Philosophy of religion Books

Book SynopsisWisely structured and clearly written, God, Reason and Theistic Proofs will make an excellent resource for those looking for an introduction to the debate surrounding the existence of God, or for those seeking intellectual validation for their faith.

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Book SynopsisA carefully-argued defence of the view that Scripture teaches both the functional unity of body and soul in human life, and an 'intermediate state' between physical death and final resurrection. This exposition of 'holistic dualism' blends exegetical, theological, philosophical and scientific insights.

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Book SynopsisThe Quest for Truth and MeaningTrade ReviewWhen I read Method in Metaphysics, by Andrew Beards, I was impressed with its clarity of prose and argumentation. Now, after having read Philosophy: The Quest for Truth and Meaning, I have proof that obscurity isn’t the sole fate of philosophy. In his latest book, Beards takes us on a philosophical journey that is both illuminating and self-affirming. With deft subtlety, he discusses a breadth of philosophical topics ranging from reflections on the nature of philosophy itself to the existence of God. Importantly, he does this without leaving the reader awash in jargon that only a few can interpret. I highly recommend this book to those whose philosophical journeys are just starting, and especially to those who have been at it for a long time.Lance Grigg, PhD, University of Lethbridge, Alberta, CanadaPhilosophy: The Quest for Truth and Meaning, can serve as an excellent textbook for those interested in the basic study of philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the writings of Bernard Lonergan, Andrew Beards guides his readers to reflect on the great realities of life and seek answers to the ultimate questions about the reason for their own existence and meaning, by introducing them to some of the key areas of philosophy such as cognitional structure and epistemology, metaphysics, ethics and philosophy of religion. Through its occasional references to the Catholic philosophical tradition, Beards also makes a sincere effort to enhance the dialogue and debate between believers and nonbelievers in society today by appealing to the common ground of our shared humanity: our shared ability to reason.Robert Pen, SDB, Principal, Divyadaan, Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Don Bosco Marg, Nashik, India

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Trade Review"Approaches is aimed at undergraduates and offers a useful introductory overview of seven theoretical areas of the study of religion....offers a solid overview of many important theories and methods in the study of religion. Each chapter covers its ground with clear writing, appropriate definitions of key terms, and concise summaries of key positions and issues. This book is well worth considering as a lower-level undergraduate theory/method text." --Steven Engler, Teaching Theology and Religion, 2002

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Book SynopsisPhilosophers who wish to argue for the rationality of belief in God frequently employ a 'god-of-the-gaps' strategy. Drawing on work in the theory of action, this book shows that we can attribute God's agency to an event in nature without eliminating the possibility that it might be explained scientifically.Trade Review"The author succeeds, I think, in offering a fresh approach to an overworked topic." -Patrick Sherry, The Authors Journal Compilation. January 2009.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Chapter 1. Miracles and the Laws of Nature; Chapter 2. Miracles and Causes; Chapter 3. Supernatural Explanation; Chapter 4. Miracle as Basic Action; Chapter 5. A Context for Miracles; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisEdith Stein was an intellectual of considerable importance in the period between the two World Wars. This is a study of Stein's development as a theologian and philosopher, which reveals many of the fundamental issues in both disciplines and in their cross-fertilisation.Trade Review"In this excellent new introduction, Professor Alasdair MacIntyre, one of our foremost philosophers, presents us with Edith the philosopher from her earliest years, through her work with Husserl, finishing with her conversion to Catholicism in 1922. I found that the book seemed to work on three levels at once...This will be required reading." -Peter Tyler, Mount Carmel, July-Sept. 2010"MacIntyre suceeds in making [Edith Stein's] work accessible and enormously interesting for the questions she raised." Gavin D'Costa, Journal of Jewish Studies -- Gavin D'Costa, Journal of Jewish StudiesTitle mention in The Catholic Weekly, August 2007"This is an important and gripping book" Brett Gray, Theology, January 2008'[MacIntyre] makes the philosophical disputes of the period accessible and relevant to our present concerns.' Mount CarmelI warmly recommend this fine book to those educated common readers who want to delve deeper. * Catholic Herald *'This book gives a convincing account of what was "necessarily incomplete and one-sided" in Husserl's phenomenology, and of how Stein parted company with Husserl...attentive reading.' Lucy Beckett, Church Times, 03/11/2006 -- Lucy Beckett * Church Times *'...a comprehensive introduction to Edith Stein's works...Borden's work is clear and limpid in style, and provides a both easily accessible and thoughtful introduction to the major periods and topics on Stein's work. It is a perfect work of reference, both by its structure and by its select biography and well-constructed index...the book is informative, concise, sober and helpful throughout.' Volume 70, Issue 2 -- Mette Lebech * Irish Theological Quarterly *"Among many other virtues of this study of Stein as thinker is MacIntyre's magnificent demonstration of how any philosopher must be situated in the context of where she studied, who her mentors were and the historical moment both inside and outside the academy. A bravo performance." -- Kenneth L. Woodward * Newsweek *'In this excellent new introduction, Professor Alasdair Macintyre, one of our foremost philosphers presents us with Edith the philosopher...This fine account, drawing on previously established biographies...is as good a summary of the events of this part of her life as you will find in English. ...Having just taught an undergraduate course on this subject I feel moved to include Edith in next year's course along with Wittenstein and Strawson...ultiamtely very enriching for the reader. ...[F]or anyone with a serious interest in Edith as philospher - or those with philosophical interests...this will be required reading.' -- Peter Tyler * pastoral review, the *' Alasdair MacIntyre is one of the great names of contemporary philosophy.' ' this study provides much food for thought. It is not often that such an extraordinary life is illuminated by the thoughts of such an outstanding philosopher.' -- John Cottingham * Tablet, The *'Edith Stein is an example of a Christian thinker deeply engaged in the debates of her own day, and her work offers models and insights for addressing the questions of today.' * The Universe *"a dense book, requiring slow and careful reading...it opens the eyes to the interest of Stein's early work and its context within the still too obscure world of Continental philosophy." -- Raymind Edwards, Times Literary Supplement * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisIs it possible to think about religious beliefs philosophically? Should religious beliefs be viewed as a flight from reason or as capable of rational support? Can theologians learn from philosophers? Can philosophers learn from theologians? Is it possible to be both a good Christian and a good thinker? Can there be such a thing as reasonable faith? This book is chiefly concerned with these questions and others related to them. A collection of previously unpublished papers written by the late Herbert McCabe O.P., it examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with an eye on both theological and philosophical arguments. Some thinkers have sought to drive a wedge between philosophy and theology. Like Thomas Aquinas, whose writings he especially admired, McCabe seeks to show how the two can be systematically connected. Some religious truths, he argues, may defy our understanding. But this does not mean that they cannot be reasonably discussed.Trade ReviewPhilosophically and theologically highly informed, conversational in style and free from unnecessary technical terms, inductively biblical/credal in approach and delightfully illustrated with literary and everyday examples, not lacking a touch of humor and some healthy irony, these writings are a refreshing read for everyone interested in theology and an eye-opening presentation of the central tenets of Christian faith. -- Louvain Studies 34Review in Estudios Filosoficos, 2010"Here is the latest collection of unpublished papers of the late Herbert McCabe, and what a treat it is. The combination of crystal logic, sparkling wit, and interrogative fides quaerens intellectum, deeply informed by Aquinas and richly modulated by Wittgenstein, are again on bravura display...excellent." -- Kim Fabricius, Faith & Theology'As one has come to expect of McCabe, there is wonderful clarity to the writing.' Canon David Brown, Church Times -- Canon David Brown, Church Times, October 2007 * Church Times *"McCabe has been influentual in creating the commonest modern account [of Aquinas]" Canon Brown, The Church Times, October 2007 -- Canon Brown * Church Times *"a wonderful clarity to the writing" Canon Brown, Church Times, October 2007 -- Canon Brown * Church Times *"McCabe had written important articles during the 'Myth of God Incarnate' controversy and the clarity of his thought shines through in a sermon which is a model exposition of the Christian faith." New Directions, July 2007 -- Owen Higgs * New Directions *Chapter extract in The Tablet * Tablet, The *"This is a book that has much to offer professional academics and general readers alike. It is the work of a born communicator, who has the power to inspire and to touch the heart, as well as to argue his case with care and with rigour. Christianity could do with more such advocates" -- John Cottingham * Tablet, The *Table of ContentsForeword by Denys Turner; Introduction by Brian Davies O.P.; 1. Is Belief Wishful Thinking?; 2. Are Creeds Credible?; 3. Doubt is Not Unbelief; 4. Why God?; 5. Causes and God; 6. A Very Short Introduction to Aquinas; 7. Aquinas on 'God is Good'; 8. Soul, Life, Machines, and Language; 9. Son of God; 10. Forgiveness; 11. Immaculate Conception; 12. Freedom.

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Book SynopsisPresents a collection of essays by Emmanuel Levinas, a leading philosopher of the 20th century, dating from between 1969 and 1980. This book considers specific Jewish problems: exegetic methodology, points of Jewish doctrine, Jewish religious philosophy, and contemporary political and cultural issues. It also includes five "Talmudic" readings.Trade Review'The essays in Beyond the Verse...are split into three sections: Talmudic Readings, Theologies and Zionisms. Carried across their diverse concerns is an essential insight into the nature of religious language.' Josh Cohen, Jewish Quarterly, July 2008.Table of ContentsTranslator's Note; Author's Note; Foreword; FIDELITIES; 1. Demanding Judaism; TALMUDIC READINGS; 2. Model of the West; 3. Cities of Refuge; 4. Who Plays Last?; 5. The Pact; 6. On Religious Language and the Fear of God; THEOLOGIES; 7. On the Jewish Reading of Scriptures; 8. The Name of God According to a Few Talmudic Texts; 9. Revelation in the Jewish Tradition; 10. 'In the Image of God', According to Rabbi Hayyim Volozhiner; 11. Spinoza's Background; ZIONISMS; 12. The State of Caesar and the State of David; 13. Politics After!; 14. Assimilation and New Culture; Notes; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe revival of interest in Aquinas has run simultaneously with the rise of interest in Aristotle, on whose philosophy Aquinas based his own. This work brings Aquinas' thought to life and underlines the influence of Aquinas on our contemporary thought.Trade Review[T]he book is a river of thought...I commend this fine work to both light and serious readers. -- Timothy McDermott * The Tablet *McCabe's genuis was for explaining. For the reader new to Aquinas, this makes for an accessible introduction. He does not shy away from technical vocabulary but explains it clearly, translating the key Latin terms with imagination and insight... For anyone interested in Thomas Aquinas, this is the book of the year. -- Andrew Davison * Church Times *Table of ContentsIntroduction by Brian Davies; 1 The Historical Context; 2 Definitions and Descriptions; 3 The Cat and the Mouse; 4 Matter and Form; 5 The Self in the Narrative Mode; 6 Emotions; 7 Human Reasoning; 8 Knowledge; 9 Virtues and Vices; 10 Experience; 11 Imagination; 12 Temperateness.

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Book SynopsisThis edition brings together an ordered sequence of statements by Steiner on the development of higher, suprasensory knowing -- imagination, inspiration, and intuition. Ten chapters take the reader from the idea of inner development, through the cultural and evolutioary need for higher knowing, to examples of the practices and inner gestures this work requires. Steiner unfolds the necessary steps and stages, always insisting on the free, individual, and cognitive character of anthroposophic spiritual research.

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Book SynopsisThis volume presents texts selected from the full range of John Calvin''s writings, including excerpts from commentaries, sermons, letters, catechisms, tracts, broad-based theological works.

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Trade ReviewThis is a well written and thought out commentary on a play which deserves more attention than it has heretofore received. * Classical World *

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