SCM Core Text: The Philosophy of Religion

by Gwen Griffith-Dickson

The SCM Core Texts are a collection of textbooks designed to help undergraduates at level two and three navigate their way through a variety of subjects. Covering philosophy of religion, religious studies, biblical studies and theology, they aim to offer students an intelligent helping hand in their core areas of study. Each book is designed individually and places an emphasis on pedagogical tools to aid the learner. These tools vary according to suitability across the subjects covered, but include features such as questions for reflection at the end of chapters, textboxes to further explain concepts or provide examples, some web-based materials on companion web-sites which are freely accessible. The textbooks are intended to be used as core reading on undergraduate courses, and as companions to assist lecturers in their classrooms and are all available on the SCM inspection copy scheme. Spiritual encounters and the problems raised by evil and suffering are the experiences that affect our religious beliefs most powerfully. In this far-reaching textbook on the philosophical study of religion Gwen Griffith-Dickson fills a gap in the market by considering these questions in the context of the world's many religions and philosophical traditions, giving attention to Continental European and Eastern philosophy as well as to Anglo-American thinking. This is the only textbook of its kind to offer the reader such a wide and inclusive overview of contemporary philosophical study of religions.

480 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2005

About the author

Born and raised in Hawai’i, Gwen Griffith-Dickson has lived in London since 1981. Gwen is a renowned Philosophy professor, author and speaker who became a reluctant expert in counter-terrorism.

Gwen is a former Vice Principal in the University of London, Professor of Divinity at Gresham College, and currently a Visiting Professor at King's College London who has done groundbreaking work in bringing an interfaith approach to theology and the philosophy of religion. She has a background in Continental European Philosophy, especially German thought, as well as a keen interest in Hawaiian Studies.

Gwen is also the founder and director of the Lokahi Foundation: its mission is to enable society to embrace religious diversity with respect and understanding, and one of its nationwide programmes remains the only community programme in Britain to prevent a terrorist attack. Gwen has advised and created programmes for the UK and US Governments on Counter-Terrorism.

In her spare time, Gwen enjoys classical singing, Russian martial arts and Hawai’ian hula.