Michael Ramsay Prize goes to 'Atheist Delusions'

The 2011 Michael Ramsay Prize was awarded to 'Atheist Delusions' by David Bentley Hart on Friday.

In the book, Hart defends the role of Christianity in transforming the world for the better through the ages, contrary to the assertions of critics who assert the faith has done more harm than good.

He outlines how Christianity transformed the ancient world in ways that may have been forgotten, bringing liberation from fatalism, conferring great dignity on human beings, subverting the cruelest aspects of pagan society, and elevating charity above all virtues.

He then argues that the term 'Age of Reason' was in fact the beginning of the eclipse of reason's authority as a cultural value.

Hart closes the book in the present, delineating the ominous consequences of the decline of Christendom in a culture that is built upon its moral and spiritual values.

The award was presented to the American theologian at the Telegraph Hay festival by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

He described Hart as a theologian of "exceptional quality" and "brilliant stylist".

"This book takes no prisoners in its response to fashionable criticisms of Christianity," he said.

"But what makes it more than just another contribution to controversy is the way he shows how the most treasured principles and values of compassionate humanism are rooted in the detail of Christian doctrine.

"I am pleased that we have identified a prize winning book that is so distinctive in its voice. It is never bland.

"It will irritate some, but it will also challenge and inspire readers inside and outside the church.

"No one could pretend after reading this that Christian theology was lacking in intellectual and imaginative force or in relevance to the contemporary world."

The Michael Ramsey Prize is awarded to theological writing which changes the theological landscape by offering original and fresh perspectives, and also serves the needs of the Church.

As the winner of the Michael Ramsey Prize, Hart will receive a prize of £10,000.

He said: “Needless to say the honour is very great. For me, it lies especially in the name of the prize – as I have such a high regard for Michael Ramsey – and in its being conferred by the current Archbishop of Canterbury – whose work is among the richest theology being written in English today.”