Contemporary Philosophical Theology

Charles Taliaferro is Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College. Chad Meister is Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethel College.

"Contemporary Philosophical Theology is exceptional in its treatment of philosophical issues in religion within the context of our global, religiously diverse world. Accessible to beginning students yet replete with helpful insights for scholars, it provides fresh perspectives on traditional issues while skillfully guiding us through some perplexing new questions." Harold Netland, Trinity International University, USA"In this judicious meld of philosophy and theology, Meister and Taliaferro expound and evaluate an impressive range of arguments and perspectives in a manner that is splendidly clear and accessible and unfailingly fair-minded."John Cottingham, Heythrop College London, UK"'Philosophical theology' is the label for a mode of philosophical engagement with religion that has become increasingly prevalent in practice, but has seldom been written about as a subject in itself. Taliaferro and Meister remedy this lack, explaining lucidly what philosophical theology is and the rationale for engaging in it, and offering comments on both good and bad examples. They address criticisms that argue against philosophical theology as a valuable and constructive discipline, and provide abundant evidence of its value in the insights it provides. The book is highly recommended as an introduction to this important form of philosophical inquiry."William Hasker, Huntington University, USA"The relationship between philosophy and theology is described by many as "complicated." To be a theologian is to make it more difficult to be a philosopher (and vice versa). Charles Taliferro and Chad Meister deconstruct this silliness and provide a clear example of the both/and. They show us how philosophy can help clarify fundamentaltheological questions and how philosophical theology is essential to engaging some of the most pressing questions of the day. Lucid in presentation, impressive in scope, and fair-minded in attitude; one of the best books of its sort available!"Jim Beilby, Bethel University, USA"This is a significant contribution that helpfully covers a broad set of topics involved with some additional and positively surprising topics. Contemporary Philosophical Theology is engaging and insightful. It will likely become a standard text in college and graduate courses. I can’t wait to use it in future courses!"Joshua Farris, Houston Baptist University, USA"This book is an excellent introduction to philosophical theology. While tightly argued and sophisticated, it is not overly technical. ... There are plenty of ideas in these pages for paper topics, for students as well as scholars."Erik Baldwin, University of Notre Dame, USA

• AcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. Science and Philosophical Theology2. Mystery and Philosophical Theology3. Pluralism and Philosophical Theologies 4. Reasons and Revelations5. Divine Attributes6. Good and Evil7. Evil and Philosophical Theology8. Philosophical Explorations of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism9. Philosophical Theology and Open SocietyReferencesIndex