The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist (10th Anniversary Edition)

Does atheism really explain everything? Can reasonable people take Christianity seriously?

During the early twenty-first century, New Atheism was busy producing best-selling books and plastering adverts on the sides of buses. Its loud scepticism is not as popular these days, but many of its arguments live on.

Yet, what if some of its common claims like, “science has buried God” and “religion is the cause of most wars” are not just incorrect, but demonstrably wrong? What if Richard Dawkins and the other New Atheists were not merely barking up the wrong tree, but were in the wrong forest entirely?

Andy Bannister brings you this fully updated and revised book, with new chapters, new resources, discussion guides … and new comedy. The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist is designed for curious people to tug at the loose threads of atheism and see if it unravels.

What’s New?

The first edition of The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist was incredibly popular — its unique blend of argument and humour reaching places and people few Christian books ever do. This new 10th Anniversary edition has been entirely revised and updated throughout and includes:

  • A brand new foreword from comedian Andy Kind.
  • A new preface exploring the story of what happened to the New Atheism and why it failed.
  • A new final chapter, “The Voyage off the End of the World: (Or: why the Western world is rediscovering God”, which looks at the green shots of the recovery faith in the western world.
  • Discussion questions at the end of each chapter — ideal to use as a study guide, or in a book group, or for digging into the book’s themes with a friend in a cafe or pub!
  • New recommended resources at the end of each chapter to help you go further.
  • Masses of additional content woven throughout the book.
  • 14.7% funnier than the original (just remember that 18.2% of all statistics are just made up).

Now Available

The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist is released 17th July 2025 in the UK (later this summer in the USA/Canada/Australia) published by IVP. Available at major Christian booksellers including 10ofThose and as an e-book from Amazon. An audiobook is coming later this year.

Get a free copy when you sign up to support Solas from just £4 per month.

Endorsements

The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist is a unique and brilliant book, tackling questions that really matter but in a disarmingly funny and winsome way that will make you laugh out loud. It is honest, expertly argued and compelling. I thoroughly recommend this book!’
~ Sharon Dirckx, speaker, author and broadcaster

Like a fine wine, Andy Bannister’s writing ages remarkably well. This revised and updated edition of The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist is as intelligent, relevant and funny as it was the first time round. However, the arguments feel even more persuasive today. Atheism has been tried and found wanting and Andy is not alone in noticing a positive shift in attitudes towards faith. There has never been a better time to invite people to consider the case for Christianity, and Andy Bannister shows how to do it with wisdom, grace and plenty of humour too.
~ Justin Brierley, speaker, writer and broadcaster

Andy Bannister’s The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist is a blend of sharp reasoning and pointed humour, offering a critique of popular atheist arguments. With a storyteller’s flair, Bannister presents complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way, reflecting the author’s energetic and personable style. Beneath the light-hearted tone lies a thoughtful engagement with the claims of atheism and scepticism. Whether you agree or disagree, this book will entertain and provoke meaningful reflection.
~ Kristi Mair, lecturer at Oak Hill College, UK

This is not your typical book on atheism. With a combination of humour, knowledge and wit, Andy Bannister provides practical tools in engaging with common atheist discourses. As Bannister notes (via the poetry of Matthew Arnold) the sea of faith ebbs and flows. The irony of this illustration is, as Andy points out in his conclusion, tides have a funny habit of returning to where they started. We’re seeing the surprising return of spiritual thinking and faith for a reason… it is entirely reasonable.
~ Wesley Huff, Central Canada Director for Apologetics Canada

We all have an inner sceptic – a “watchful dragon”, as C. S. Lewis called it. And the best way for faith to steal past such watchful dragons is with a story. Step forward Andy Bannister, armed to the teeth with stories and illustrations that are always thoughtful and often laugh-out-loud funny. A delight to read, ponder and pass on.
~ Glen Scrivener, author, speaker and Director of Speak Life