Set of books for atheists

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preacher_of_christ

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Can someone recommend a set of 2-4 books that can cover rational reasons to believe aswell as an introduction to catholic theology /philosophy and are appropriate for an atheist who is brought up in a secular society and knows basically nothing about philosophy of religion, history concerning the Bible or theology? These books are not for me but I’m looking for good books to buy to potential converts.
 
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Wow, tall ask. The only one that comes to mind off the top of my head is by Trent Horn - The Case for Catholicism. I know there are others , and other posters will be along shortly to add their recommendations.
 
Yes. Im actually reading that book right now, however its not appropriate for complete beginners. It feels like its more useful for people who are familliar with basic theology and the debate between sola scriptura and tradition.
 
Note that these books are not for me but I want some so that I can buy for atheists.
 
Five proofs for the existence of God, The case for catholicism and Pope Benedict XVI’s introduction to Christianity is probably a good set for somewhat experienced people or those who really intend to go deep.
 
The below books are what I have on my list to buy/read, but not sure if any are what you are looking for sorry.
  1. Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft & Ronald K. Tacelli
  2. Fundamentals of the Faith Essays in Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft
  3. The Baltimore Catechism or United States Catholic Catechism for Adults or another catechism.
  4. Catholicism and Evolution A History from Darwin to Pope Francis by Michael Chaberek O.P.
  5. Why I am Catholic (and You Should Be Too) by Brandon Vogt
  6. Journey Into Truth: Instructions in the Catholic Faith by Fr. John Flader
And I have seen another poster on here suggest Catholicism for Dummies and the reviews on Amazon seem positive.
 
You’ll need to start with books that give the best evidence for God. Don’t worry at this point about Christianity since the biggest hurdle is believing in the supernatural first. Then you can move on if they accept that God exists.

Jumping into Christian claims will just be wasted time and energy…until they believe God is possible, trying to define your God is pointless.
 
  1. Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas
  2. The Godless Delusion by Patrick Madrid
 
preacher_of_christ said:
Can someone recommend a set of 2-4 books that can cover rational reasons to believe aswell as an introduction to catholic theology /philosophy and are appropriate for an atheist who is brought up in a secular society and knows basically nothing about philosophy of religion, history concerning the Bible or theology? These books are not for me but I’m looking for good books to buy to potential converts.
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What do you mean by ‘potential converts’? Someone who is interested in Catholicism and wants to know more? Or random atheists who you would like to convert?

If the first, then most of the suggestions so far have been great. If the second, then a couple of books won’t do anything. If I wan’t interested in Bhuddism then you could buy me a whole library of books regarding that subject and you’d have wasted a lot of money.
 
I think Summa tehologica is way too advanced for an atheist who knows no theology or philosophy.
 
For atheists who might be interested. Its not random but people I know, if I happen to waste some money its no problem. Although I find most books too advanced for people who know nothing about it and not too interested.
 
If one is catholic but knows no theology or philosophy I would say commentary on summa tehologica is better, or both.
 
Altough I would say other works are better if you know nothing.
 
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