Much has been written in an effort to resolve the debate over whether belief in God can be rationally defended. However, pointing to the volumes contributed by theologians, philosophers, and lay persons is no reason to conclude that nothing further can be said concerning this vital question. Scholarly journals continue to publish new arguments and discussions focusing on issues that surround God's existence. Indeed, there are three journals devoted exclusively to the treatment of questions and topics in the philosophy of religion. Because they are generally found in university libraries, publications of this type are, for the most part, inaccessible to the public. Even if these journals are readily available, the articles they contain are nonetheless quite long, complicated, and rough-going; few people have the time, persistence, or stamina to wade through them.

This handbook is, in part, an attempt to summarize the best arguments from these journals, and to offer a concise set of rejoinders for use by atheists in their formal (and informal) debates with theists. Older, more traditional, arguments are included as well, but these are treated in greater detail than ever before. Here and there I have set forth original arguments which I hope will advance the debate if only slightly. Great care has been taken to insure that digressions and rhetoric are minimized. The result is a short book, yet one that contains an unrelenting presentation of argument and analysis.

For some time now atheists have been in need of firm grounds upon which to base their position. My handbook offers them this foundation. Some will look upon my efforts as a sinister attempt to further undermine social values. Actually, my purpose is to show that atheism is an intellectually respectable viewpoint despite recent efforts to prove otherwise.

One point should be made concerning the structure of this handbook. In scholarly works there are numerous quotations and references which serve as important study aides. This technique seems inappropriate for a layman's handbook. The value of this work is found in its simplicity. For this reason the text is not interrupted by quotes or references. Where necessary credit has been given in footnotes and in an extensive bibliography.