Arguing Religion A Bishop Speaks at Facebook and Google
Every day, millions of people fight about religion. Whether with friends, family, or on social media, we expend lots of energy, lots of sharp words, and lots of strong feelings. But very few know how to have a good religious argument—a rational, respectful, and productive exchange of differing views.
Bishop Robert Barron, one of the leading Catholic figures in the world and among the most active on social media, has enjoyed thousands of fruitful religious arguments.
In this book based on talks delivered at Facebook and Google, he explains why religion at its best opens up the searching mind, and how we all—believer and unbeliever alike—can share better discussions about God.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION –
SECTION ONE –
HOW TO HAVE A RELIGIOUS ARGUMENT
Faith Is Not Opposed to Reason (pp. 7-18)
Overcoming Scientism (pp. 19-28)
Be Intolerant of Toleration (pp. 29-38)
Avoid Voluntarism (pp. 39-48)
Seek to Understand Your Opponent’s Position (pp. 49-54)
Follow the Example of Thomas Aquinas (pp. 55-62)
SECTION TWO –
RELIGION AND THE OPENING UP OF THE MIND
An Argument for God’s Existence (pp. 71-86)
Elijah and the Priests of Ba’al (pp. 87-106)
The Burning Bush (pp. 107-114)
CONCLUSION & NOTES