This is one of three "militant" athiest works out there. I recently went to see "Expelled". Which linked Darwinism with militant athiesm...(David Berlinski lectured at SWBTS, he was featured in Ben Stein's movie.) I was curious to see what he had to say...althought when it first came out, I didn't like the tone. But a part of me felt that we Christians need to know what our detractors are thinking...although I can guess what they are thinkging.
The interesting thing about Harris' book is that he sees a threat in Islam, and it seems like he realizes he can reason with Christians, yet not Muslims.
Harris doesn't address this, but we have many flavor of Chrisitanity. I heard it once, that there are Cultural Christians, Conterfiet Christians, and actual (forgot the 'c' word) Christians. When one looks at the bible, the title of Christian was given as a form of derision. Now 2000 years after Christ died on the cross, Christianity has spread almost around the world. We have seen the church become territorialized (State churches), and denominationalized...what is next? But throughout the ages, the church survives. How much of what people think of Christians is influenced by people who are not actual Christians? But I think that regardless, people will hate Christ simply because the world hates Christ. (and the ruler of this world). In Texas there is this Mormon cult (FLDS). They are abusing their children...and someone says on the news, "Why don't Christians practice what they preach?" They give Christians a bad name..." -sigh (sort of like the end of Malcolm X, where the lady confuses Malcolm X's religion).
I hear that Ravi Zaccharias has a new book answering Harris, and Dawkins...I am looking forward to seeing what he says. "Letter.." is short, its timely. Makes me wonder what Bertrand Russell wrote (which I have only heard about). The issues Harris raises challenges us as Christians to live by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Christian witness to the world would be that more powerful...