The Godless Delusion: Dawkins and the Limits of Human Sight

In a recent work Richard Dawkins posed an immense challenge to theology by arguing on scientific grounds that the existence of God is so improbable that it can be safely dismissed as a delusion.
This work responds to the challenge by examining the arguments put forward by Dawkins and subjecting them to critique in the light of Christian faith. The critique probes some of the assumptions underlying scientific endeavours about the nature of reality and it brings to the surface the question of how meaning, truth and freedom are properly to be understood.
The work goes on to present a theological understanding of these realities in the light of Christian beliefs in God, in Jesus Christ, in creation and in redemption. Far from denying the importance of scientific endeavours and discoveries, this approach seeks to provide a framework in which they can be meaningfully situated, for the betterment of humanity as a whole.

The Author: Joe Egan completed his undergraduate studies in science and theology at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, before serving as a priest of the Society of African Missions in pastoral ministry in Nigeria (1980-84). He resumed his theological studies in Rome (1984-89), before returning to West Africa to teach theology in St Paul’s College-Seminary and at campuses in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Returning to Ireland in 1996, he lectured in theology at the Kimmage Mission Institute until its alliance with the Milltown Institute in 2003, where he continues to work. His publications include Brave Heart of Jesus (2004).