise a majority of their population as non-believers in any religion (among them Japan, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium) are the most healthy in terms of adult literacy, low murder, low rape and low teen pregnancy rates. Ravi appears to be projecting his own inadequacies and envy at atheists who are anything but miserable.

The moral argument, popularised by sophist CS Lewis, rears its ugly head again. This is a hollow argument from morality (If objective morality exists, god exists. If objective morality didn't exist, we couldn't condemn the Nazis or anyone else for committing evil deeds). It has been long refuted by much brighter and deeper thinkers than Zacharias, and is one of the most commonly utilised tactics among modern day apologists. It falls flat for several reasons not least of which is Euthyphro's dilemma. Using god's "nature" as an attempt at weaseling out doesn't do anything for it, and morality dictated from on high is not objective. It's fiat, no better than obeying the heinous deeds of a despot simply because you were ordered to. Objective morality can be discovered as easily as other facts about the world. Sentient beings suffer and experience happiness. As facts about the universe, they form part of an objective basis for morality. Sam Harris was quite erudite in his recent book, The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values. Save your money. Buy that instead.

[David Natiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Shattered Visage" is an honest, hard look at the Atheist's view of life on Earth and some of the inherent problems and challenges of this mindset. Ravi Zacharias is well-studied in philosophy and brings to light many examples of great minds who have struggled with this very issue. The conclusions and analysis are most intriguing.

Most people might not want to go this deep into philosophy and the meaning of life, but I believe it is imperative to take the time to educate yourself and ask the most important questions:
1. Why are we here?
2. What is the meaning of life?
3. Is there a God?
4. How does this influence my existence?

It's not a surprise to those who know Ravi Zacharias that he points out the untenable position of the Atheist, but I think FAR more important is how he arrives at that conclusion. Not only does he show why the Atheist is wrong, but he gets to that conclusion through the very process the Atheist prides himself with: logic and analysis.

Two points in the book that were very hard hitting to me:
1. Naturalism & Atheism means survival of the fittest, natural selection, and we're all here by chance. People like Hitler and Stalin were taking this philosophy to its extreme - although consistent conclusion. However, it is agreed almost universally those men were "evil" - but by what moral standards can you judge good & evil if all is random chance and natural selection?

Yes, heinous acts have been done in the name of religion, but the difference is those acts were done in opposition to the clear methods and instructions of the Bible. It is not the proper understanding of the Bible, and evil is duly noted based upon God's morality.

2. The Atheist says "God does not exist"... but in order to KNOW this conclusively would require infinite knowledge. If you had infinite knowledge, then you would be the very god that you are saying does not exist. Unsupportable.

There is much more depth & insight in this book, and will take multiple readings to truly grasp all of its significance. If you are a Christian, read this book and it will strengthen your faith. If you are an Atheist, I challenge you to read this book for yourself... even if you intend to refute it.

[Bro · Rating 4 out of 5]

scary book for those who want to think there is no God. Some think we have to prove there is a God, but we don't have to do any such thing. God says his works prove He is. You have to explain beyond theory how we came to exist and how that there is good and evil in the world, and if there is a moral code then there is a moral giver of this code. For the believer God explains that. For the unbeliever there is nothing except blind faith. Ravi delves right into the heart of all these debates and unearths the root of these thoughts and how deadly they are for self proclaimed atheist to tackle. You would do yourself and your friends a favor by reading this book and passing one on to them. I wish it was translated in all languages for universal thought and debate on this topic! As one sign said, "There is a God and you are not Him" =-).

[Raffi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an interesting philosophical and apologetic book against atheism. Ravi gives examples and how atheism refutes the presence of God, but does not give a viable option regarding why humans are on earth and the moral ground upon which they should operate.
Also, I should mention that it is not an easy read. Some lines and paragraphs I had to re-read them to comprehend.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy most Ravi Zacharias books, and this was no different. I had to knock it down a star for technical reasons having to do with the ebook. I read this on my kindle, and there were several quotes that were replaced with a note saying that they couldn't be included due to rights restrictions. It seems fairly ridiculous to me that the owners of these various things were fine with including the text in a traditional book, but can't abide by having it in a digital format. One or two, I would have let pass, but it was more like one or two per chapter, and that just got annoying.

[Zen Hess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zacharias has made an effort to upend atheism primarily based on the outcome of an atheistic worldview. His challenges are backed with some specific cases. However, his critique is too generalized in nature. Not all atheists are what he says they are. I think his effort is worthwhile, however I would have liked to see a more theological approach -- perhaps that was not his purpose, in which case he may have succeeded in his task. I, unfortunately, did not find it that convincing.

[Jinkay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A man rejects God neither because of intellectual demands nor because of the paucity of evidence. A man rejects God because of a moral resistance that refuses to admit his need for God."

[Jeffrey Romine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is far better to debate a question before settling it than to settle a question before debating it."

Ravi Zacharias hones in on moral standards of good and evil to make a strong argument for theism, attempting to get nonbelievers beyond the entrapment of a naturalist's worldview. Even so, he doesn't let believers off the hook either when he says, "The Christian's freedom is not in the liberty to do what one wants, but in finding the strength in God to do what one should."

This is a fast reading book that exposes weakly founded atheistic beliefs. I especially liked his treatment of the philosophical process in the appendix.

[Kara Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It just doesn't make sense.

This book takes some intellectual effort. It's not for the faint of mind or heart. And yet, the bottom line is that atheism just doesn't make sense. The one reason I wouldn't rate this five stars doesn't have to do with author himself or his writing style. He included some great and very apt quotes. Unfortunately, many of the quotes and lyrics couldn't be included in the Kindle. Erosion of the book due to rights restrictions. That itself irritated me, but even more irritating was repeatedly stating "poety" (not poetry) not included due to rights restrictions. There were a few other editing snafus but that POETY one occurred at least twenty times. It's sad, because the author is witty and often brilliant. You can find him on Christian radio, too.

[Chiinhauching Phiamphu · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we talk about religion most people(I mean, Atheist) thought that it do so much harm to humanity, taking the Crusaders which engendered much violence in the name of Christ ( as their favorite example). What we need to know is that this action is not justified instead it is in serious contradiction with the message of the gospel.
Atheist world does more harm to humanity, say for example 'the holocaust'. We may call it conflict of ideas but the real problem is 'the idea without God, the Creator'. When you omit God you can justify whatever you do and you can make your idea your god as there is no one greater than you.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual for Ravi Zacharias, compassionate but fervent appeal to the reader to understand the issue (atheism) and to accept the solution, Christ. The tone of the book seemed more intense than other books I have read by the same author, perhaps due to the topic. I recommend the book for anyone too caught up in current denials of God, or someone who has questions about why the atheists are wrong, or an atheist looking for answers.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a thought-provoking book, challenging atheism from a Christian perspective. Zacharias is well-read and includes thoughts from a variety of philosophers, scientists, authors, and theologians. At his best he puts forth some excellent arguments against the atheistic world view and in favor of theism and Christianity. At his worst he can occasionally be unclear in his reasoning for the conclusions he is drawing. Overall, it was a good, quick read and helpful to my own thinking.

[Brent Rosendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravi is one of my favorite authors/speakers. I enjoyed this book but it was a much more difficult read than the other books of his I read. Ravi not only shows us the problems with the athiestic system of belief but how the thiestic/Christian faith does a better job at answering life's most important questions.

[Eric Bjerke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and re-read this one many times. Zacharias is a great thinker.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Ravi writes with truth, wit, and love while communicating at a level that adults will appreciate. This book points out the many logical and practical flaws that atheism promotes.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book by my favorite Christian philosopher. I doubt it will change any atheists minds but it sure is an important message to us Christians.

[Mark Economou · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding read in philosophy, religion, and good thinking.

[Stephanie Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep and rich

Ravi Zacharias was a brilliant thinker and speaker, but he never forgot his true calling: to.win people to Jesus Christ. This book explains the world views of secular leadership and how those views lead to a mind. Zacharius lays out his case in this book.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book in my small group a while ago. Overall, I think the impression of the group was positive. In classic Zacharias style, he stays on the “big picture” level in an attempt to encourage the reader that they might be able to understand an atheist better and interact with him if s/he tackles the broader questions and assumptions. They are: reason for being (origin), no ethics to espouse (morality), no reason for living (meaning), and no hope beyond the grave (destiny). If you approach the book expecting to get help in thinking through these issues, it is a great resource. One of the weaknesses is that Zacharias is dealing with the “vanilla” flavor of atheists, while there are many other varieties that are necessarily driven by one of those four issues. As a small group, we were hoping to get more specific help in talking with atheists about the gospel and this book doesn’t contain that, except in one appendix. Personally, I enjoyed the book. It is loaded with quotes from great authors such as Chesterton, Lewis, Muggeridge and other great poets and literary writers. One of the bigger points that was cemented in my mind is the connection between the rise of evolution and atheism.

[Nathan Ellzey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I think Ravi's intentions are pure, he very nearly commits the Straw Man fallacy by representing extreme cases of atheism as generally representative. While his intention was to demonstrate atheism's bankruptcy and to show how Christianity brings purpose and fulfilment, he paints with brush strokes that are simply too broad. Ravi also has a tenancy to use rarely-used words that flower-up his points, though they usually only serve to obfuscate any real point he's trying to make (though it does make it more difficult to recognize his Straw Man fallacy). The two appendices, however, are excellent. They discuss the nature of argument and worldview. I would certainly recommend reading at least the appendices. For the other content, I would recommend the work of William Lane Craig or even N. T. Wright (where he addresses philosophical issues, anyway). I had so much more how for this book.

[Sergio Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good, many memorial quotes and ideas. I liked this book because it dealt with questions that a lot of people have while or after studying atheism like where does this leave science? Overall this book was good and showed as the title says "The Real Face of Atheism" the last set edition the book has powerful comments throughout the book to remember and use when talking with someone about worldviews.

[Majid Abdulghani · Rating 3 out of 5]

كتاب جيد في الجملة لإظهار فساد الإلحاد وكيفية تأثيره على المجتمع النصراني الغربي، إلا أن نصرانية المؤلف جعلته يقوم بالتنصير والانتصار لدينه الباطل في ثنايا الكتاب، وأقول أنه باطل ليس لكوني مسلما فحسب، بل تطبيقا للمعايير التي ارتضاها المؤلف للحكم على صحة فلسفة ما كالاتساق المنطقي مثلا، فكيف فاته أن عقيدته النصرانية في جانب والاتساق المنطقي في جانب آخر يفصل بين الجانبين بعد المشرقين؟!

[Pete Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Dr. Zacharias does not disappoint. A former atheist himself, Zacharias walks the reader through the evolution of atheistic thought, the major shapers of the movement, and, ultimately, why atheism is a hopeless POV.

Highly recommend this book!

[Milan Lukac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of ad hominem and strawman arguments.

Using authors own logic one could argue that the whole book and the worldview it represents is nullified because of Zacharias’ long term sexual assault scandal - which makes no sense.

[Atchisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zacharias is simply an amazing writer. His insight is genuine and thought-provoking. Any chance to read him is a chance to understand and appreciate your faith all the more.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all of Ravi's books that I read. This one was fantastic!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it is a small book so it can only cover so much, he makes some very valid points and has given me a better understanding of the logic that must follow from an atheistic world view.

[Sarah]

Great for highly educated readers, but for the majority of North Americans, the concepts are very lofty.