Chad V. Meister - Böcker

Studies in religion are flourishing internationally, and one of the central topics discussed in the field today--perhaps the most discussed topic--is religious diversity. With the influx of religious traditions in the West and the growing diversity of religious adherents and practitioners worldwide, people across the globe are currently nterested in exploring issues in religious diversity. The present work is a response to this ubiquitous interest. It is a substantial volume of thirty-three original chapters covering the full range of issues on religious diversity. Each chapter makes a state-of-the-art contribution by providing a survey and critical analysis of the topic, as well as creative reflections on where discussions in that domain are headed. The chapters are crafted by recognized experts in the field who represent a wide variety of perspectives and backgrounds. Furthermore, the work has a broad, interdisciplinary audience, serving serious-minded scholars as well as students and others interested in the major themes of the field. The general aim of the volume is to present the central discussions in the discipline today and to direct future discussions on the various topics.

Christian theism and apologetics is an increasingly significant area of research and dialogue. This volume comprises groundbreaking dialogues by many of the most prominent scholars in the field in a definitive treatment of central issues in theism and Christian faith. The essays are ecumenical and broadly Christian, in the spirit of C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, and feature lucid and up-to-date material designed to engage students and others in contemporary theistic and Christian issues. The first half of the volume includes dialogues about God's existence and the coherence of theism. The second moves beyond generic theism to address significant debates over such specifically Christian doctrines as the Trinity and the resurrection of Jesus. Debating Christian Theism provides an ideal starting point for students, scholars, and anyone seeking to understand the current issues and developments with respect to discussions in Christian theism and apologetics.

Christian theism and apologetics is an increasingly significant area of research and dialogue. This volume comprises groundbreaking dialogues by many of the most prominent scholars in the field in a definitive treatment of central issues in theism and Christian faith. The essays are ecumenical and broadly Christian, in the spirit of C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, and feature lucid and up-to-date material designed to engage students and others in contemporary theistic and Christian issues. The first half of the volume includes dialogues about God's existence and the coherence of theism. The second moves beyond generic theism to address significant debates over such specifically Christian doctrines as the Trinity and the resurrection of Jesus. Debating Christian Theism provides an ideal starting point for students, scholars, and anyone seeking to understand the current issues and developments with respect to discussions in Christian theism and apologetics.

An authoritative reference for key persons, concepts, issues, and approaches in the history of Christian apologetics—allowing you to read the great apologists and thinkers in their own words and understand their arguments in historical and cultural context.Christian Apologetics: An Anthology of Primary Sources makes available over fifty primary source selections that address various challenges to the Christian faith in the history of apologetics.The compilation represents a broad Christian spectrum, ranging from early writers like Saint Paul and Saint Augustine, to Saint Teresa of Avila and Blaise Pascal, to more recent apologists such as C. S. Lewis, Alvin Plantinga, William Lane Craig, Richard Swinburne and Pope Benedict XVI.Insightful introductions, black-and-white images, concise section headings and discussion questions will guide you toward a clearer understanding of classical defenses of Christianity. Sources are organized thematically and include topics such as:Arguments for the existence of God.Defenses of the doctrine of the Trinity.Discussions on the authority and credibility of canonized Scripture.Questions regarding the problem of evil and free will.Discourses on Christianity and science.Annotated reading lists, a bibliography, and author and subject indices make this anthology a useful textbook or supplemental reader.

One of the most perplexing problems facing believers in God is the problem of evil. The words of Epicurus put the point concisely: "Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?" This is a difficult problem to unpick and it remains an issue that continues to concern people and inspire debate. The problem has taken a variety of forms over the centuries; in fact, there are numerous "problems" of evil-problems for theists but, perhaps surprisingly, problems for non-theists as well. Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed explores, in a rigorous but engaging way, central challenges to religious belief raised by evil and suffering in the world as well as significant responses to them from both theistic and non-theistic perspectives.

This title explores challenges to religious belief raised by evil and suffering in the world as well as responses to them from both theistic and non-theistic perspectives. One of the most perplexing problems facing believers in God is the problem of evil. The words of Epicurus put the point concisely: 'Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world'? This is a difficult problem to unpick and it remains an issue that continues to concern people and inspire debate. The problem has taken a variety of forms over the centuries; in fact, there are numerous 'problems' of evil - problems for theists but, perhaps surprisingly, problems for non-theists as well. "Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed" explores, in a rigorous but engaging way, central challenges to religious belief raised by evil and suffering in the world as well as significant responses to them from both theistic and non-theistic perspectives."Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed is a lively examination of the philosophical and theological problems raised by the existence of widespread evil. It explores classic debates around this problem and also engages with more recent ones, from new challenges posed by scientific advances in evolutionary theory, neuroscience, and cosmology, to concerns of climate change and environmental degradation, to questions raised by increasing religious and secular violence. This second edition also contains new chapters and topics such as Jewish, Christian, and Islamic responses to evil and skeptical theism. The result is an even-handed guide to both traditional and contemporary issues raised by the reality and ubiquity of evil.

Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed is a lively examination of the philosophical and theological problems raised by the existence of widespread evil. It explores classic debates around this problem and also engages with more recent ones, from new challenges posed by scientific advances in evolutionary theory, neuroscience, and cosmology, to concerns of climate change and environmental degradation, to questions raised by increasing religious and secular violence. This second edition also contains new chapters and topics such as Jewish, Christian, and Islamic responses to evil and skeptical theism. The result is an even-handed guide to both traditional and contemporary issues raised by the reality and ubiquity of evil.

Many Christians want to witness for their faith, but they are afraid they will not be able to answer questions that others may ask of them. First Peter 3:15 reminds believers to always be prepared to "make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." Norman Geisler and Chad Meister realize the fear of facing questions about the Christian faith. Their book Reasons for Faith gives believers grounded biblical apologetics to help them defend their faith.By covering the importance of apologetics and then applying apologetics to popular culture and theological issues, these authors give all Christians the tools they need to stand firm in their faith and to be able to share that faith in today's society.