The Atheist Who Didn't Exist (Fully Revised 10th Anniversary Edition): Or the dreadful consequences of bad arguments

by Andy Bannister

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Ashley Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good & I love his writing style too !!! although it seems to be the kind of book where I would need to make notes for every chapter to remember all his points... but anyw I enjoyed it!

[Annie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I need to know who picked up this and is now agnostic or has converted. The whole thing is like arguing with your partner and they are stuck on semantics the whole time, whilst constantly weaving in shit jokes and unnecessarily extending sentence lengths. (unless one loves grandad jokes then yeah sure, this is 100% for them). Also this guy's obsession with Richard Dawkins needs to be studied because it exceeds beyond critique of his work because why are we talking about him so much instead of his publications... like do you have a love-hate relationship with the man or what.

I do respect and acknowledge that Atheism isn't a perfect explanation but this isn't the right approach to critique for me. It's incredibly reductionist to stand by your own views and fail to even fathom the possibility that even in the absence of God, there is NO VOID! for me and many Atheists out there. It's really not eating me up inside or keeping me up at night. I know, hard to believe right? There are many things that make up a meaningful fulfilling life, not just religion.

I think what really prevented me from enjoying this book was how condescending the author's attitude is despite him stating he wanted a fair discussion. Come on I'm so ready to have my doubts and skepticisms answered. But no, according to him, I'm just rebelling and hiding behind bad arguments, and my self deceit runs so deep I need to seek serious psychological help. Couldn't believe my eyes when I read that.

Are you mad? Are you good? Are you okay? You sound like a spoiled bully who likes to win arguments based on semantics, to be fair. Much more to say in review around the content, but I cba.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy Bannister has a unique style - and I love it. From witty footnotes and asides to current pop culture references. This was a non fiction book that wasn't dry but rather engaging, entertaining and educational.

When New Atheism was on the rise, I was too young to be aware of it, but having read this book, I have a better understanding of their arguments and what isn't right about them. While I won't retain everything, it's good to know where I can go for the answer, besides Google!!

There were a couple of grammatical errors or extra words, but it wasn't major enough to lose a star!

I also have to comment on Bannister's penchant for alliteration in his lists and the weirdly regular mention of aardvarks - it just adds to the entertainment fact.

[Jacques · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shimmering sword of salvation masquerading as a squirting seltzer bottle. A club of commonsense cloaked as a confetti canon...

I've been keen to re-read this book since I first read it in 2019. The ten-year anniversary edition gave me the ideal opportunity. The tone is comical, but the arguments are very thoughtful and well-researched.

[EasyModePro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed how on each chapter the author sets up some sort of absurd discussion between two parties only to then point to how this line of thinking is exactly where you end up when taking some of the arguments for new atheism to their conclusions. Great book, would recommend.