A Books At a Glance Book Review
by Steve West
When someone is relatively unfamiliar with a particular field, a helpful principle in research is to start with general resources before moving to more in-depth ones (which are usually longer and more technical). Starting with a technical journal article rather than with a general, introductory resource is a poor research strategy. In fact, the general resources help provide a framework in which the more in-depth works can be located and assessed. A danger with the general resources, however, is that they may sacrifice accuracy for simplicity, creating an oversimplified or distorted picture of the state of the subject.
John Blanchard’s Dealing with Dawkins successfully achieves its goal of being an accessible, easily understandable resource that does not sacrifice accuracy by oversimplifying. It deals with the subject matter in simple, plain terms, but does so responsibly and honestly. Blanchard writes that he wants to deal with Dawkins respectfully and without engaging in ad hominem attacks, and although he exposes the poverty of some of Dawkins’ thinking and claims, he does so in a way which is irenic yet firm. Too many believers have imitated Dawkins’ tone in their responses to him, and Blanchard admirably succeeds in avoiding this pitfall.
One of the reasons for Blanchard’s success at this point is that he seems to exemplify the humility that he rightly insists should characterize the followers of Jesus Christ. Instead of posturing as an expert in every field—including science—he acknowledges that Dawkins is in another league when it comes to scientific knowledge and accomplishment. Nevertheless, Blanchard reads other experts in the field of science, unashamedly relying on their work and expertise at certain points. As a result, he is able to show that the atheistic consensus Dawkins points to does not really exist, and that there are numerous scientists who profoundly disagree with Dawkins’ arguments and worldview conclusions. In fact, Blanchard demonstrates that Dawkins’ assertion that science has all the answers is false, a point which is also made by many scientists.
When it comes to theological and biblical studies, Blanchard is more in his comfort zone, and he persuasively demonstrates that Dawkins routinely misunderstands the basics of Christian theology, as well as failing to properly represent the meaning of numerous biblical texts. Far more exhaustive work has been done in these areas, but Blanchard is giving an introductory overview, and for that purpose he marshals sufficient evidence to be convincing. Time and again Dawkins sets up strawmen to knock down, and he caricatures the Bible’s teachings and Christian beliefs to the point where they are unrecognizable. Blanchard ably shows that Dawkins’ definition of faith is vastly different from any definition of faith ever held in the church or by informed believers. He is personally respectful of Dawkins, while showing Dawkins’ inconsistencies and not allowing him to get away with claims that are inaccurate and contradicted by historical facts.
Without being preachy, Blanchard also presents the gospel in clear terms, working the good news of Jesus Christ seamlessly into his interaction with Dawkins’ misrepresentations of the Christian faith. In clarifying what the gospel teaches—and expounding the identity of Jesus Christ as essential to Christianity—Blanchard defends the faith by accurately articulating it. Given the state of biblical knowledge in wider western society, this act of clarifying and accurately presenting the truth of Christianity actually has enormous apologetic value. Many people do not understand the basic doctrines of the faith they are dismissing, and Dawkins has helped perpetuate that type of uninformed rejection. Blanchard implicitly teaches the reader how to witness for the truth by correcting distortions, unraveling people’s misrepresentations so that they can understand what the Bible really claims.
Although it could be argued that Dawkins’ personal influence is far less today than it was 15 years ago, it would be a mistake to underestimate how much his attitude and arguments have influenced the contemporary generation of atheists and humanists. In dealing with Dawkins the way that he does, Blanchard also helps Christians who will deal with people who are like Dawkins or have been influenced by Dawkins-style arguments. Not many Christians will ever talk with Richard Dawkins personally, but they may find themselves dealing with claims that are somewhat derived from him. For the vast majority of apologetic encounters, the level and depth of Blanchard’s analysis and citations is more than enough.
There are more in-depth and technical resources available that engage with almost every argument Dawkins has made, but for a general introduction that quickly surveys the landscape and provides a response that is both virtuous and intellectually helpful, Blanchard’s short work is exemplary. It is a quick read and can be a springboard into other works. As such, it can admirably serve as one of the first books read in this area, and it may be of benefit to both individual readers and small group studies. One would not want to take Blanchard as the leading expert voice in all of this, but he proves himself to be an important voice as a reliable and helpful guide. His reliance on others when he speaks outside of his specialization is sound, and when he speaks in his areas of strength he does so with competence. His presentation is clear, succinct, and cogent, and thus the book pays a high yield of dividends in proportion to its word count. There is definitely a vital place for long, academic works of apologetics, but it would be a blessing to the church, pastors, and students if there were more books like this one put into print and widely distributed.
Steve West
Buy the books
DEALING WITH DAWKINS, by John Blanchard