Does God Exist?: A Dialogue on the Proofs for God's Existence

by Todd C. Moody

In this engaging introductory dialogue, Todd Moody maps the spectrum of philosophical arguments and counterarguments for the existence of God. Structuring colloquial conversations along classical lines, he presents a lively and accessible discussion of issues that are central to both theist and atheist thinking, including the burden of proof, the first cause, a necessary being, the natural order, suffering, miracles, experience as knowledge, and rationality without proof. The second edition is a significant and comprehensive revision. Moody broadens and deepens the conversation by addressing additional arguments, such as the problem of animal suffering, the moral argument, intelligent design, and human exceptionalism. The discussion of the cosmological argument is updated to reflect recent work on the Kalam Cosmological Argument. A short preface explains the scope of the work and the purpose of the dialogue form. Suggested further readings of contemporary and classical sources are also included.

Genres: Philosophy

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Chancellor Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book offered many compelling dialogues on the inquiry into God’s existence. The fictional debaters discuss a wide range of physical and metaphysical topics leaving the reader with a holistic view on the subject.

[Soap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that we read in my Philosophy 100 class: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking. This was a supplement to the main textbook and set out arguments and points to discuss and demonstrated how an arguer can respond and form counterarguments. We analyzed and discussed the book in detail, which helped us students to understand the content better and appreciate the ideas in this dialogue.

[dwpage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly good and engaging introduction to the arguments for and against theism. It covers a lot of the central topics. I thought the chapter on the contingency cosmological argument (chapter 3) was really good. The chapters on suffering and miracles (chapters 5 & 6), on the other hand, were really weak. The chapter on suffering, in particular, did a poor job presenting the argument from evil/suffering and the various responses that have been attempted.

[Steven Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cheesy dialogue at times, but it was very helpful in giving an introduction to religious philosophy.