Disproving Christianity: Refuting the World’s Most Followed Religion by David G. McAfee
“Disproving Christianity" is a refutation of common arguments held by Christian tradition. This average book makes use of logic and biblical scripture to make clear that Christianity can be dismissed as a theory or an idea due to a plethora of contradictions. This brief 98-page book includes the following eight chapters: 1. Cultural Christianity, 2. Brief Introduction to Christianity in America, 3. Morality vs. Worship, 4. Mainstream Theories of Disproval, 5. Contradictions in Scripture and in Practice, 6. Minor Contradictions, 7. Atrocities and Absurdities Committed or Condoned by the Lord, and 8. Conclusion.
Positives:
1. A brief, accessible book.
2. The fascinating topic of religion.
3. A focus on biblical contradictions.
4. Does a good job of defining terms.
5. A look at morality. “Morals do exist outside of organized religion, and the “morality” taught by many of these archaic systems are outdated, sexist, racist, and teach intolerance and inequality.”
6. Historical factoids of interest. “The “In God We Trust” motto first appeared on an American two-cent coin in 1864.”
7. How Christianity in America impedes social progress. The issue of same-sex marriage, “The most cited example is in Leviticus 18:22: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination.”
8. A look at mainstream Christian theories that McAfee debunks. Good stuff I wish he had elaborated some more. “If this is true and God enters the lives of some individuals in order to heal them, why wouldn’t he heal someone with a more obvious problem—like an amputee who is missing an appendage? According to this logic, God is credited for helping some people (possibly millions) who suffer from diseases, but has never healed a single amputee or anyone suffering from a life-threatening but physically visible issue.”
9. The meat of this book revolves around biblical contradictions that demonstrate its fallibility and hence the disproval of Christianity. “For instance, in Matthew 24:32-34, Jesus indicates that not a generation will pass before his return and rapture: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
10. An interesting look at polytheism. “Exodus 18:11: “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods.”
11. A section on minor biblical contradictions was provided.
12. The endorsement of slavery is in my opinion the nail on the proverbial coffin. “Exodus 21:20-21: “And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.” Despicable!
13. Misogyny rears its ugly head. “Because Eve was the bearer of ‘original sin’ by first eating from the Tree of Knowledge, God ensures that she and all of her female descendants will pay for the trespass by enduring painful childbirth.”
14. The conclusions resonate.
15. Well cited book.
Negatives:
1. The truth is this book is very basic. It lacks depth.
2. Lacks panache. McAfee words don’t correlate with his energetic persona. Where’s the passion, the fire?
3. A brief history of how the Bible was put together was warranted.
4. Though making an initial claim that science will be part of the equation to make refutations very little is referenced here. (Age of earth comes to mind.)
5. Lack of supplementary materials.
6. Low production value.
7. No formal bibliography.
In summary, this is an average book at best. There are many more compelling atheist books covering this topic. The book is accessible and easy to get through and covers popular biblical discrepancies. I agree with the conclusions brought forth in this brief book but was disappointed with its lack of depth. If you are interested at a brief, basic look at biblical contradictions it’s worth reading otherwise there are better books on this fascinating topic.
Further recommendations: “Why I’m Not a Christian” by Richard Carrier, “Nonbeliever Nation” by David Niose, “Atheism for Dummies” by Dale McGowan, “The End of Christianity” by John Loftus, “The Atheist Universe” by David Mills, “Nailed” by David Fitzgerald, “The God Argument” by A.C. Grayling, “50 popular beliefs that people think are true” by Guy P. Harrison, “Godless” by Dan Barker, “God is not Great” by Christopher Hitchens, “Freethinkers” by Susan Jacoby, “Moral Combat” by Sikivu Hutchinson, “The Religion Virus” Craig A. James, “American Fascists” by Chris Hedges, “Doubt” by Jennifer Michael Hecht, and “Society Without God” by Phil Zuckerman.