Letter To A Christian Nation – Review

This book is one of my favorite attacks on Christianity. Harris is a sharp guy, and he aggressively articulates the most prevalent critiques that Christians face. While each of the critiques are from a very high level and only offered in overview format, it is a great starting point for us as apologists (yes, all Christians are apologists) to dig through the critiques to figure out where we stand and if our faith is indeed defendable. Since these kind of works are in rapid-fire format, it is easy to get yourself worked into a tizzy without having a chance to dialog about each critique.

It is a quick read, even quicker than it appears by “judging the book by it’s cover”. Mr. Harris was gracious enough to leave plenty of room in the margins for me to write a few notes back to him.

Like a lot of this kind of literature out there, it is easy for an immature Christian to be very shaken by this type of literature. I am sure Mr. Harris would consider that point one of the highest praises he could receive for this work – especially coming from a Christian. As Harris’ cohort Richard Dawkins said during a BBC HARDtalk interview, “If this book works as I intend, religious readers who open it will be atheists when they put it down”. Harris said himself in this book that he, Dawkins, Hitches, and Dennett often act as a single creature with four heads. Their goal is to eradicate religion from the planet.

Ok enough of the niceties; on to critiquing the critic. While Harries is surprisingly knowledgeable of Christianity (something that cannot be said of many outspoken critics you run across), he has fundamental misunderstandings of atonement, the process of sanctification, and the God of the Bible. Unfortunately Christians not only have to content with critics such as Harris, but also with the wolves in sheep’s clothing that lend credence to the critiques set forth in this book. Let’s be honest, the “Christians” that Harris is using as a measuring rod for the effects of the Christian faith would fall short if questioned on the basic biblical doctrines that a true Christian would hold. Harris would probably argue that he is using the biblical texts for his starting point to proliferate his critiques, but we have to take into account the person. While some religious people are steering planes into buildings, some are out knocking on doors to get their very own planet, while still some are ministering to those around them and throughout the world. Someone has their truth claims wrong, the application of those beliefs wrong, or the most dangerous combination – both.

If you are a Christian considering reading this book, be sure you have a firm understanding of what you believe and why you believe it before getting started. If there are issues raised that become a road block for you, prayerfully work through them, and engage your logic and reasoning to work through them. The last thing we need to do as Christians is to believe in something simply because “that is what we were taught” or “because my pastor said so”. Let’s dig into the Word that speaks truly about humanity as revealed by the Creator of the universe and find our answers there. The suggested use of logic and reasoning is a point on which I am sure Harris and I would agree. We would differ, however, on where that quest will lead a person.