The Philosophy of the Christian Religion

The need for systematic academic study in the field of the philosophy of religion has grown in the Arab world over the last decade. This need is reflected in the mounting questions regarding the validity of believing in the existence of God, as well as the beliefs associated with this core tenet. Not long ago, few would have anticipated that the question of atheism would emerge within the context of the Middle East—a region whose peoples are known for their religiosity. In the recent past, discussions concerning the philosophy of religion were confined to the halls of philosophy faculties, where the focus remained on ideas that had originated elsewhere, far removed from our own tangible reality. Nowadays, these discussions are spreading among people from all walks of life and in a wide variety of settings. They take place within homes, have permeated social media platforms, and have become a common topic in newspapers. Consequently, some Middle Eastern thinkers have begun to address the issue of atheism, seeking to help others reflect on the subject. Meanwhile, within ecclesiastical circles, there is a growing effort to find a logical framework for understanding the core tenets of the Christian faith. This has led to the emergence of academic discourse on the topic, with Middle Eastern thinkers offering analysis and evaluation from a psychological perspective. Western books addressing the issue of atheism in its various dimensions have also been translated. These indicators align logically with a 2010 statistical study concerning Evangelical Presbyterian churches in Egypt. The study reveals that church attendance accounts for approximately 8.5% of the total estimated number of Evangelical Presbyterians. While other factors—such as social, economic, and demographic variables—undoubtedly contribute to this low percentage, it is reasonable to suggest that the phenomenon of atheism plays a significant role in this outcome. This book serves as an academic, philosophical introduction to the discussion of atheism and the most significant intellectual and existential questions associated with it.