Book Reviews 1/18/12 - "The Rage Against God"

Having read deceased atheist Christopher Hitchen's "god is not great" I was surprised to hear he had a brother. A brother who also wrote books.  Moreover, a brother who wrote books with a differing worldview to Christopher.  Peter Hitchen's book is a quasi autobiography/apologetic for the Christian faith.

Initial Reaction

Since "god is not great" was an attack against religion I thought that "The Rage Against God" would lean equally in fervor and zealous support of religion.  I was caught of guard to begin reading it as a sort of an autobiography.  It put me off at first and I actually moved onto another book before picking it up again in a few months where I then couldn't find myself able to put it down.  Peter writes very intellectually and formally with a vivid language that shows a close resemblance to the writing of Christopher Hitchens.  

Main Idea

In a way this book is a rebuttal to "god is not great" but mainly addressing one main topic.  Christopher often alluded to a concept in which he said that "religion poisoned everything" specifically as a tyrannical theocracy.  Peter fights back against this thought chronicling his life as a journalist in Soviet Russia and showing how he saw first hand atheism destroy morality and civilization.  He goes on to say that this evil eventually led him back into the faith.  Walking through a hotel in France atheist Peter at first scoffed at a Christian painting entitled "The Last Judgement" but then succumb to an understanding of his own sin and subsequent fear, "I have felt proper fear, not very often but enough to know that is is an important gift that helps us to think clearly in moments of danger." (103)  That fear slowly drew him back to the church and away from the evil of atheism.  He also spends one chapter giving a brief apologetic. But the thrust of the book surrounds his experiences with atheism in Soviet Russia.

Final Thoughts

A refreshing read.  Not what I was expecting but nonetheless worth the purchase (actually I think it was a Christmas gift... the Christmas after I received "god is not great" for my birthday).  I would recommend reading this if you have read Christopher Hitchens or are familiar with the atheist/religion debate.  Otherwise the narrative may grow dry.  But if this is a subject that intriques you, then it is worthwhile addition to your library. On a side note, Christopher Hitches did die.  Here is his Peter's eulogy commending his brother as courageous.