[UPDATE: There is apparently much controversy surrounding the writing and publishing of this book. The Wikipedia article on Antony Flew contains many links that both confirm and deny the controversy. Having read much of this it is hard to believe that Flew himself wrote There is a God. I’m not sure how this qualifies the validity of the arguments contained within the book, but the caveat is worth keeping in the front of your mind.]

There is a God, How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind is the journey of renowned philosopher Antony Flew** (renowned in the halls of academia… i had never heard nor read of him) as he moves from proponent of atheism to theism. Flew’s infamy stretches back a long way, setting the stage for much of the so-called “new atheism” of the 21st century with his 1950 essay Theology and Falsification (which argues that ideas about God need so much qualification that they cease to be valid ideas). In There is a God Flew begins by telling us about himself: his philosophical history leading to atheism and storied career. Part memoir and part philosophy 101 Part I of the book is a bit slow. The pace starts to accelerate with Part II which is subtitled “My Discovery of the Divine.” Flew’s** point that he arrived at theism “based on the evidence” and that his journey is a “pilgrimmage of reason” rather than faith outlines many of the leading ideas in what is traditionally called “natural theology.” That God can be discovered (”God” as defined as a “supreme omnipotent and omniscient intelligence”) apart from revealed religions (ie. Flew is not a Christian) and apart from any supernatural, miraculous, or even personal experience is an idea that does have biblical antecedents (Romans 1.19-20 specifically), but it is also an idea that I believe will eventually lead the adherent to a revealed religion (in Flew’s** case he is dangerously close to becoming a christian*).

Flew** builds his case for theism on Science. He is not a scientist, but he leverages a basic understanding of biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics with a towering philosophical intellect to make some very strong points. Unfortunately the vanguard of Dawkins, Dennett, Harris and their ilk have discounted Flew’s** conversion — going so far as citing his “old age” as an explanation. By focusing on the conceptual undercurrents of Science rather than the Science itself Flew** logically defends his newfound beliefs by asking four fundamental questions:

1. Why is nature organized into laws?
2. Why is the universe finely-tuned for our existence?
3. What is the source of Life (ie. consciousness or Self)?
4. What is the source of the universe?

The answer to all four questions is “God.” But the subtleties of the answers is where Flew’s** genius lies. With curiosity, passion and humour Antony Flew** quietly outlines why theism is the only answer to the question of our existence. At a scant 158 pages the book speeds through some very complex ideas, but Flew** often uses parables and thought-experiments to flesh them out. It is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in how Science and philosophy without the “baggage” of theology, still point to a Creator God.

* Flew includes an appendix by N.T. Wright whose work, in Flew’s own words**, “comprise[s] the most powerful case for Christianity that I have ever seen.”

** Many of Flew’s peers do not believe he actually wrote this book. (see update at top)

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