The Case Against Miracles

For as long as the idea of "miracles" has been in the public sphere, the conversation about them has been shaped exclusively by religious apologists and Christian leaders. The definitions for what a miracles are have been forged by the same men who fought hard to promote their own beliefs as fitting under that umbrella. It's time for a change. Enter John W. Loftus, an atheist author who has earned three master's degrees from Lincoln Christian Seminary and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Loftus, a former student of noted Christian apologist William Lane Craig, got some of the biggest names in the field to contribute to this book, which represents a critical analysis of the very idea of miracles. Incorporating his own thoughts along with those of noted academics, philosophers, and theologians, Loftus is able to properly define "miracle" and then show why there's no reason to believe such a thing even exists. Addressing every single issue that touches on miracles in a thorough and academic manner, this compilation represents the most extensive look at the phenomenon ever displayed through the lens of an ardent non-believer. If you've ever wondered exactly what a miracle is, or doubted whether they exist, then this book is for you.

About the Author :
Abby Hafer has a doctorate in zoology from Oxford University and teaches human anatomy and physiology at Curry College. She has worked on many different human physiology research projects, including ones at Harvard School of Public Health. She is the author of the book, The Not-So-Intelligent Designer--Why Evolution Explains the Human Body and Intelligent Design Does Not. David Corner received his PhD from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He's a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy of California State University, Sacramento. He is the author of The Philosophy of Miracles. John W. Loftus earned MA, MDiv, and ThM degrees in philosophy of religion, the last of which was under noted Christian philosopher William Lane Craig. John also studied in a PhD program at Marquette University. He is the author of Why I Became An Atheist, The Outsider Test for Faith, How to Defend the Christian Faith: Advice from an Atheist, Unapologetic, as well as the co-author of God or Godless with Randal Rauser. He's also the editor of The Christian Delusion, The End of Christianity, Christianity is Not Great, and Christianity in the Light of Science. He is the founder of the blog, Debunking Christianity (http: //www.debunking-christianity.com/).

Review :
"The Case against Miracles is the most important anthology to ever be written about miracles." Peter Boghossian, author of A Manual for Creating Atheists and How to Have Impossible Conversations. "This book is a secular miracle! An extremely rare event. For gathering this well-reasoned material into such an accessible volume, John Loftus should be canonized." Dan Barker, author of Godless, Free Will Explained, and GOD: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction. "People of all faiths - and of no faith - will find The Case against Miracles to be a fascinating read filled with thoughts that will challenge them, with ideas that will lead them to research more, and with philosophical premises that will create meaningful discussions." Dr. Dan Lambert, Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches "In this book Loftus has marshaled all the key arguments to prove that people should seriously doubt all religious miracle claims. It should be required reading in all seminaries." Karen L. Garst, PhD, editor of Women Beyond Belief and Women v. Religion. "Every John W. Loftus book is a must-read; he continues to assemble some of the finest and most insightful minds in contemporary counter-apologetics. Putting biblical miracle claims under the magnifying lens, it weighs the evidence and finds them wanting. The Case against Miracles is a superb resource and a handy field guide for anyone forced to traipse through the treacherous jungles of the miraculous." David Fitzgerald, author of Nailed, Jesus: Mything in Action, and The Complete Heretic's Guide to Western Religion. "The Case against Miracles is a must read go-to book for showing the key flaws in the arguments Christian apologists use to convince people that miracles are real. It's the best book ever written on miracles." Mark W. Gura, president of Atheist Alliance of America. "The assorted contributors who provided essays for The Case Against Miracles offer a range of arguments-from the philosophical and intellectual to specific historic deconstructions-suggesting that miracles fly in the face of reason and should be met with credulity. They provide a wide survey of issues inherent in miraculous claims that will give any reader much to consider."Dr. Gregory Michna, assistant professor of history at Arkansas Tech University "Christians need be aware of what non-Christian scholars are saying. In this thoughtful and stimulating volume, editor John Loftus brings together a number of the most accomplished atheists and other skeptics to deal with the crucial topic of miracles, an issue that is important on all sides." Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Scholar & Chair, Dept. of Philosophy, Liberty University.