Atheism is on the rise. Skeptical thinkers like Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris vigorously attack belief in God as irrational or, even worse, dangerous. The so-called New Atheism has attracted millions of young people thanks to bestselling books such as The God Delusion and God Is Not Great.

In The Mystery of God, a new six-part film series and study program, Strange Notions contributor Bishop Robert Barron responds to this trend by teaching into the rich intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church. Using the insights of St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Pope Benedict XVI, and more, he uncovers a clear yet sophisticated understanding of what Catholics mean by “God".

Who is God? And why does he matter? Watch this series and find out.
 

 
The six lessons in the film series cover:

• Lesson 1 - Atheism and What We Mean by "God"
• Lesson 2 - St. Thomas Aquinas and the Paths to God
• Lesson 3 - The Divine Attributes
• Lesson 4 - Providence and the Problem of Evil
• Lesson 5 - Exploring the Trinity
• Lesson 6 - The God Who Is Love

Click below to watch a sample of the entire Lesson 1 on "Atheism and What We Mean by 'God'":
 

 
The DVD/Blu-ray series also features an accompanying study guide by another Strange Notions contributor, Trent Horn, staff apologist at Catholic Answers. Click below to download a sample from the study guide:

Thanks to the good folks at Bishop Barron's Word on Fire ministry, today we're giving away 5 sets of the Mystery of God Leader's Kit. Each Leaders Kit comes with the Mystery of God DVD set, the Leaders Guide, and the Pocket Guide to Answering Atheists.
 


Whether you win or not, learn more about the series and pick up your copy at MysteryOfGod.com.

Trent Horn is a young apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, and a popular contributor here at Strange Notions. Over the last several years, he's travelled across the country, engaging in debates and discussions regarding atheism and pro-life issues. He specializes in helping people have intelligent and genuine dialogue about these contentious topics.

Trent holds a masters degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and just released his first book, Answering Atheism: How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity.

On February 12, Trent will formally debate Dan Barker, a former Protestant pastor who later lost his faith and became an atheist activist. Dan is now the Co-President of the Freedom from Religion Foundation. We'll be sure to cover the debate here at Strange Notions and link to the video when it's available.

In the mean time, Trent joins me today to discuss some of the topics in his new book, including where it fits alongside other books in the field, how atheists and Catholics can have more productive dialogue, and what he considers is the most formidable argument for atheism.

Watch or download our interview below:

Video

Watch the video here (22 minutes)
 

Audio

Download the interview here (22 minutes)
 

Topics Discussed:

1:57 - What sets Trent's book, Answering Atheism, apart from other books engaging atheism?
5:13 - How can we correct the bad attitudes that plague Catholic/atheist discussion?
9:09 - What are some common misunderstandings regarding the cosmological arguments?
12:30 - What is the most formidable argument for atheism?
17:18 - What value does personal, religious experience have in making the case for God?
 
 

 

 
Follow Trent's blog at TrentHorn.com and find him on Twitter at @Trent_Horn. And be sure to pick up your copy of his new book, Answering Atheism: How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity.

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