The Spiritual Dimension: Religion, Philosophy and Human Value

by John Cottingham

The Spiritual Dimension offers a new model for the philosophy of religion, bringing together emotional and intellectual aspects of our human experience, and embracing practical as well as theoretical concerns. It shows how a religious worldview is best understood not as an isolated set of doctrines, but as intimately related to spiritual praxis and to the search for self-understanding and moral growth. It argues that the religious quest requires a certain emotional openness, but can be pursued without sacrificing our philosophical integrity. Touching on many important debates in contemporary philosophy and theology, but accessible to general readers, The Spiritual Dimension covers a range of central topics in the philosophy of religion, including scientific cosmology and the problem of evil; ethical theory and the objectivity of goodness; psychoanalytic thought, self-discovery and virtue; the multi-layered nature of religious discourse; and the relation between faith and evidence.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

John Cottingham is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Reading.
Professor of Philosophy of Religion, University of Roehampton, London.
Visiting Professor, King’s College London.
Honorary Fellow, St John’s College, Oxford University.

John Cottingham has published over thirty books – fifteen as sole author, a further nine editions and translations, plus (either as single or joint editor) eight edited collections – together with over 140 articles in learned journals or books. From 1993-2012 he was Editor of Ratio, the international journal of analytic philosophy.

Reviews

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful academic book was recommended to me by a friend who is an Episcopal priest, its philosophical/theological thrust was truly what my mind/heart needed at the moment. A discussion of spiritual praxis & devotion and thoughtful discussion of human value as well as faith. I had not read this type of book in a while but I appreciated Prof. Cottingham's perceptive analysis & discussion, I also appreciated that it was not coming from an "evangelical" narrow funnel that is open only to its own interpretation of the journey though the spiritual life falls into the "Meta" place of things...

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the full review please see my website: The Spiritual Dimension