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Summary: Beware Believers!
Review: When I picked up excerpts of this book from the internet, I was a born-again Christian. After reading the book, I realized that there was nothing that Barker wrote with which I could disagree. I tried to resist, as I was a strong believer for over ten years, but I am an atheist now. This book is well-referenced, clear and straightforward. Barker's knowledge of the Bible puts all of us to shame. The next to last section, which examines the morality of the "good book" will shatter you if you think that the Judeo-Christian god is just and good. The chapter about the historicity of Jesus is well annotated and provides a long reading list at the end. The best part is, you don't have to believe Barker--you can examine the truth for yourself. Cogito tute.
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Summary: Comprehensive, Easy to Understand Atheistic Treatise
Review: Dan Barker's book is excellent, hands down. I've read it through several times and I'm still learning new things.Reading this book did not make me a skeptic (I already was one), but it did stengthen my arguments and refine my opinions. Many times I was left thinking "that's what I've always thought!" I agree with the other reviewer, if you only buy one book on atheism, let it be this one. Any freethinker, highly educated and well read or not, will enjoy this lively, very insightful and powerful book. Anyone who is undecided about the God question and/or religion will get a lot out of it as well. Even liberal Christians may reconsider the dogma they loosely yet faithfully hold onto by reading Barker. Orthdox Christians will probably not get anything out of it (as their brief, intellectually lacking reviews indicate). I don't even know why they'd want to read it (or anything but the bible and apologetics) since they "know" they already have "the truth" (or do they?=) But for anyone who isn't enslaved to dogma, read this book! You won't be disappointed
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Summary: A Rarity of its Kind
Review: Finally, a book written by a man who was inside christianity and escaped outward towards atheism. This is a book I have waited to see for a long time. This is a great account of Dan Barker's struggle with christianity that should serve as a guidepost for others to follow. For those who could never understand the thought process of the fundamentalist christians this is a great source. This is a book that many will want to reject, but it is only the honesty of true thinker.
Rating: 
Summary: This book strikes a chord in all who wonder to themselves
Review: As a former Christian who just recently accepted the fact that the bible does not fulfil it's promises, I was amazed at how simular our struggles were. Barker is very good at painting the picture of his former self, which not many fundamentalists can match. To share these feelings strengthens my resolve to remain a freethinker.
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Summary: This is without a doubt a MUST read!
Review: Dan Barker, a man not afraid use his mind, tells us of his transition -out of the mental confounds of Christianity -into the nationally acclaimed freethinker he is today. Barker says "It is interesting to read the Bible now, with new 'eyesight' so to speak. I used to read all the ugly parts of the Bible, but for some reason they were invisible, even beautiful. I was taught that God was perfect, loving and righteous -so there could be no question in my mind of his character. Any apparent contradictions or ugliness could be ignored in the faith of the 'mystery' of Gods ways. I'm glad those days are over." In his book, Dan provides strong historical and logical evidence against the myths dispelled by religion. In chapter 29 [Dear Believer], Dan wonderfully sums up the vary essence of Christianity and it's 'merciful' God. Barker writes >> "Dear Believer, You ask me to consider Christianity as the answer for my life. I have done that. I consider it untrue, repugnant, and harmful... The Biblical god is a macho male warrior. Thou he said "Thou shall not kill", he ordered death for all in opposition (Exodus 32:27), wholesale drowning and mass exterminations; punished offspring to the fourth generation (Exodus 20:5); ordered babies to be smashed and pregnant women to be ripped up (Hosea 13:16) demanded animal and human blood to appease his angry vanity; is partial to one race of people; judged women inferior to men; is the sadist who created a hell to torture unbelievers; created evil (Isaiah 45:7)... sent bears to devour forty-two children who teased a prophet (II Kings 2:23-24); punished people with snakes, dogs, dragons, drunkenness, swords, arrows, axes, fire, famine, and infanticide; and said fathers should eat their sons (Ezekiel 5:10) Is that nice? Would you want to live next door to such a person?...Do you see why I do not respect the biblical message? It is an insulting bag of nonsense. You have every right to torment yourself with such insanity --but leave me out of it." I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with an open mind and whom sincerely seeks genuine truth. Truly,
Rating: 
Summary: Simplistic refutation is just silly
Review: This book is full of refutation that is sophomoric at best. These arguments may sit well with those that have not delved deeply into good Christian apologetics but would not hold up against the likes of Van Tyl or even R.C. Sproul. His arguments acutually strengthened my belief in the veracity of the orthodox Christian worldview.
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Summary: An atheist's perspective. Intelligent, witty and easily read
Review: This book is awesome! Like most atheists, I too once was a Christian. Barker's touching personal account is similar to how many atheists have extricated themselves from the grip of status-quo theism. This book, for those atheists trying to explain their position to theist friends or family, is a friendly introduction to an alternative way of thinking, using one's brain instead of cultural regurgitation. Though it is friendly, it is potent in it's logical assault on the ridiculousness of theism in general. Losing Faith will answer the toughest justifications for God posed by theists, and in a style that any person, even kids or reluctant theists can understand. If you buy one book on atheism, no matter who you are, make it this one! Dan The Burke
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Summary: Dan Barker rules at debate - excellent knowledge.
Review: I've met Dan and been at one of his conventions. His book is an excellent source for comprehending the mind of the theist. I admire him and respect what he has been through in life. This book illustrates almost his entire life - definitely for anyone and everyone. One point in the book that really interested me the most - questioning the existence of Jesus. I never really decided to look into the evidence of Jesus until he mentions it. Obviously the evidence is lacking now that I have, and am that more interested in the psychology behind theism behaviors. I love learning about religions, etc - and Dan has motivated me to learn more.
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Summary: Not threatening in the least
Review: Mr. Barker made a 180 degree turn in his beliefs. He went from being a preacher to being an atheist. He obviously never had any firm beliefs in the first place. I've read much more intelligent and thought-provoking books on both sides of the debate; this book is just disturbing. Does anyone really care to hear about this man's "deconversion"? Thousands of people fall out of Christianity-he says himself he can't stand the idea of a "judgmental" God- so what makes him so special? He wrote a book about it? So what? And he says the Bible invented sin. He seems to have a skewed view of things. His story is truly sad.
Rating:
Summary: Atheism presented with clarity and simplicity
Review: Barker uses simple reasoning to call into question the validity and necessity of religious faith. Barker draws strongly upon his experiences as a former preacher and devout christian. The only weak area of his otherwise compelling arguments is his inability to forcefully tackle the historic crimes against religious people perpetrated by atheistic communists.
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