Thoughtful Theism: Redeeming Reason in an Irrational Age

by Andrew Younan

Thoughtful Theism: Redeeming Reason in an Irrational Age is more than a defense of the existence of God. It is an attempt to remind us that belief in God is at its root rational—despite the arguments offered by many atheists and the irrational expressions presented by some theists themselves. Drawing from years of experience as a priest and a teacher of philosophy, Fr. Younan presents the fallacies that often accompany thinking about a concept as difficult as God. With clarity and humor, he presents the Five Ways of Aquinas, discusses the Big Bang and evolution, the problem of evil, morality, and the complexities and abuses of religion.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Religion, Theology

216 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2017

About the author

Fr. Andrew Youman is an author and a professor of philosophy and biblical languages at John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, California.

Fr. Andrew served as rector of the Seminary of Mar Abba the Great, the seminary of the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of St. Peter the Apostle, until 2016.

He was granted the mandatum by then-Bishop Robert Brom of San Diego, as an ecclesial recognition of Fr. Andrew’s posture and commitment to teach always in communion with the Church.

Fr. Andrew has written several books. He is also a translator of Aramaic and is the translator/editor of the Emmanuel prayer book, which contains English translations of Chaldean liturgical prayers. He is the co-author of Introductory Chaldean and Chaldean Grammar and the author of Perpetual Jubilee: Meditations on the Chaldean Liturgical Year.

Fr. Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit in 2001 and a master’s degree in philosophy and theology from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, with honors for his thesis, “The Mesopotamian School and Theodore of Mopsuestia.”

Reviews

[Joe Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book excels in three areas:

1. It’s a great primer on philosophy, particularly on Aquinas’s proofs of the existence of God. I had studied them previously, but found clearer, more concise explanations here. What I was not expecting was having those ideas impact the way I see and interact in the world day-to-day. Usually these topics are academic exercises and stay in the mind. Not so after this book.

2. Engages New Atheists where they are. Using extensive quotations, Fr. Andy explores exactly the arguments against the existence of God. Rather than creating straw men, he engages meaningfully with their critiques, often agreeing with them. This brings up the last point…

3. Most importantly, this book provides admonitions to believers. It’s a challenge to not just study and know one’s faith, but to live it out. Rather than dunking on atheists, Fr. Andy challenges believers to look internally at the irrational shortcuts to understanding that we do often don’t even realize we’ve taken. This book provides motivation to continue study, deep thought, and informed action.

Highly recommended for personal intellectual growth. Well presented, and huge return on the effort it takes to engage.

[Ben Daghir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fr. Younan, impressively, relates the complex philosophical arguments between Catholicism and the New Atheists to the common person. His synthesis of St. Thomas Aquinas' 5 proofs while comparing the arguments to the New Atheists of today - is quite impressive.

Fr. Younan's basic argument is that reason, true reason, does not lie to humans. And, for him, he believes that reason comes from and returns towards "the Logos." To the Word - to Christ.

Lastly, it's a phenomenal book for learning how to discuss rationally in an irrationally age.

At the age of 25, I learned a tremendous amount in this book - and also on how to discuss...rationally.

[Adrian Fritzke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This. is a thoughtful book that does an excellent job at showing that belief in God is rational in an age when faith is under attack. I would recommend this book to any Catholic or anyone who believes in a God. I would also recommend this book to atheist so they can get a good idea of what theist actually believe about God.'

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I love this book. For a long time I have felt like both the New atheists and most religious people have a ridiculous way of closing the mind to anyone who might question their beliefs. Fr. Younan does a great job expanding on this and many other ideas that help one see the rational side of faith and the valid arguments that have come from the New atheists.

[Katharine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. Andy is practical, down-to-Earth, and funny. His points are concise and clear and lay out the primary problems both believers and non-believers run into when discussing the existence of God. Great read!

[Samuel Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

to read again

[Paulie Walnuts · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Thoughtful Theism, Fr Andrew provides some cold criticisms to some of the most widely publicized atheist books. Although all of his arguments are sound and hold water, I found myself a bit bored with the routine style of picking apart atheist texts and proving them wrong. Before getting into this, I was expecting some original thoughts related to the proof of God's existence. Though Fr. Andrew does a good job proving atheists wrong, he doesn't necessarily prove Christianity 100% right. Fr. Andrew is my local priest and I respect him for his ability to find reason wherever he sees fit, regardless of it being blunt or seemingly rude. I did enjoy this book and am looking forward to his next publication. The only thing I would like more of in his book is some of his own abstractions on God's existence. I am not interested in what incorrect arguments atheists have made in their books, but I am interested in what a philosophical priest has to say about the structure of his faith.

TLDR: Fr. Andrew does a good job proving atheist texts wrong, but this eventually gets old.