Readings in the Philosophy of Religion

by Kelly James Clark (Editor)

Like the first edition, the second edition of Readings in the Philosophy of Religion covers topics in a point-counterpoint manner, specifically designed to foster deep reflection. Unique to this collection is the section on the divine attributes. The book's focus is on issues of fundamental human concern—God’s suffering, hell, prayer, feminist theology, and religious pluralism. All of these are shown, in a lengthy introduction, to relate to the standard issues in philosophical theology—omnipotence, omniscience, immutability, goodness, and eternity. For this second edition, each major section ends with an extended reflection by a philosopher who shows how to think through the issues raised in the preceding essays. Also included are a new section on the ontological argument with classical discussions by Anselm and Gaunilo, along with a new essay by Laura Garcia; a new section on religious language; new essays on the free will defense, theodicies, and feminist theology; and a new version of the cosmological argument that does not rely on the principle of sufficient reason.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology

408 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2000

About the author

Kelly James Clark is an American philosopher noted for his work in the philosophy of religion, science and religion, and the cognitive science of religion.

He received his PhD from the University of Notre Dame where his dissertation advisor was Alvin Plantinga. He has held professorships at Calvin College, Oxford University, University of St. Andrews, Notre Dame & Gordon College. He also served as Executive Director for the Society of Christian Philosophers from 1994 to 2009.

He is currently Senior Research Fellow at the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Professor at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Reviews

[Amelia and John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers arguments for and against the existence of God, what rational belief consists of, hermeneutics of suspicion (e.g., Nietzsche, Marx), and God-talk.

This was a textbook for my Intro to Philosophy course and I enjoyed it. There's a mix of medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy. Clark provides good intros for text sections as well as questions after each essay for the reader to reflect on.

Overall enjoyable, though not too readable for new students in philosophy (Plantinga's works are included!).

[Soren Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous resource for anyone trying to get acquainted with the ABC’s of philosophy of religion.