The Diary of A Reluctant Atheist

The memoire of an American Rhodes Scholar, The Diary of a Reluctant Atheist tells the story of a young man's journey from atheism to faith through a series of encounters that force him to reconsider his view of the world, religion and the nature of human knowledge. This intellectual journey spans nearly a decade and culminates in an unexpected and dramatic conversion that could have come from the pages of the New Testament.

David Bock was a philosophy major at the University of Utah and a committed atheist determined to find a replacement for religion as the intellectual and moral foundation of modern society. On his way to study at the University of Vienna, he is overtaken by a mysterious sense of longing during a Vespers service in Germany that provokes both desire and disdain for spiritual experience. He continues to have unlikely encounters with religious people over the next two years, goes through a 'dark night of the soul', deeply considers what is involved in a Christian calling and ends up as a 'reluctant' atheist with a new appreciation of religion but limited interest in it for himself.

David's adventure begins a new phase with his selection as a Rhodes Scholar, engagement to Pam and a new focus on the field of economics. Despite his reservations about religious experience, he continues to encounter people who challenge his thinking and prejudices. A narrow escape from serious illness in Africa and a life-threatening accident involving his infant daughter deepen his sense of vulnerability and of life's mysteries.

A late night conversation with a fellow McKinsey associate in Washington DC triggers a new way of thinking about issues of faith and reason and sets the stage for a climactic ending to David's search for the meaning and purpose of life.