Rating: 
Summary: Not worth the read.
Review: All the Bible verses that are quoted out of context in this book, can be looked up in James Patrick Holding's website. Let me just say that Dan Barker does not know the Bible well at all. It's no wonder he is an atheist. For instance, in a debate he had with Michael Butler, he says that Jesus' views on slavery was not a "contextual thing." Yet, later he admitted that it was contextual. Why would he contradict himself like that? It's because he's desperate!
Rating:
Summary: Weak!
Review: Barker claims that Christians disagree on virtually every interpretation of the Bible, which renders the Bible useless and non-absolute. Yet, he forgets that his own interpretations are JUST as useless and non-absolute too! Barker says Christians are no better off than atheist because they sin just as much as atheists do. We never said we were better than atheists. We're BETTER OFF (meaning, we'll be with our Father in heaven) than atheists but not better than atheists. Really, this book hardly challenged my faith at all. You should read what James Patrick Holding says about Barker. And, you can get the debate Barker had with Michael Butler, where Barker actually contradicted himself about taking the Bible in context.
Rating:
Summary: Not the book for rational skeptics
Review: Usually attacks on theistic belief are well reasoned and well argued. Not so with this incoherent rant. Dan Barker leavens rehashed and mangled arguments that atheists such as Anthony Flew, Bertrand Russell and AJ Ayer have made in the past. However, they are not made as well and in many instances simply bungled. What is odd about this particular work is how someone who claimed to have seen the error of the ways of intolerant fundamentalism has now become an intolerant atheist. Each chapter is not so much a coherent argument, but a rant against what Mr. Barker apparently used to believe, although why he would have believed such tripe in the first place is beyond this reader. Mr. Barker's critical sense of legitimate bases for atheistic conclusions is also undermined by his apparent desire to bash everything he once believed as he goes out of his way to attack every teaching and ethic of the Christian church, even when his attacks obviously have not the slightest bit of literary or empirical support, such as his assertion that Jesus promoted his followers to go around and promote themselves as better than everyone else. This is odd since Jesus in the gospel stories refused to let even himself be called good and admonished those who wanted to aggrandize themselves to be servants, not masters. This doesn't stop Dan, as he simply reinterprets salt and light to mean hypocritical, pompous, self-aggrandizing people. Perhaps, this is the kind of Christian Dan was and atheist he now is? In the end, we see a bitter disillusioned person lashing out in very destructive, illogical and irrational ways. If you want good reasons to be an atheist, look to philosophers and people with Ph.D.s who have a scintilla of rationality and do not make obviously flawed ad hominem and ad hoc arguments. If you really hate everything having to do with Christianity and Jesus and want to see it attacked in the most ridiculous ways possible, without even a modicum of objectivity, this is the book for you!
Rating:
Summary: If you're smart, you wouldnt' support Barker!
Review: He likes to insult gullible non-Christians into thinking that certain Bible passages contradict each other (you'll find the answers to these so-called Bible contradictions in an article written by James Patrick Holding), that the problem of induction is not a problem (better atheist thinkers than Dan Barker, like Bertrand Russell and David Hume think that IT IS a problem), that accepting ANY ideas are because of molecules (so that means your T-shirt can actually think for itself!), that laws didn't exist when people didn't exist, that accepting objective morals don't need justification, and (worse of all) he actually had his own congregation thinking that he was a Christian when he really wasn't!
Rating: 
Summary: Arsenal for Atheists, but beware of easily refuted arguments
Review: I read this book right after reading "Atheism: The case against God", by George H. Smith. I have to say, this book was defenitely easier to read, and had it's good points, such as the "Refuting God" chapter which includes the main debate questions between theists and atheists. These questions include how was the earth created, and the accuracy of the bible. However there are some parts of the book which I, even as an atheist, would have to doubt. These parts include the question of whether Jesus existed or not, and the bible contradiction chapter. I'm sure that christians have readily available refutations to these arguments. Overall, I would reccommend this book to any atheist who wants to read an easily readable atheistic book. If you are the type of person who wants to read a comprehensive refutation of Christian theology though, I would reccommend "Atheism: The Case Against God", By George H. Smith.
Rating: 
Summary: Well, worth the read.
Review: I think Christians will be challenged if they read this book. But, as far as the Bible controversy goes, I think they have answers and responses to them. I recommend you guys get Strobel's THE CASE FOR CHRIST. As for the Bible verses get Geisler's WHEN CRITICS ASK. Or visit the tektoniks website. Aside note: Scholars (both liberal and conservative) concede that a Jesus really did exist. I think it's peculiar that Barker thought that Jesus was just a mental concoction and never existed! But, all in all, Barker really isn't fair. My philosophy teacher recommended a debate he had with Michael Butler. Butler exposes how much faith Barker has in his worldview. For instance, Barker actually believes that induction is futile and unjustifiable in an atheistic worldview!
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent book!
Review: I loved this book! I'm happy to have found another who has gone through many of the same things I went through upon my exodus from Christianity. My departure was caused by reality slapping me in the face and by my need to be honest with myself. The end result is a life that has become so much richer!
The author quotes many verses in the Bible no minister ever mentioned to me as a kid growing up in church. Why not? What were they hiding? If this is the Word of God then it should stand any test. It doesn't. If you were to attribute the things done by God in the Bible to a current ruler, they would be called unspeakably evil. What deity (that is supposedly so far above us in love and mercy) would send two bears to kill 42 children because they made fun of a prophets bald head(II Kings 2:23-24)??. An excellent book for the person questioning their Christian faith, but don't read it unless you mean it. Your faith might be replaced with reality, and there aren't many who'll like that journey. But truth is at the end of it!
Rating:
Summary: An overwhelming book
Review: Wow! Quite an overwhelming book. A devestating critique of every Christian myth, foilble, opinion, etc.-- made by a man who was on the inside and escaped with his mind intact! He really punctures the whole religion balloon. And he does it in a very readable and friendly style. If you're a closet unbeliever he will give you a comforting sense that you are not alone. If you are a believer...well, you won't be when he's done. Give a copy to any believer you know with an open mind (if there are any).
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!
Review: This is flat out one of the best books I've ever read. Not to "preachy" (har har) and not to wishy washy and personal, this is a perfect mixture, written in an engaging style that makes you feel good just reading it. Both Mr. Barker and the FFRF are doing a lot of good for atheism/freethought, and I can't ask you to read this enough! Dustin
Rating:
Summary: at least it stimulates us to think
Review: Yes, many people (no matter Christians, agnostics or atheists) simply stand firm on their ground without trying to understand why. This book stimulates us to think seriously. Barker's doubt on induction and logic should not be considered as crazy. If readers know something about quantum mechanics (how measurement process affects measurement result) and neuroscience (how perception is different from sensation), you shall be able to understand this point. In my opinion, some points are not worthy to argue, such as the historicity of Jesus and God's existence or not. I don't think we can ever prove or disprove it. There are other things which are worthy for further investigation, such as the brain/mind/free will/sin problem and the ESP/ghost hunting attempts. These are what we can research and collect evidences. Actually I have gone through the same painful experience of divorcing from my old friends and old belief. I admit that life experience and the environment are essential to affect one's belief, apart from mere reasons. But I am still open to all possibilities.
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