THE MIRACLE MYTH

With humor and precision, Larry Shapiro takes on the Christian philosophers, theologians, and apologists who argue that the supernatural exists and that miracles are real. Responding to a rise in Evangelical literature proving the historicity of the Gospels, Shapiro systematically debunks their findings and provides alternative explanations for their phenomena, showing readers how to think critically about events that seem controlled by a divine hand.

Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and other “New Atheists” have yet to formally dismantle supernatural belief systems. In language that is accessible and respectful, Shapiro presents several solid epistemological approaches to undermining the miracle myth, teaching readers to recognize the pull of credulity not just in others but also in themselves. Whether it's Bigfoot or a religious visitation, belief in improbable events has profound implications for our ability to address urgent issues, such as increasing inequality, the rise of violent extremism, the devastation of climate change, and more.

Larry Shapiro is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.