A Skeptic's Guide to Belief

What would happen if you faced your doubts, set aside your preconceptions, and decided to follow the path of truth wherever it might lead? Most people, whether believers or atheists, doggedly defend what they have always believed. Many see this as an expression of faith. Yet, there is something almost inexpressibly sad about the plight of people living out their lives in reliance upon beliefs they dare not question. Perhaps that is why many of us come to a point at which we feel compelled to pursue the truth, no matter what the implications. But even if we found the courage to embark upon such a journey, could we really find a path through the scientific, philosophical, experiential, and theological thickets that surround the great questions of life? And if we did, would we know the truth and be set free? Would we be forced to face a long-feared despair? Or would we find ourselves still staring impotently at an enigmatic universe? This is a book unlike any other. It addresses these questions with unflinching honesty, drawing evidence from a diversity of scientific fields and subjecting the competing arguments to rigorous skeptical analysis.""With all the balanced expository and forensic skills of his brilliant legal mind, and an erudite command of the literature in several related fields in science, philosophy, and theology, Kenneth Crispin offers that rare thing in debates on skepticism and belief, a ''fair go'' to all sides, and a compelling case for doubt and trust in the service of truth.""--William Storrar, Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, New Jersey""Ken Crispin''s achievement here is groundbreaking. He brings to his work both the fairness and restraint of a highly incisive legal mind and an outstanding breadth and depth of understanding in science, philosophy, and theology. From this he avoids hackneyed debates, and produces an interpretation of doubt and belief that will open new and exciting vistas for every reader.""--James Haire AC, Emeritus Professor of Theology, Charles Sturt University, Canberra, AustraliaKen Crispin is a distinguished Australian lawyer and former superior court judge. He is currently the Commissioner for Standards for the Australian Capital Territory and a member of the board of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. His other books include The Quest for Justice (2010).