Joseph Butler: The Analogy of Religion
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Author Description
Joseph Butler's The Analogy of Religion (1736) is an important work in terms of its historical influence and its contemporary relevance.In it, Butler defends Christian belief against many well-known objections: for instance, that the evidence for Christianity is weak; that it is impossible to believe in miracles; that if God existed he would have revealed himself clearly to everyone. The problems Butler discusses are current in contemporary philosophy of religion, but his answers are often ignored, or given short shrift. Butler argues that by examining this world we have reason to believe its Creator is both benevolent and just; that virtue will be rewarded and vice punished. Even if we have doubts, we would be well advised to take Christianity seriously, given what is at stake. The work includes seminal discussions of life after death, personal identity, and the structure of our ethical thought. In addition to extensive notes, David McNaughton's edition includes a detailed synopsis, a selection from the correspondence between Butler and Samuel Clarke, and an oveview of philosophical influences on Butler's thought.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
Does the structure of the natural world provide a rational basis for belief in a benevolent Creator and the truth of Christian revelation? David McNaughton, a scholar of moral philosophy, presents this critical edition to re-examine Joseph Butler's 18th-century defense of religion against Enlightenment skepticism. The text argues that the evidence for Christianity, while not demonstrative, is sufficient to warrant serious consideration, particularly when weighed against the moral stakes of human existence. McNaughton provides the necessary historical context and philosophical scaffolding to make Butler's arguments accessible to modern readers.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A comprehensive analysis of Butler's arguments regarding miracles, divine revelation, and the evidence for a just Creator.
- Detailed discussions on the nature of personal identity and the mechanics of ethical thought.
- Primary source material including correspondence between Joseph Butler and Samuel Clarke.
- A scholarly overview of the philosophical influences that shaped Butler's theological framework.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this edition as a vital resource for students of the philosophy of religion who wish to engage with Butler's often-overlooked responses to classic theological objections. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires careful attention to follow the nuances of Butler's analogical reasoning.
Page Count:
320
Publication Date:
2021-11-02
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0198785879
ISBN-13:
9780198785873
Philosophy
Religion
Theology
Christianity
Ethics
