Rating: 
Summary: LFIF is an insightful book that will challenge any Xian
Review: This is Dan Barker's account of his conversion from Christian to Athiest and the motives for that change. Over many years Mr.Barker has become a veteran atheistic debater and representative for the Freedom from Religion Foundation, whose goals include the reinforcement of Church and State seperation. The arguments contained in LFIF specifically address the Christian mythos. If you prefer a more general refutation of a "supreme being", I suggest something by Michael Martin, George H. Smith, or Anthony Flew (who are also convincing but don't rely on the Problem of Evil). Nevertheless, Christians present a pervasive challenge and to meet them in debate requires you to speak a "language" they can understand. Dan uses the Bible extensively and effectively to this end. Unlike "A reader from Alabama", I nor any thoughtful person believes that reality is in any way necessarily reflected in the majority opinion. Fortunately, Dan Barker doesn't waste valuable paper giving this ludicrous position, and others like it, consideration.
Rating: 
Summary: Misses an important point
Review: This work, like many atheistic works, confuses two seperate issues. The first issue is belief in the exisitence of a supreme being. The second issue is belief in the Christian conception of a supreme being. Mr. Barker would be a little more hard pressed to de-bunk belief in a supreme being. For example, the Problem of Evil becomes irrelevant if one chooses to defend the first issue, rather than the second. This point is troubling because most atheistic apologetics depend on the Problem of Evil. Moreover, one could decide to use an argument from the best explanation, for belief in a supreme being, to defend the first issue. In other words, the reason why so many people believe that there is a God is because. . . there is a God. This route is difficult for the atheist because now they are forced into defending Marx, Freud, etc. . . Why? Because now you must provide and defend an alternative (and better) explanation for belief. A difficult task indeed. I'm inclined to believe that Mr. Barker is more of an anti-Chrisitan, than he is a true atheist. In fact, most people who call themselves atheists in America are really anti-Christians. Remember, the athesits true task is not just to de-bunk Chrisitanity, but to de-bunk belief in a supreme being. After all, atheisim means no God, not just no Chrisitan God. (Excuse my poor grammar and spelling, Im at work) Maybe the issue isn't decided yet, you think????????
Rating:
Summary: Makes me proud to be an atheist!
Review: Outstanding! Great tool for convincing the Jesus Freeks that atheist is not a dirty word.The Author recounts his very personal struggle "comming out" to the free thought world. It didn't happen to him overnight, but rather through a five year gradual process he saw the light.
Rating: 
Summary: Enthralling narrative by a fascinating human being
Review: Having read the reviews on this website and heard about the book from freethinking friends at school, I finally ordered my own a couple of months ago (along with George Smith's Atheism: The Case Against God, which I would also recommend). It is a great read- very entertaining, and offering an insight into both sides of the belief/unbelief coin. Since it is assembled partially from both columns and non-tracts written by the author, there is a bit of repetition of material, which is the only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars. The single most fascinating chapter is "Dear Theologian." The first time I read it (in excerpt form on www.infidels.org), I was in awe. Though already an atheist, I simply hadn't looked at the "God" idea in such a way. It is indeed a clever way of examining just why the "god" concept is so completely intellectually and morally bankrupt, and in a way I hadn't thought of before. Perhaps the best part of this book is that it is personal. I'm not quite through reading it, but already I feel like I know Dan Barker, the man, a little better through his account of his struggles and the various events in his life both before and after he made the brave (and admittedly difficult) decision to truly think for himself. I would love to get this guy to speak and play some of his freethought music at my college!
Rating:
Summary: Incredible book - couldn't put it down!
Review: I read this book, and found that it closely mirrored my own deconversion... well, other than the fact that I was not an ordained evangelical preacher, nor was I talented enough to publish my own musicals, nor did I witness to hundreds or... hmmm, it would seem I actually don't have that a lot in common! But we both deconverted after careful reflection and tons of reading. This book was my catalyst. Before I read Dan's book, I was very boarderline in my beliefs. They were not logical and yet it was too scarry NOT to believe in a higher power. Dan's book changed that. I've corresponded with Dan after reading his book (yes, he replied -- several times!). And have found him extremely thoughtful and engaging. I was impressed to learn he's a member of Prometheus which is like Mensa, except that IT only takes the top .03% of the population (by IQ) whereas Mensa takes the top 2%. But to the book itself... Dan's clear writing and logical arguements easily demolish any apologetics (like Van Tyl and RC Sproul). I mean, they do if the reader endeavors to be objective and intellectually honest. If one is not and one wants to maintain their theistic beliefs, this work challenges them so much that the only response can be anger (as some of these negative reviews proove). I know Dan. I know for a fact his beliefs were firm. Anyone reading LFIF cannot help but draw the same conclusion. This is an extraordinary work and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: This book is a gem!!
Review: Dan Barker is an honest man with keen insight. His autobio is a great read. He challenges us to think! For instance, his Easter challenge is superb. I am a retired trial lawyer and I am used to multiple witnesses differing on minor details of an event. I have never heard of a tria, allegedly about an event occuring in Colorado Springs, having witnesses called to say it all happened in Denver, 70 miles to the north. That's what Barker bring forth in his book where it deals with the events of Easter, after the crusifixion. Some say he appeared here, some there, but it is so contradictory the only answer is connivance and contrivance. If all preachers told us an honest account of their mind, it would have to mirror Dan Barker's, as he only uses facts and rational infrences that can be drawn from them. Read this book and you too can start thinking for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Are There Reasons For Disbelief, Or Do We Kill The Messenger
Review: Dan Barker was a fundamentalist minister for the better part of 20 years. Over time he began to have serious doubts about the worthiness of the bible and the existence of God. These doubts led to a "deconversion" to atheism. DB is a good logician, and presents excellent arguments for non-belief in God, and lucidly shows the bible to be a negative rather than positive document. For the most part he will be preaching to the choir, and those disagreeing with him will engage in ad hominem attacks, an approach he is well used to. He frequently is frustrated that Christians do not debate him on the merits of his arguments, but on the basis that something is obviously seriously wrong with him or he wouldn't think the way he does. He points out that most Christians have little knowledge of what is actually in the bible, and when he quotes the many passages that show its god to be one of malicious vengeance, they don't believe he is actually quoting from the "good book". This is a well-reasoned criticism of Christianity. I recommend it to all free thinking readers.
Rating:
Summary: Good introduction to atheism.
Review: This is a good all-around introduction to why Christians become atheists. It is not, however, an exhaustive study of atheism or Christian mythology. Readers wanting a deeper understanding of the issues should continue on with the other authors referred to in this work.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST BOOK ON ATHEISM V.S. RELIGION EVER!!
Review: As a former christian of 25 yrs, It was with great reluctance that I let go of my former beliefs as the myth that they were. Only after reading of Mr. Barkers struggle with his faith, did I realize I was not alone. Losing Faith in Faith is excellent in pointing out the absurdity of believing in such a thing. I am embarrassed to have believed it for so long. If you are a recent conversion from a religon, or a christian struggling with reality verses faith, I urge you to read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Logically Sound Arguments Although too Politically Motivated
Review: Mr. Barker has some very interesting chapters on many questionable aspects of the Christian faith which would lead any rational person to give up their own faith (of course faith isn't rational). I, like Mr. Barker, am an ex-Christian turned athiest and I would recommend this book for any others who have gone down the same path, however, for Christians who are looking for an argument against Christianity I would have to recommend Michael Martin's The Case Against Christianity as Mr. Barker's book is too bogged down in his own politics while Mr. Martin follows with a rational, straightforward argument all the way through.
|
