The Philosophy of Religion: A Critical Introduction

The Philosophy of Religion: A Critical Introduction

by Beverley Clack (Author), Brian R . Clack (Author)

Synopsis

This exciting textbook combines a clear introduction to the themes traditionally covered in the philosophy of religion with contemporary developments in the discipline. The combination of traditional and alternative approaches makes it the most innovative introduction to the area currently available, while a range of exercises and student features provide a lively and accessible approach to the discipline.Most introductions to the philosophy of religion turn out, in practice, to be philosophic defences of religious belief, concentrating solely on the theistic tradition. This book differs from such an approach by offering a range of alternative views and in particular by examining the human dimension of religion and religious belief. Thus alongside helpful clarifications of such traditional issues as arguments of the existence of God, the problem of evil, and immortality, this book also addresses more neglected areas like natural histories of religion, feminist approaches, and revisionary accounts of religious belief. The book ends with reflections on the future of religion. The Philosophy of Religion will be essential reading for all students of the subject as well as the interested lay reader.

$3.31

Save:$17.12 (84%)

Quantity

1 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
Publisher: Polity Press
Published: 19 Dec 2000

ISBN 10: 0745617387
ISBN 13: 9780745617381

Media Reviews
'The Philosophy of Religion is a first-rate book. Brief extracts from literature are used to good effect.' Times Educational Supplement 'There is much to commend in the book. It is clearly written, well ordered, and straightforward. A lively book.' The Expository Times 'This is without any doubt the best available introductory text to the philosophy of religion. It discusses many of the standard problems in the philosophy of religion, but it also moves beyond them to challenge new ways of looking at the discipline, not least in terms of gender and secular formation. Fascinating possibilities are opened up by means of this closer scrutiny of gender, and are connected with such themes as a new understanding of evil and suffering, a different account of life and/after death, and the pressing issues of ecology.' Professor Grace M. Jantzen, Centre for Religion, Culture and Gender, University of Manchester 'This book shows why the philosophy of religion has been for forty years the most interesting branch of theology. It starts with the standard syllabus - religion, the existence of and nature of God, evil - and then goes on to show how new ideas have disrupted the old syllabus, ending with Iris Murdoch and Dennis Potter. Just the thing for getting beginners involved with the subject.' Don Cupitt, Emmanuel College, Cambridge 'The Clack siblings have produced an innovative introduction to the philosophy of religion which combines clear exposition and comment with the stimulus of specific exam-type questions for revision and other purposes.' Professor Sir Stewart Sutherland, University of Edinburgh
Author Bio
Beverley Clack is Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at Roehampton Institute London. Brian R. Clack is Tutor in Philosophy at St.Clare's International College, Oxford.