'Spiritual' Atheism Confused, 'Not Even NeoPagan,' Christian Apologist Says

An upcoming "Nontheist" book and talk show aimed at promoting discussion between faiths and supporting a spiritual brand of atheism has drawn criticism from an acclaimed Christian apologist.

Apologist and professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary, Douglas Groothuis, attacked the inconsistencies of education adviser and coach Mark W. Gura's position in his book Blind Faith Virus Vaccine, due to hit Amazon.com on September 1 and the airwaves in October. In the book, Gura calls for open dialogue among different faiths, but argues that worship of Jesus Christ may separate one from the inner peace only found in atheism and Buddhist meditation.

"The atheist says that the universe is just here," Groothuis explained in a Thursday interview with The Christian Post. But Gura "is trying to sneak in some kind of purpose to a universe that can't have any purpose, given atheism, and he's trying to find a subjective spiritual meaning – hope – apart from a personal, moral, God, which cannot be done either." Read more