Being a non-Christian, I'd already read several Atheist books and didn't expect any new pearls of wisdom to drop on me (wait... pearls of wisdom... that's a darn bible reference) since it is intended for beginning Atheists. I was happily surprised that I picked up many unpondered points anyway. One of them was how extensively Christianity is fighting tooth and nail to get into my heart (I mean head! ... there's another one.)It would be a good book especially for a beginning Atheist (Which was the author's point to writing the book) as each section very carefully covers one complete argument.I definitely recommend it.

Though I consider myself an "open-minded lover of Jesus", I found Larry's book to be insightful and thought provoking. He's completely accurate in his observations of historic actions attributable to religions. He's also honest and thorough in his observations about various religions' sacred texts.

I appreciated his insights into his own journey from church attender to atheist. It was interesting how we came from such similar backgrounds but arrived at different locations.

This book is a good read for anyone who's searching or wrestling with a higher power, its existence or lack thereof, and how this issue will affect their life and community.

In Atheism: What’s It All About? Larry Rhodes provides thoughtful chapters that reflect many years of reflection regarding the theism of his earlier years and the implications of theism, agnosticism, and atheism that impact our lives. Free of the sarcasm and derision that sometimes accompanies the barbed exchanges between theists and atheists, this book provides an almost calming style of discovery that flows with ease as each paragraph explores interesting insights and advances practical questions that sensitive readers will want to ponder, sometimes at length. The author treats his reader as an equally rational fellow mortal who can without theatrics or fanfare detect inconsistency and follow reasonable trains of thought. Each chapter comes with pertinent and sometimes fascinating information in the context of relevant moral inquiry and an empathetic humanitarian perspective that most readers will readily recognize and appreciate.
As the graduate of a major seminary where responsible professors often guided us toward questions that should not be avoided, I learned to appreciate honest and challenging scholarship. Larry Rhodes strikes me as an equally earnest seeker of truth and insight. Like my seminary professors, he does not evade questions that need to be faced and explored by sensitive minds and hearts. His engaging style exemplifies respect for his readers’ intelligence and integrity.
Far from being a work of sensational polemics designed to demean opponents and inflate the writer’s ego, this very readable book is a polite invitation to join the author in an adventure to become involved with fascinating ideas, images, models, and religious metaphors. In short, it is a moral, intellectual, and emotional tour with an author whose ambiance is more that of a friendly fellow investigator than an authoritarian guide. It is an enriching and captivating journey. I wish every seminary student and busy minister and priest could find time to become engrossed in each chapter.

This is a collection of 52 essays that addresses a wide variety of topics. Just a sample:
-- The Meta-Contradictions of Christianity
-- What the Bible Could Have Said
-- Why Do People Still Believe Religious Stories?
-- How Can Atheists Be Moral Without Accepting Biblical Morals?
-- Common Misconceptions About Evolution
-- Why Would You Ask A Preacher About Atheists?
-- Conservative Christian Hypocrisy
-- Debunking Paley's Watchmaker Argument
-- Feelings Are Not Facts
-- Confirmation Bias
-- Deepak Deals In Deepities
-- Coming Out of the Atheist Closet

I would say the people who would benefit the most from reading this book are those who feel conflicted about their religious upbringing and how it clashes with reality/facts. If you struggle with religious dogma and the bizarre (at best) and evil (at worst) biblical events caused by a deity to whom people still bow their heads in the 21st century, you will find a friend in this book. Every one of these essays clarified some question already in my mind - what a relief to finally put these mental struggles to rest. Moreover, to know that I am not alone in my doubt (and frankly, anger -- read Chapter 40, "Belief Comes With Some Very Real Costs, Don't Ignore Them) and that people like Larry Rhodes have resolved the issue by simply walking out of the chains that are all religions. This book is a great place to start your journey into freedom, reality, and the wonder of life. And if you have already read works from authors such as Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, and Sam Harris, you will like this too.