Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist

I read this book about 5 years ago as I was going through a time of searching in my life. At the time the book shook me. I continued to read and search and have since found the supposed contradictions to be misrepresented and poorly thought through, and the arguments to be quite barren. I have also found in coming to know God more, that this man probably never experienced such a relationship. There are countless numbers of preachers and religious people that have a lot of head knowledge but have never truly known God. This is the difference.

I was really disappointed in this book. I was hoping for a clearly written explanation of what changed Dan Barker from fundamentalist preacher to atheist activist. However, what I got was a redacting of columns from Freethought Today, a Freedom From Religion Foundation publication. Contrary to my expectations, there was no one thing that led to Dan Barker's deconversion. Honestly, I was expecting for there to be some life-changing event that led to Barker's shift in belief-systems. However, no such transformation took place. I was also disappointed, because it didn't seem like there was much autobiographical content. At the end of the book, I didn't even feel like I knew the author, and that was very disappointing. If one has a personal relationship with Jesus, then that breakup has got to take its toll on Barker; however, he never went into details about how it affected him.

A great overview and reference. I think everyone should read it. Dan Barker had unimpeachable devotion to the theistic worldview and then saw the error of his way of thinking.

Good summary of basic atheist arguments. Where this book really shines though is Barker's personal deconversion story and that of his parents. Truly touching. I can't recommend this highly enough.

This book is a bit disjointed being a series of articles for Freethought Today along with some added chapters although it contains some really good material. Some themes are lightly covered but nevertheless there is plenty of material here for those who are involved in debating this subject. The recollected conversations, poems and songs are most entertaining. Dan has managed to present his life journey, thoughts and ideas in a fun, thought provoking and easily readable way. Recommended.

This book has impacted me more than "Farewell to God" or "God Delusion." In many respects, Dan's story is gut-wrenching and tragic.... It's too bad that he is a sissy when it comes to feminism.

Regardless of your perspective, Barker presents a fascinating journey from fundamentalism to atheism.

This was the book that finally led me to denounce chrisitanity. Its not the best book on atheism, but its not meant to be. This is a book from the heart from a guy who literally threw away his entire life by simply changing his belief system. He does do a real good job of exposing a decent amount of the contradictions in the bible, and writes using simple terms for the reader, as well as with a solid bit of humor. Its not an intense book so don't expect science defenses and theories of the universe being born. Instead expect a wonderful introduction to atheism for christians specifically through someone who used to be one of their own. Highly Reccommended! On a side note, however, the atheistic hymns were a little rediculous..

This was all we had in those distant days before the Four Horsemen.