Bridging the God Gap: Finding Common Ground Among Believers, Atheists and Agnostics - Paperback

by Roger Christan Schriner (Author)

BRIDGING THE GOD GAP: Finding Common Ground Among Believers, Atheists and Agnostics shows how people who disagree about religion can understand and respect each other. This book was written for: *** Christians and other believers who want to communicate with those who doubt that God exists. *** Atheists and agnostics whose friends and family members are traditionally religious. *** Committed couples who disagree about theology. *** People who want to help loved ones stop arguing about religion. *** Those who are unsure if God is real and what God is like, who want to sort out their personal beliefs and feel at peace.

THE AUTHOR, Dr. Roger C. Schriner, is the author of five books on theology and psychology, drawing upon his background in ministry and psychotherapy. He has counseled theists, atheists, and agnostics, trying to comprehend and appreciate their spiritual orientations. He writes in clear, engaging, non-technical language, and his book includes 21 exercises and techniques for exploring theological issues and learning to respect other points of view.

CONTENTS: Chapter One sketches the current controversy between theism and atheism. Going beyond this conflict requires understanding other viewpoints, so Chapters Two and Three include suggestions about dealing with our own biases. Chapter Four outlines strategies for communicating about religion. Chapter Five focuses on what we all have in common, regardless of our theological orientations. Chapters Six and Seven show why the beliefs of theists and atheists are often much more similar than they seem at first. Chapters Eight through Twelve address specific issues that divide believers and non-believers. Chapter Thirteen considers disagreements among various forms of theism and various forms of atheism. For example, liberal Christians and fundamentalists argue about how to interpret the Bible. There are also clashes between anti-religious atheists and "spiritual atheists." Chapter Fourteen synthesizes the book's ideas, and suggests new ways of classifying theological perspectives that go beyond "theism vs. atheism."

TEACHERS, MINISTERS, AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS will find additional information and documentation in the book's extensive endnotes.

Bridging the God Gap shows how to have honest and respectful conversations with those who disagree with us about theology. Use it to understand others, and give it to others to help them understand you.

"Bridging the God Gap is well-written, insightful, and chock-full of inspiring, practical wisdom. Getting long-time theological rivals to respect each other as kindred spirits just got a whole lot easier. This book deserves a wide readership. Bravo!" - Michael Dowd, author of Thank God for Evolution

"A particularly useful book crossed my desk recently: BRIDGING THE GOD GAP: Finding Common Ground Among Believers, Atheists, and Agnostics ... In it, he describes the wide continuum of nuanced positions between 'theism' and 'atheism'.... Bridging the God Gap offers a breathtaking array of places to stay, or at least visit, along the road between theism and atheism." - Jim Burklo, Associate Dean of Religious Life, University of Southern California

"This book is different from any I have seen and fills a really important gap." - theologian John Cobb, Center for Process Studies

"Finally a book that respects people regardless of whether they are religious. Thought-provoking and even-handed. Thank you for gently nudging your readers into opening their minds - at least a tiny crack." - Atheist, Palo Alto, California

"The sustained dialogue between Agnes, Althea, and Theodore is wonderfully developed, and generated considerable insight." The image of the lookout post is "a stroke of genius." - Rev. Alexie Crane, Minister Emeritus, Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara

Author Biography

Roger C. Schriner is the author of five books on theology and psychology, drawing upon his background in ministry and psychotherapy. He graduated from the University of Redlands, majoring in religion, philosophy, and psychology. His Doctorate in Religion is from Claremont School of Theology and his M.S. in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling is from the University of LaVerne. At Redlands his honors thesis examined the ethical thought of theologian Paul Tillich. Dr. Schriner has also studied comparative religion, philosophy of mind, and many spiritual disciplines. He is Minister Emeritus of Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fremont, California. Schriner writes, "In 40 years as a minister and pastoral counselor, I have discovered that theists and atheists have far more in common than they imagine. Both viewpoints are worthy of respect."