Not the Impossible Faith Paperback – 10 Feb. 2009

It is not immediately apparent, but this book is written as a rebuttal of the arguments of another writer,one J.P. Holding (a.k.a. Robert Turkel)whom I have never heard of, but who is apparently self-published on multiple topics to do with Christianity. He also has a website pushing all things Christian and attacking various infidels such as Richard Dawkins et al.Holding obviously cannot be taken seriously when his website states, among other faux pas, that he believes the gospels were written soon after Jesus' death and that Matthew and John wer eyewitnesses, when this goes against the vast bulk of expert biblical scholarship.Even more telling, he believes in the short creation myth - i.e. that the world was created by god 6000 years ago,and that evolution is bunk.Carrier was apparently paid as a serious academic to review, and then as it turned out denounce, Holding's latest work the self-published "The Impossible Faith". Hence the title of Carrier's book. There is obviously a history between the two, but I have to say that Carrier goes out of his way to be seen to be fair. He makes each point tell, and drives them all home successfully. However for that reason it is not always an easy read, as his books usually are.The main thesis Holding tries to present is that no-one would try to fake a religion led by an unknown carpenter's son from Galilee, who was humiliated and put to death on a cross and then had his body stolen and a story made up that he had been resurrected. It was all so silly and improbable that it had to be true, but also there was likely to have been some irrefutable proof that the faithful could have shown to unbelievers to convince them - Christ himself? some other token?Carrier goes through this story one piece at a time, rebutting Holding's points at every turn, showing that each one is untrue, but that even if it were true it would not have the effect Holding says it would. It is a masterly exposition and a pleasure to watch.Even if, like me, you haven't read Holding's work, Carrier gives you enough of his arguments that you can follow what is going on. It is good to see a master craftsman at work, and in addition there is a lot of additional information thrown in the mix to do with the social norms for Rome in the early centuries AD.

An interesting book but as has been said it is rather repetative. A problem with it is that it is rather like trying to follow a conversation when hearing only one side. The book is Carriers answer to a Christian apologist who I've never heard of quoting from other historians who I've not heard of either.For me the most interesting part of the book was the insight it gave into the social organization of the ancient world and the way they thought and saw the world, particularly where it concerned religion. For that I think it is worthwhile. It is not an easy read and it is probably too long. Its a book to read for information and not enjoyment but the argument that Christianity must be true because it is too improbable to succeed if it wasn't is answered in spades and then some.

I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. When I am reading anything by Richard Carrier I feel I am traveling back in time. The author is truly generous in the way he shares his deep knowledge and understanding of the ancient world with his readers.

Good

Very interesting

Superbly written, scholarly and straight to the point!

Its not very often that i write a review,but i felt i needed to after reading this book. its ironic that the author says that the early Christians didn't check facts. i wonder how many who have given this book a 5 star review bothered to check the facts in this book. i always check facts when i can. for example the author quotes Josephus. a simple google search shows that the author has only partially quoted Josephus so taking the quote out of context. The author is blatantly misleading his readers. And much of the book is just the authors opinion and some of it absurd like the devil might of raised Jesus from the dead. Why on earth would the devil want to do that? i could go on,but i suggest anyone who reads this book checks the authors so called facts first before saying this is a brilliant book.

Not the Impossible Faith is really a rebutal to J.P Holdings book "The impossible Faith" https://www.amazon.com/Impossible-Faith-James-Patrick-Holding/dp/1602660840 which I have never read. I have however followed Holding on social media and watch many hours of videos.But Not The Impossible Faith is not just a rebutal of Holding, it is a rebutal of many of the arguments christians serve in debates. It is well written, with Carriers charateristic zing, so the pages fly by! If you are a layperson wishing to sharpen your argument against christianity, this is a great book! Can you read this online, yes, but this book has broad margins for notes and is well worth the purchase!