Debunking Sam Harris: A Christian Response: Christian Apologetics

By Dr Samuel James

In recent years, the intellectual landscape has seen an increasing influence of atheistic thinkers who rigorously challenge religious beliefs. Among these voices, Sam Harris stands out for his wide-ranging critique that spans issues from free will to morality, and from consciousness to religion. His ideas, extensively publicized in best-selling books like "The End of Faith," "The Moral Landscape," and others, have garnered a significant following. For the average Christian who may not be familiar with complex theological or philosophical concepts, Harris's arguments may seem insurmountable.

 

But is the case against Christianity that Harris presents truly undefeatable? This book, "Refuting Sam Harris: A Christian Apologist's Guide," aims to delve into the primary assertions made by Harris and to scrutinize them from a Christian worldview. This is not just another book that preaches to the choir. Instead, we will objectively analyze Harris's arguments and counter them where they fall short, providing a robust defense for the Christian faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samuel Inbaraja S
• Release date: Nov 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223027249

Dr Samuel James

Dr Samuel James Author (200 books) ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​2 Medical & 3 Business Degrees ​​​​​​​Top 20 Global MBA graduate, Deakin Uni, Aus ​​​​​​​Specialist Radiologist academic institutions ​​​​​​​  ​​​​​​​UG medicine from JIPMER (2nd in India and 55 Global rank) ​​​​​​​My other PEN NAMES: ​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​1) Samuel James MD MBA - https://books2read.com/ap/xrwpDd/Samuel-James-MD-MBA  ​​​​​​​2​​​​​​​) Samuel Inbaraja S - https://books2read.com/ap/n9ja09/Samuel-Inbaraja-S  ​​​​​​​3) Dr. Samuel James MBA - https://books2read.com/ap/xygmbj/Dr-Samuel-James-MBA ​​​​​​​Follow me and check out my books. ​​​​​​​ABOUT: ​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​Dr. Sam is primarily a Doctor, specializing in Diagnostic Radiology. He is into writing books and his area of interest includes Christian spirituality/theology, Christian apologetics, comparative religion, Diagnostic Radiology, travel and cooking. Education:   ·       MBBS – JIPMER – 1998 -2004 ·       PG Diploma Hospital Management – 2009 -2010 ·       Radiology Residency – Dnipro Medical Academy Ukraine – 2010-2012 ·       Certificate in Christian Apologetics, Biola, USA -2018 ·       Change Management – Johns Hopkins University, USA ·       PG Program in Management – IMT Ghaziabad - 2021 ·       Global MBA – Deakin University, Australia – 2022 ·       Foundations: Data, Data Everywhere – Google – 2022 ·       Foundations of User Experience Design – Google – 2022 ·       IBM AI Foundations for Business - 2023

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Introduction

In recent years, the intellectual landscape has seen an increasing influence of atheistic thinkers who rigorously challenge religious beliefs. Among these voices, Sam Harris stands out for his wide-ranging critique that spans issues from free will to morality, and from consciousness to religion. His ideas, extensively publicized in best-selling books like The End of Faith, The Moral Landscape, and others, have garnered a significant following. For the average Christian who may not be familiar with complex theological or philosophical concepts, Harris's arguments may seem insurmountable.

But is the case against Christianity that Harris presents truly undefeatable? This book, Refuting Sam Harris: A Christian Apologist's Guide, aims to delve into the primary assertions made by Harris and to scrutinize them from a Christian worldview. This is not just another book that preaches to the choir. Instead, we will objectively analyze Harris's arguments and counter them where they fall short, providing a robust defense for the Christian faith.

The Christian religion has survived for over two millennia not just on the back of blind faith, but also because of its intellectual rigor. Some of the greatest thinkers in history were devout Christians, including Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and more recently, C.S. Lewis and Alvin Plantinga. These scholars have presented reasoned arguments for Christianity that have withstood the test of time and scrutiny.

Moreover, as we venture through the subsequent chapters, we'll discover that many of Harris's claims, often cloaked in scientific language, are based on assumptions that lack empirical evidence or logical coherence. For instance, his views on morality presuppose a naturalistic worldview that cannot account for the objective moral values he seeks to uphold. Similarly, his take on free will appears to neglect the multi-faceted nature of human choice and the significance of personal responsibility.

It is crucial, now more than ever, for Christians to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks them for the reason for their hope (1 Peter 3:15). As you read through this book, whether you're a skeptic seeking understanding or a Christian looking for ways to articulate your faith better, my hope is that you'll gain both knowledge and courage in your journey towards truth.

In the chapters that follow, we will systematically go through the major tenets of Harris's thought, scrutinizing them in the light of Christian doctrine and apologetics. Each chapter serves as a guide for the lay Christian to understand the core issues and to respond effectively to challenges to their faith, whether from Harris or other sources.

This is an invitation to a rational exploration of faith, to equip Christians not merely to dismiss critics like Harris out of hand but to engage with them in a meaningful, informed dialogue.

Chapter 1: Introduction: The Rising Influence of Sam Harris

Sam Harris has become an iconic figure in contemporary atheist circles. His books, podcasts, and public appearances have not only made him a celebrity but also a go-to intellectual for those who question religious beliefs, particularly Christianity. In a society where discussions about faith and rationality are becoming increasingly polarized, Harris's influence is more significant than ever.

For the Christian, especially one who may not be deeply versed in theology or philosophy, encountering Harris's arguments can be a daunting experience. He presents a series of critiques against religious belief, clothed in the language of neuroscience, philosophy, and ethics. The complexity and academic tone of his assertions can make them seem almost unassailable. However, the purpose of this book—and this introductory chapter—is to demystify Sam Harris and lay the groundwork for a thoughtful Christian response.

The Allure of Sam Harris

Sam Harris's appeal largely arises from his multifaceted approach to atheism. He isn't just a critic of religious thought; he also delves into morality, free will, and even spirituality. Harris makes a concerted effort to address a wide