The Miracle of Theism

View other editions of The Miracle of Theism.
View books by J.L. Mackie.

Comprehensive but difficult - Rated
Mackie's book explains everything the reader could ever want to know about the arguments for and against the existence of God. Understanding what he is saying is a however a challenge. Many many works are made reference to in detail and the miracle of theism is probably the most comprehensive book on the subject I have found. However, it is highly recommended to read supplementary works that Mackie makes reference to, as I found that explanation of certain critiques and arguments were presumed and not explained. Unfortunately, heavy vocabulary and detail is applied to sentences that are in no need of such, and yet I was left confused at the lack of detail in other places that was very much needed. Often I had to refer to other sources to make sense of the points that Mackie was trying to make rather badly. It is difficult in that he mentions things that do not need to be said in poor attempts to clarify that leave the reader more confused. The language is often pretentious and coupled to a 'jumpy' narration that I found very difficult to read and follow despite being a university student in the subject. It is certainly useful to read, but read it in the library where backup literature is available.

Comprehensive, academic - but heavy reading! - Rated
This is absolutely the most comprehensive summary of arguments for and against the existence of God I have ever come across. Mackie is dry and extremely thorough throughout - he leaves no stone unturned in routing the arguments for the existence of a Deity.

His summary of the different facets of the problem of evil is full of insight - although in my opinion his conclusions are nowhere near strong enough.

This is an absolute must read for any philosopher or apologist, although the uninitiated will find it hard going. But then, this is a serious academic text - and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. It isn't popular philosophy - but then noone will be kidded into thinking it is!

As an aside, I would strongly recommend that for a wittier and more accessible read, Amazon customers should seriously consider ordering Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion along with Mackie's work. Mackie references it many times, and it is still, over 200 years on, one of the classics of philosophy. Indeed, it is one of the most important works of philosophy in the English language, along with his Enquiries.

Fascinating for believers and atheists alike - Rated
This masterpiece of philosophical writing will neither convert the atheist nor dissuade the devout believer. It does however give a fascinating insight into the stuff religion is made of and presents arguments from both perspectives equally and objectively. Also includes most of the major theories of religious belief by notable philosophers throughout the ages.

The perfect introduction - Rated
It's a very good introduction and reference to Philosophy of Religion.
I have read some of the chapters several times and always find something interesting.

It's a dense book, not to easy to read, but its very good for a first reading in the subject.

A Classic - Rated
J. L. Mackie's greatest work, The Miracle of Theism sets out to examine some of the major defenses of godbelief and then shows how they are lacking. He criticizes classical as well as modern forms of the traditional arguments for god's existence. In particular, he deals a major blow to Richard Swineburne 's argument from design and Alvin Plantinga's free will defence. He also formulates the logical argument from evil and show why it is a compelling reason to discard theism. A must have for all interested atheists and theists.