Atheism.. The Case Against God

George H. Smith's "Atheism: The Case Against God" stands as a systematic philosophical refutation of theistic belief, employing the tools of analytic philosophy to dismantle traditional arguments for God's existence. Originally published in 1979 and reissued in 2003, the work represents a thoroughgoing rationalist critique that has influenced contemporary atheistic discourse significantly.

Smith structures his analysis around two primary objectives: demonstrating the conceptual incoherence of the God concept and systematically refuting the major philosophical arguments advanced for theism. His methodology draws heavily from the analytic tradition, emphasizing logical rigor and conceptual clarity. The work begins by examining the epistemological foundations of belief, arguing that atheism represents not a positive claim requiring proof but rather the default rational position given the absence of compelling evidence for theism.

Central to Smith's critique is his engagement with cosmological arguments, which he dissects through careful analysis of causation and necessity. He contends that these arguments invariably commit logical fallacies, particularly in their leap from contingent existence to necessary being. His treatment of the problem of evil proves equally forceful, arguing that the existence of suffering remains fundamentally incompatible with an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent deity. Smith particularly emphasizes how theodicies fail to resolve this tension without compromising essential divine attributes.

The work also addresses cumulative case arguments, which attempt to establish theism through converging lines of evidence. Smith maintains that combining weak arguments cannot produce a strong conclusion, systematically demonstrating how each component of such cumulative cases fails independently. His analysis extends beyond mere refutation to examine the psychological and social functions of religious belief, though these discussions remain secondary to his philosophical project.

Smith's contribution lies not merely in his arguments but in his comprehensive approach. Unlike many atheist critiques that focus on specific religious traditions, he targets the philosophical foundations common to Western theism broadly. His work engages seriously with sophisticated theological positions, avoiding strawman representations while maintaining an uncompromising rationalist stance. The text serves as both a philosophical treatise and a practical handbook for atheist argumentation, influencing subsequent works in the atheist intellectual tradition. Its enduring relevance stems from its systematic methodology and its articulation of atheism as a coherent philosophical position rather than mere denial.