The Impossibility of God

Most people, believers and nonbelievers alike, are unacquainted with the variety and force of arguments for the nonexistence of God. In fact, the very mention of such an argument is usually a source of amusement, if not derision. Indeed, how can there be a serious argument for the nonexistence of God, let alone for the impossibility of God, when so many people "simply know" that God exists?

Since 1948, a growing number of scholars have been formulating and developing a series of increasingly powerful arguments that the concept of God--as understood by the world's leading theologians and major religions--is logically contradictory, and therefore God not only does not exist but, more significantly, cannot exist. In short, God is impossible.

This unique anthology collects for the first time most of the important published arguments for the impossibility of God. Included are selections by J.L. Mackie, Quentin Smith, Theodore Drange, Michael Martin, and many other distinguished scholars. The editors provide a valuable general introduction and helpful summaries of the cricual issues involved.

These arguments for the impossibility of God will challenge the reader to think deeply and critically about the coherence of an idea that has preoccupied much of humanity. Both students and teachers of philosophy and religion will find this anthology to be an invaluable resource.