Book of famous ex-atheist cause controversy

The recent book by a famous British ex-atheist has created great controversy in the blogosphere. The book is called "There Is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind (There is a God: How the world's most notorious atheist changed his mind)" by Antony Flew and Roy Varghese, published last month by HarperOne.

How he changed his mind

The British philosopher Anthony Flew is perhaps the most famous atheist of his generation. If you've been in a philosophy class at the University where the professor wants to show the falsity of the existence of God possibly quoted Flew. He has been labeled the most influential atheist philosopher in the world. Interestingly lives in the city of Reading in England, where is located the world headquarters of the United Bible Societies, and where I travel at least three times a year for meetings.

When he saw the news of his return a few years ago many could not believe it. On December 9, 2004 Associated Press announced that he now believes in the existence of God. Based on its own scientific and academic research, Flew said that science points to an intelligent designer of the universe.

According Flew evidence of DNA research convinced him that the genetic structure of biological life is too complex to have evolved entirely on its own. He also said that Darwinian theory explains a lot, but can not explain how life began.

Antony Flew was one of the greatest exponents of atheism in the world. His famous speech "Theology and Falsification" (Theology and falsification) became the most reprinted philosophical publication in the last five decades. This speech was presented at a meeting at the Oxford Socratic Club (The Socratic Club in Oxford University in England) which was chaired by well known Christian writer CS Lewis.

The reaction of his colleagues

An article by Mark Oppenheimer entitled "The Turning of an Atheist (" The change of an atheist "), published on November 4 in the New York Times, has generated discussion in the blogosphere and a passionate response from the editor.

Flew Oppenheimer characterized as a senile old man who is manipulated and exploited by evangelical Christians for their own purposes. In the book, Flew is not declared a Christian, but now supports the belief in "an intelligence that explains our existence and the world."

"We were quite upset and frustrated by this letter" (from Oppenheimer) said Mark Tauber, publisher of HarperOne. "One thing is reviewed, ask questions and discuss the ideas of a book, but Oppenheimer did not, but attacked our integrity and our author. "It seems that he saw this as an opportunity to make a name."

"Flew, 84 years old, has a condition known as nominal aphasia" (which affects the ability to remember names), said Tauber. "Oppenheimer took that fact and jumped from there to senility and then implied that Flew did not write the book." Tauber said that writing under the signature of another is a ubiquitous practice in publishing. He also said that Flew had thoroughly reviewed the manuscript and had signed this letter as accurately represented their views.

HarperOne released a statement from Flew:

"My name is in the book and it represents exactly my opinions. I will not allow the publication of a book with my name with which I am not one hundred percent agree. I needed someone to write because I have 84 years. That was Roy Varghese's role. The idea that someone manipulated me because I'm old is exactly wrong. I may be old, but it's hard for anyone to manipulate me. This is my book and it represents my thinking. "

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Topics: DNA, Antony Flew, former atheist, there is a God