The Non-Existence of God

Nicholas Everitt's The Non-Existence of God represents a systematic philosophical case against theism within the analytic tradition. Published in 2004, the work provides a comprehensive examination of arguments both for and against God's existence, ultimately defending the conclusion that belief in God lacks rational justification. Everitt structures his analysis as a careful dissection of theistic claims, employing the tools of contemporary analytic philosophy to demonstrate what he views as fundamental problems with traditional god-concepts.

The monograph engages three primary argumentative strategies against theism. First, Everitt develops variations on the problem of evil, arguing that the existence of suffering remains incompatible with an omnipotent, omniscient, and morally perfect deity. His treatment goes beyond classical formulations to address sophisticated theodicies and defenses, maintaining that none successfully reconcile observed evil with traditional divine attributes. Second, he pursues incoherence arguments, claiming that standard divine attributes generate internal contradictions when analyzed rigorously. The work examines tensions between omniscience and human freedom, omnipotence and necessary existence, and divine perfection and creation. Third, Everitt deploys burden of proof considerations, arguing that theists bear the primary epistemic responsibility to justify their positive existential claim, and that they consistently fail to meet this burden.

Methodologically, Everitt operates firmly within the analytic philosophical tradition, emphasizing conceptual clarity, logical rigor, and systematic argumentation. He engages extensively with contemporary philosophical literature, addressing recent developments in philosophy of religion while maintaining accessibility for broader academic audiences. The work responds to prominent theistic philosophers including Richard Swinburne, Alvin Plantinga, and William Lane Craig, offering detailed critiques of their positive arguments for God's existence.

The significance of Everitt's contribution lies in its comprehensiveness and systematic approach. Rather than focusing on single arguments, he constructs a cumulative case against theism, examining cosmological, teleological, ontological, and moral arguments for God's existence before presenting his negative case. This structure allows readers to assess the full dialectical situation in contemporary philosophy of religion. The work serves as both a substantial contribution to atheistic philosophy and a thorough introduction to central debates about God's existence, making it valuable for specialists and students alike. Its careful attention to opposing positions and methodical argumentation exemplifies the analytic approach to religious questions.