Author Description
From miracles and resurrection, to intelligent design and the nature of faith, this Very Short Introduction explores the central issues in the philosophy of religion. It looks at the arguments for and against the existence of God, discussing the relationship between faith and reason, religion and morality, and the problems raised by the diverse and apparently incompatible claims of different religions. Jack Copeland offers a lively and accessible guide to some of the most profound questions that have fascinated and frustrated believers and non-believers alike for centuries: How can an all-knowing and loving God allow such pain and suffering to exist in the world? Where did the Universe come from? Is the Universe fine-tuned for life? What is the relationship between evidence, faith, and rationality? How does evolution fit with religious faith? With the importance of religion on the rise around the world, this VSI offers the perfect introduction to a subject that affects us all.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the fundamental logical and metaphysical questions that underpin religious belief and the intersection of faith with rational inquiry. Authors Diane Proudfoot and Jack Copeland utilize a concise analytical framework to examine the tension between religious claims and empirical evidence. By synthesizing historical arguments with contemporary scientific discourse, the text provides a structured overview of the primary debates surrounding the existence of a deity and the nature of religious experience.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of classical arguments for and against the existence of God
- Examination of the problem of evil and the existence of suffering
- Discussion on the compatibility of evolutionary biology and religious faith
- Exploration of the relationship between morality and religious doctrine
Scope Limits
- Does not provide an exhaustive history of specific religious denominations
- Avoids theological advocacy in favor of philosophical neutrality
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Readers frequently note the accessibility of the prose, which distills complex metaphysical concepts into a format suitable for beginners. Experts highlight this as a foundational text that effectively balances historical context with modern scientific challenges to religious thought.
Page Count:
144
Publication Date:
2009-08-15
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192853686
ISBN-13:
9780192853684
Religion
Philosophy
Non-Fiction
Philosophy of
Religion
Theology
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