God: Eight Enduring Questions

In methodical fashion, philosophy professor Layman (Letters to Doubting Thomas: A Case for the Existence of God) offers a no-nonsense defense of theism—“the belief that God exists and is the Creator of the universe.” Convinced that “philosophy is fundamentally a comparative enterprise,” Layman weighs up theism’s explanations of life’s thorniest questions—why evil exists, whether souls and free will exist, and if reincarnation and karma offer a better explanation for suffering than other worldviews. Layman takes a commendably evenhanded approach to the due diligence assessment of relevant evidence and arguments for, and against, the existence of God, even going so far as to admit that “non-theism is entirely reasonable” (and that “naturalists” should not be faulted for nonbelief in a god any more than they should for not believing in Santa Claus or unicorns). Ultimately, he comes around to the conclusion that theism is equally reasonable, if not more so, and that the faithful in any case can do well to live devoted to God “as if it’s true.” Nonetheless, one senses that Layman’s arguments, thorough as they may be, will do little to sway readers who do not share his philosophical presuppositions and faith. But any reader looking for cogent arguments to support their personal belief in God will find plenty to bolster them here. (Mar.)