When Protestants Argue Like Atheists: 12 Weird Ways That Anti-Catholics Mimic Secular Skeptics

Protestant apologists are usually our partners when it comes to defending the existence of God, the inerrancy of Scripture, traditional moral absolutes, and many other important truths. When arguing against atheism, they shrewdly call out the logical fallacies, double standards, and dirty tricks of skeptical critics.

But then, too often, they turn around and use the same tricks to attack Catholicism.

In When Protestants Argue Like Atheists, Catholic apologist Trent Horn looks at twelve areas where anti-Catholic scholars and polemicists mimic the methods they otherwise decry in anti-theists. Citing the work of both classic and contemporary Protestant figures, he shows how, when defending mere Christianity, they quickly object when skeptics shift the burden of proof, or appeal to fake history, or harp on the morality of the messenger instead of the truth of the message. And yet, when trying to take down Catholicism, they seem to have no problem employing these same shady tactics and others.

Not only does Trent unveil the hypocrisy and logical weaknesses of such tactics and show you how to refute them—he points out ways that Catholics, too, sometimes imitate the worst arguments of atheists. The result is a much-needed elevation of discourse, for all sides, on these all-important subjects related to Christian truth and our salvation.

5 Star Review: Andrew H. (Verified Purchase)

Charitable yet decisive, this book is an excellent resource for those interested in ecumenical discussion, particularly concerning Protestant-Catholic relations. It is well-researched and aptly written, making it well worth the wait. It would be a mistake to consider this book a case for Catholicism, rather, it is a case for careful consideration in terms of critiques Protestants may be prone to levy against Catholic teachings.