Peter Berger (3) (1929–2017)

As an atheist, believing in the "goodness of people", in the empathy as evolutionary natural, and in the prolongation of the existence of this Planet for some time to come, I began reading Berger's book with the expectation that the well-known sociologist will somehow connect the Christ's story (who I respect and in many ways use as a life-model) with the sensibilities of a rational modern man. I was deeply disappointed. He, e.g. refuses the views of Bultman and Tillich, which are near to my show more views with their existential interpretations. His Affirmation of Christianity is a not-at-all sceptical but emphatical affirmation of the most ortodox ultra-dogmatic church-Christianity led by The Will to Believe - to believe the most unbelievable propositions of the religion or escaping a discussion - the immaculate inception and the virginity of Mary has been ascribed to an error of translation. He is a consequent and demanding believer: he is not ready to believe in Christ the Teacher only, but in Christ the Savior; not in personal betterment, following Christ's model, but in the eternal Salvation (read "correction") of the Universe. He is an apologist of - mostly - literal understanding of christian "mysteries". As a layman, non-theologist, I learned a lot about theological doctrines and disputes; in this way the book was useful to me; it's well-written, understandable to an educated layman, and - very probable - an enjoyment to a Christian as it affirmates his/her faith. show less

Nice little book urging doubt and moderation and condemning fanaticism and cynicism. Used a lot of examples from the history of religion which was a bit off-putting for me but it was ok.