
A World Without God
The Search for Meaning in a Society Overwhelmed by Despair
$45.23
- Paperback
224 pages
- Release Date
2 July 2026
Summary
A World Without God
Is the existence of God essential to humanity?
A World Without God is a philosophical exploration that challenges readers to consider the implications of a hypothetical society without divine influence.
Like Dostoyevsky’s enigmatic characters and the brutal depictions of reality in the book of Judges, this book considers—in the form of narrative philosophy—the consequences of abandoning faith in God. Journeying into the nihilistic haze of…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780310177227 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0310177227 |
| Author: | Chris Palmer, Brian Zahnd |
| Publisher: | Zondervan |
| Imprint: | Zondervan |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 224 |
| Release Date: | 2 July 2026 |
| Weight: | 199g |
| Dimensions: | 211mm x 138mm x 14mm |
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Critics Review
‘A fantastic guide to the practical power of worldview, this book shows how our views of God quietly shape how we live, choose, and endure in a tough world–whether with despair or with hope.’ * Josh Rasmussen, professor of philosophy, Baylor University; author, Who Are You, Really?b> *‘Chris Palmer doesn’t just diagnose our meaning crisis. He leads us by the hand into Novemberton to see and experience the existential emptiness in the faces and lives of those who dwell there. With clarity and heart, he exposes the futility of life without God while offering a way back home to meaning, wonder, and the fullness of life found only in Him. A must read for those who guide others toward meaning and for those still searching for it.’ * Jana Harmon, PhD, author, Atheists Finding God; host, eX-skeptic Podcast *‘Christopher Palmer is a tour guide through the sloughs of despondence that have afflicted the modern world, where the revolutions that have conquered nature have left the human soul feeling more despairing than ever. He shows from poetry, novels, music, and art the dark side of the moon that many feel trapped in. Yet Palmer also points us towards an audacious hope centred on the Lord Jesus Christ who brings us into joy, beauty, and enchantment. A timely book for an anxious age.’ * Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird (PhD University of Queensland), Deputy Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia *‘Christopher Palmer’s book A World Without God is a biting critique of the way we have chosen to live: free of God. Its prophetic message and graceful invitation will leave you wondering how we’ve lived so long without a deep and hungry heart for God. Read this at your own risk. It won’t feel good. But it will wake you up.’ * A.J. Swoboda (Ph.D., University of Birmingham), Associate Professor of Bible and Theology at Bushnell University; pastor, Faith Center in Eugene, Oregon; author, A Teachable Spirit *‘Reading A World Without God is like taking a meandering walk with someone who is a good thinker, a good listener, and a good friend. Chris Palmer reflects on the most enticing bits of philosophy, literature, and theology, making connections with the real world around us in a way that is illuminating and inviting. You’ll come away from this book inspired to be more thoughtful and engaged with both deep questions and the everyday world.’ * Karen Swallow Prior, author, On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books *‘Reading A World Without God is like wandering through dark, plague-filled streets reeking of death, before suddenly darting into a pine-scented room illuminated by a Christmas tree. Chris Palmer–a writer with a lyrical voice–is your sure-footed and beguiling guide on this crosstown journey.’ * Timothy Larsen, Wheaton College *‘The eerie town of ‘Novemberton’ (along with its cast of quirky characters) is a perfectly pitched allegory of our own increasingly shallow and distracted world. In A World Without God, Christopher Palmer draws masterfully on the thinking of existentialists, nihilists and theologians alike to paint a picture of how a whole culture can lose its soul. But in doing so he also lights a path back to finding hope, faith and love again. This is an evocative, imaginative and prescient piece of writing that underscores why a weary world seems to be waking up again to its need for God.’ * Justin Brierley, host, The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God and Uncommon Ground podcasts *Though we are designed to find meaning by living out our God-given purpose, many moderns have taken wrong turns, have gotten lost, or are stuck in distraction or boredom. They have become disoriented, despairing, and hopeless. In his personal, honest book, Christopher Palmer weaves together literary and cultural themes, using them as pointers to help us navigate this confused, haunted modern world. He offers a sure and wise path forward through life’s difficulties. This world is, after all, a God-haunted one: the God who made this world that fell away from him came to bring light and truth and healing through Christ, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest–their true home–in him.’ * Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida; author, Is God a Moral Monster? and Is God a Vindictive Bully? *
About The Author
Chris Palmer
Chris Palmer
Dr. Chris Palmer holds a PhD from Bangor University in Wales, UK. He currently serves as the Dean of the Barnett College of Ministry and Theology at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. Dr. Palmer brings 18 years of full-time ministry experience, including missionary work in over 40 nations. He has also served as a faculty member at Moody Theological Seminary, Austin Christian University, and Theos University.
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