In recent years, the debate between defenders and critics of religion has become acerbic, much like a quarrel between two bad-tempered people. In his latest book, A.C. Grayling sets out to elucidate this conflict, offering both a case against religion and a positive alternative.

The God Argument is divided into two parts. The first more or less dismantles any argument for religious belief, which includes both scientific and philosophical proofs for the existence of God. In the second, Grayling declares his philosophy of Humanism, a way of living based on intellectual integrity, reason and a desire to do and be good while respecting others’ beliefs and freedom of expression.

Many of his arguments have been heard before – from the likes of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens – and although Grayling does attribute fine art, music and other creative pursuits to religious credence, he is also quick to relegate it to nothing more than astrology and magic, and criticises it for causing wars and misery.

In person, Grayling comes across as a charming, erudite and knowledgeable man. Yet his engaging and kind manner, sadly, seems to be lacking somewhat in his latest work. His explanations of the metaphysical debate surrounding God’s existence and the origins of creation are certainly interesting, but his earnest manifesto for Humanism seems too good to be true. No doubt he is on a mission to convert the world to his way of life and thinking, but the ideals that he puts forward don’t seem to be entirely convincing, leaving one somewhat none the wiser.

Nicole Mansour is from Readings St Kilda.