Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering?; What is the Evidence For/Against the Existence of God?

Produced by the Faith & Science Lecture Forum (a group comprised of concerned university Christian faculty whose purpose is to ensure that the spiritual aspects of world affairs are included in campus discussions), these two thought-provoking titles offer contemporary observations on the age-old ethical and ontological questions revolving around the nature of evil and the existence of a supreme deity. In the first, Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering?, India-born Ravi Zacharias, a world famous lecturer who has spoken at Harvard, Princeton, and Oxford universities and before the United Nations, presents a 45 minute address offering a Christian viewpoint, followed by rebuttal remarks from Dr. Bernard Leikind, a senior editor of Skeptic magazine and renowned atheist; Dr. Jitendra Mohanty, one of India's most celebrated Hindu philosophers; and William Lane Craig, a noted Christian philosopher and apologist. The second title, What Is the Evidence For/Against the Existence of God?, moderated by noted conservative William F. Buckley, Jr., features a debate between William Lane Craig and Oxford University's Peter Atkins, a professor of chemistry and outspoken atheist. While these types of programs often turn into the verbal equivalent of a mud wrestling tournament, here the speakers and panelists treat each other with respect. Although the level of discourse may seem daunting to some (world philosophers and theologians are cited throughout the presentations), many will appreciate these programs, which will make outstanding additions to public and academic philosophy, ethics, and world religion collections. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (L. Stevens)