The Philosophy of Religion

For over twenty years, Beverley Clack and Brian R. Clack's distinctive and thought-provoking introduction to the philosophy of religion has been of enormous value to students and scholars, providing an approach to the subject that is bold and refreshingly alternative. This revised and updated edition retains the accessibility which makes the book popular, while furthering its distinctive argument regarding the human dimension of religion. The central emphasis of the philosophy of religion – the concept of God, and the arguments for and against God's existence – is reflected in thorough analyses, while alternative approaches to traditional philosophical theism are explored. The treatments of both the miraculous and immortality have been revised and expanded, and the concluding chapter updates the investigation of how philosophy of religion might be conducted in an age defined by religious terrorism. Clear, systematic and highly critical, the third edition of The Philosophy of Religion will continue to be essential reading for students and scholars of this fascinating and important subject.

Preface Acknowledgements 1 RELIGIOUS BELIEF AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION I What is Religion? II Defining the Philosophy of Religion III Developing the Concept of God 2 NATURAL THEOLOGY I Arguments for the Existence of God II The Divine Attributes III The Human Dimension of Natural Theology 3 CHALLENGES TO THEISM I Evil II Natural Histories of Religion III Religious Language and Verification 4 ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION I The Aims and Practice of Revisionary Theology II Wittgenstein and the Philosophy of Religion III Feminism and the Philosophy of Religion 5 MIRACLES AND IMMORTALITY I Miracles II Immortality 6 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION IN AN AGE OF TERROR I Religious Belief and Terrorism II Terror, Transience and the Human Animal: A Revised Account of Religion Conclusion: Seeing the Blossom Notes Index