Is debate on issues related to faith and reason still possible when dialogue between believers and non-believers has collapsed? Taking God Seriously not only proves that it is possible, but also demonstrates that such dialogue produces fruitful results. Here, Brian Davies, a Dominican priest and leading scholar of Thomas Aquinas, and Michael Ruse, a philosopher of science and well-known non-believer, offer an extended discussion on the nature and plausibility of belief in God and Christianity. They explore key topics in the study of religion, notably the nature of faith, the place of reason in discussions about religion, proofs for the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the problem of multiple competing religious systems, as well as the core concepts of Christian belief including the Trinity and the justification of morality. Written in a jargon-free manner, avoiding the extremes of evangelical literalism and New Atheism prejudice, Taking God Seriously does not compromise integrity or shy from discussing important or difficult issues.

‘It is hardly a surprise to find that the final chapter, where the two authors at last respond to each other’s views, leaves them as far apart as ever. Ruse reiterates his exasperation with Christian belief, while Davies carefully elu-cidates and defends some key Christian doctrines, such as the Incarnation, that Ruse has attacked as incoherent. But what emerges from both philosophers is a mutual respect and sincerity of commitment that makes this book a more edifying read than is often found in confrontations between defenders and opponents of religious belief.’

John Cottingham Source: The Tablet