Confessions of a French Atheist: How God Hijacked My Quest to Disprove the Christian Faith

In this engaging debut, French philosopher Bignon chronicles how his failed mission to debunk Christianity led to his conversion. Raised Catholic, Bignon considered himself an atheist by the time he was in high school. In his mid-20s, Bignon resolved to disprove his girlfriend’s Christian beliefs, including her commitment to abstinence before marriage. Bignon dusted off a Bible, but to his surprise found Jesus was “full of wisdom and quick comebacks.” Bignon also befriended a local pastor with whom he met regularly to discuss theology, which led to him changing his perspectives on “the supernatural, science, sex, knowledge, and salvation.” For instance, the author describes how he came to view abstinence as reasonable after the pastor clarified that Christianity doesn’t disapprove of sexuality, but sees it as a “gift” from God to be “enjoyed within the bounds of marriage.” These talks, supplemented by independent research and a close reading of the New Testament, revived Bignon’s faith. The author’s well-reasoned arguments in favor of the existence of God and a figurative understanding of scripture, along with thoughtful rebuttals to atheist critics of divine punishment and salvation by belief, cohere in a humorous and persuasive testament to the rationality of faith. Part memoir, part spiritual and intellectual treatise, this book has the power to change minds. (Apr.)