Criticism of modern doctrinal atheism in the controversy of A. Plantinga with M. Tooley

The article is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of modern atheism. Analysis shows that the atheism of our time is a heterogeneous phenomenon. The so-called “new atheism” can be qualified as radical with theoretical attempts to substantiate the non-existence of God. The philosophical inconsistency of modern atheism determines its pseudo-religious nature and evident populism. Such representatives of “doctrinal atheism” as W. Rowe, M. Tooley, and T. Nagel are devoid of the religious fanaticism of the “new” ones, they look much more serious and more consistent in a rational sense. The second part of the article considers the controversy of A. Plantinga with one of the representatives of this type of atheism M. Tooley. The article analyzes the issues of epistemic validity of faith in the existence of God; also, special attention is paid to the problem of evil. The conclusion about the usefulness of such discussions for Christian theology, because the analysis of atheistic argumentation helps to develop rationally impeccable justifications for the religious faith and strengthen the religious worldview.