Wiley-Blackwell Philosophy of Religion: The Basics

Philosophy of Religion: The Basics offers a concise introduction to philosophy of religion, distilling key discussions and concepts of the subject to their succinct essence, providing a truly accessible entry into the subject. A truly accessible introduction to philosophy of religion for beginnersTakes a topical approach, starting with the nature of religion and moving the reader through the major concepts, explaining how topics connect and point to one anotherOffers a thorough and full treatment of diverse conceptions of God, the ontological argument, and divine attributes and dilemmasA genuinely concise introduction, this text can be used alongside other resources without overtaxing studentsRepresents 30 years of experience teaching to undergraduatesIncludes a free downloadable file with key excerpts and additions to help students study Review “This text covers all the major topics in the philosophy of religion. It is clearly written in a style that is attractive and easy to understand and it is constructed with maximum critical candor. A rare find.” —William L. Power, The University of Georgia“Richard Creel provides an informative guide to standard topics in philosophy of religion that draws on his years of experience in teaching the subject. He writes in a conversational style that should appeal to beginning students and stimulate them to develop their own thinking on these issues.”—David M. Holley, University of Southern Mississippi From the Inside Flap Philosophy of Religion: The Basics offers a concise introduction to philosophy of religion, which condenses discussions and concepts of the subject to their succinct essence, providing a truly accessible entry into the subject. The book captures the reader’s attention and imagination with its unique clarity and conversational tone. The text has been organized to lead the reader logically from topic to topic, explaining how subjects connect and point to one another. A wide range of issues within the philosophy of religion is addressed, beginning with the nature and functions of religion, then moving to different conceptions of the nature of God, including atheistic concepts. Conceptual analysis and the nature of argumentation are foremost concerns throughout the book. Arguments are presented both for and against the existence of God and are developed against one another to ensure a good balance between pro and con arguments; no position goes unsupported or uncriticized. Additional chapters shed light on issues including life after death, miracles, God and morality, divine attributes and dilemmas, human language and talk about God, religious experience, and faith and rationality. From the Back Cover Philosophy of Religion: The Basics offers a concise introduction to philosophy of religion, which condenses discussions and concepts of the subject to their succinct essence, providing a truly accessible entry into the subject. The book captures the reader’s attention and imagination with its unique clarity and conversational tone. The text has been organized to lead the reader logically from topic to topic, explaining how subjects connect and point to one another. A wide range of issues within the philosophy of religion is addressed, beginning with the nature and functions of religion, then moving to different conceptions of the nature of God, including atheistic concepts. Conceptual analysis and the nature of argumentation are foremost concerns throughout the book. Arguments are presented both for and against the existence of God and are developed against one another to ensure a good balance between pro and con arguments; no position goes unsupported or uncriticized. Additional chapters shed light on issues including life after death, miracles, God and morality, divine attributes and dilemmas, human language and talk about God, religious experience, and faith and rationality. About the Author Richard E. Creel ta