Classical and contemporary readings in the philosophy of religion

Book Description

This comprehensive anthology brings together some of history's most influential voices in the ongoing dialogue between faith and reason. Editor John Harwood Hick has assembled a remarkable collection of philosophical perspectives that span centuries of human inquiry into the nature of religious experience and belief.

The volume presents a rich tapestry of thought, featuring luminaries such as Ludwig Feuerbach's examination of religion as illusion, Søren Kierkegaard's passionate argument against rational proofs in matters of faith, and William James's exploration of mysticism and the will to believe. Readers will encounter John Stuart Mill's wrestling with the problem of evil, Bertrand Russell's famous debate with F.C. Copleston on God's existence, and Martin Buber's profound insights into the eternal relationship between human and divine.

Contemporary voices join this philosophical conversation through Paul Tillich's analysis of religious symbols, Charles Hartshorne's exploration of different concepts of God and eternal life, and various perspectives on religious naturalism and empirical approaches to belief. The collection also delves into mystical experience, personal survival after death, and the fundamental question of what constitutes authentic religious understanding.

At 558 pages, this anthology offers both breadth and depth for anyone seeking to understand how great minds have grappled with ultimate questions. Whether you approach these texts as a believer, skeptic, or curious seeker, you'll find perspectives that challenge assumptions and deepen contemplation about the role of religion in human experience.