Philosophy of Religion - 3rd Edition by Beverley Clack & Brian R Clack (Paperback)
About this item
Highlights
- For over twenty years, Beverley Clack and Brian R. Clack's distinctive and thought-provoking introduction to the philosophy of religion has been of enormous value to students and scholars, providing an approach to the subject that is bold and refreshingly alternative.
- About the Author: Beverley Clack is Professor in the Philosophy of Religion at Oxford Brookes University.
- 300 Pages
- Religion + Beliefs, Philosophy
Description
Book Synopsis
For over twenty years, Beverley Clack and Brian R. Clack's distinctive and thought-provoking introduction to the philosophy of religion has been of enormous value to students and scholars, providing an approach to the subject that is bold and refreshingly alternative.
This revised and updated edition retains the accessibility which makes the book popular, while furthering its distinctive argument regarding the human dimension of religion. The central emphasis of the philosophy of religion - the concept of God, and the arguments for and against God's existence - is reflected in thorough analyses, while alternative approaches to traditional philosophical theism are explored. The treatments of both the miraculous and immortality have been revised and expanded, and the concluding chapter updates the investigation of how philosophy of religion might be conducted in an age defined by religious terrorism.
Clear, systematic and highly critical, the third edition of The Philosophy of Religion will continue to be essential reading for students and scholars of this fascinating and important subject.
From the Back Cover
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.
Review Quotes
'An engaging and accessible book which gives a clear, critical account of some of the standard topics in philosophy of religion, and also includes stimulating discussion of how religious belief relates to the very human problems of identity, transience and mortality.'
John Cottingham, University of Reading
'This lucid introduction goes beyond the common approaches in Anglo-American philosophy of religion to include engagements with contemporary social movements (feminism, religious violence). The presentations of the usual topics - God's existence and attributes, miracles, evil, death and immortality - show clearly and fairly the shapes of the debates on these issues. By basing their approach in religion as a human (but not always humane) experience, the Clacks provide a splendid path into the field.'
Terrence W. Tilley, Fordham University
About the Author
Beverley Clack is Professor in the Philosophy of Religion at Oxford Brookes University.
Brian R. Clack is Professor of Philosophy and A. Vassiliadis Director of the Humanities Center at the University of San Diego.