God, Actually
- Home
- About the Author
- More about the Book
- Excerpts from the Book
- - Contents
- - Preface
- - Introduction
- - 1) The Physical Universe
- - 2) The Human Mind:
Cognition and Conscience - - 3) Love
- - 6) The Resurrection
- - 7) Suffering
- - 9) Other Religions
- Roy's Book Reviews
- Where To Buy
God, Actually is a unique new book about Christianity. Published by ABC Books,
the literary arm of Australia's national broadcaster, it was launched in June
2008 by one of the true literary greats, novelist Thomas Keneally.
In no time, God, Actually has become Australia's bestselling religious book (Nielsen BookScan 2008. 4 weeks to 14 June). It has been discussed at length on the website of Richard Dawkins, the world's leading atheist, and has been highly praised in the Australian media:
"Full marks go to Roy Williams, who has written an antidote to Richard
Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens... This is a well-argued and sensible approach
to Christianity."
(Bruce Elder, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19-20 July 2008)
"Proselytising... of the lowest key, the humblest kind you may experience... That's Williams' advantage. The tone is respectful and correct although he is never apologetic for the faith that has transformed him."
(Jill Rowbatham, The Weekend Australian, 12-13 July 2008)
Read review >>
"Williams [writes]... wittily... wisely... ably"
(Kevin Hart, The Australian Literary Review, 2 July 2008)
Read review >>
"A lovely book"
(Father Bob, Triple J, 22 June 2008)
"Bring[s] his lawyer's mind to the big questions of faith... I really must congratulate ABC Books for doing this."
(Sheridan Voysey, 103.2FM, 8 June 2008).
The book tackles the most ancient and important of questions: Why should we believe in God?
It is distinctive in a number of respects:
In no time, God, Actually has become Australia's bestselling religious book (Nielsen BookScan 2008. 4 weeks to 14 June). It has been discussed at length on the website of Richard Dawkins, the world's leading atheist, and has been highly praised in the Australian media:
"Full marks go to Roy Williams, who has written an antidote to Richard
Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens... This is a well-argued and sensible approach
to Christianity."(Bruce Elder, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19-20 July 2008)
"Proselytising... of the lowest key, the humblest kind you may experience... That's Williams' advantage. The tone is respectful and correct although he is never apologetic for the faith that has transformed him."
(Jill Rowbatham, The Weekend Australian, 12-13 July 2008)
Read review >>
"Williams [writes]... wittily... wisely... ably"
(Kevin Hart, The Australian Literary Review, 2 July 2008)
Read review >>
"A lovely book"
(Father Bob, Triple J, 22 June 2008)
"Bring[s] his lawyer's mind to the big questions of faith... I really must congratulate ABC Books for doing this."
(Sheridan Voysey, 103.2FM, 8 June 2008).
The book tackles the most ancient and important of questions: Why should we believe in God?
It is distinctive in a number of respects:
- The author, Roy Williams, was an agnostic leaning towards atheism for much of
his life. Many of his closest relatives and friends still are. This gives him a
sympathetic insight into the contemporary secular mind.
- For twenty years, Williams practised as a lawyer at the highest level. He brings his analytical skills to bear in order to show that belief in Christianity can and should be based on evidence and reason.
- Williams is not a biblical literalist and he avoids dogmatism. The vital place of doubt and uncertainty in God's creation is a recurring theme. Williams's thesis is that it is possible to demonstrate that Christianity is probably true; but no more. There is a vital role for faith, a much-misunderstood concept that he seeks to explore.
- Williams has made the assumption that most modern-day readers who are not already Christians will be unconvinced solely by appeal to biblical authority. He explains the Bible rather than citing it uncritically. He relies on many examples drawn from the secular world - science, philosophy, history, the arts, the law, sexuality.
- Politically, Williams lies well to the Left on many (though far from all) issues - a somewhat unusual starting-point nowadays for an orthodox Christian author.
- All the main arguments for atheism are skilfully dissected. Williams pinpoints many weaknesses in the work of best-selling atheist authors such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris.
The book is written in a fluent but not informal style. Unlike many religious
publications, God, Actually has been carefully researched and footnoted, making
it suitable for educational purposes.
- For twenty years, Williams practised as a lawyer at the highest level. He brings his analytical skills to bear in order to show that belief in Christianity can and should be based on evidence and reason.
- Williams is not a biblical literalist and he avoids dogmatism. The vital place of doubt and uncertainty in God's creation is a recurring theme. Williams's thesis is that it is possible to demonstrate that Christianity is probably true; but no more. There is a vital role for faith, a much-misunderstood concept that he seeks to explore.
- Williams has made the assumption that most modern-day readers who are not already Christians will be unconvinced solely by appeal to biblical authority. He explains the Bible rather than citing it uncritically. He relies on many examples drawn from the secular world - science, philosophy, history, the arts, the law, sexuality.
- Politically, Williams lies well to the Left on many (though far from all) issues - a somewhat unusual starting-point nowadays for an orthodox Christian author.
- All the main arguments for atheism are skilfully dissected. Williams pinpoints many weaknesses in the work of best-selling atheist authors such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris.
