Bloomsbury Studies in Philosophy of Religion – serie

The traditional doctrine of God's universal causality holds that God directly causes all entities distinct from himself, including all creaturely actions. But can our actions be free in the strong, libertarian sense if they are directly caused by God? W. Matthews Grant argues that free creaturely acts have dual sources, God and the free creaturely agent, and are ultimately up to both in a way that leaves all the standard conditions for libertarian freedom satisfied. Offering a comprehensive alternative to existing approaches for combining theism and libertarian freedom, he proposes new solutions for reconciling libertarian freedom with robust accounts of God's providence, grace, and predestination. He also addresses the problem of moral evil without the commonly employed Free Will Defense. Written for analytic philosophers and theologians, Grant's approach can be characterized as “neo-scholastic” as well as “analytic,” since many of the positions defended are inspired by, consonant with, and develop resources drawn from the scholastic tradition, especially Aquinas.

The traditional doctrine of God''s universal causality holds that God directly causes all entities distinct from himself, including all creaturely actions. But can our actions be free in the strong, libertarian sense if they are directly caused by God? W. Matthews Grant argues that free creaturely acts have dual sources, God and the free creaturely agent, and are ultimately up to both in a way that leaves all the standard conditions for libertarian freedom satisfied. Offering a comprehensive alternative to existing approaches for combining theism and libertarian freedom, he proposes new solutions for reconciling libertarian freedom with robust accounts of God''s providence, grace, and predestination. He also addresses the problem of moral evil without the commonly employed Free Will Defense. Written for analytic philosophers and theologians, Grant''s approach can be characterized as “neo-scholastic” as well as “analytic,” since many of the positions defended are inspired by, consonant with, and develop resources drawn from the scholastic tradition, especially Aquinas.

The traditional doctrine of God''s universal causality holds that God directly causes all entities distinct from himself, including all creaturely actions. But can our actions be free in the strong, libertarian sense if they are directly caused by God? W. Matthews Grant argues that free creaturely acts have dual sources, God and the free creaturely agent, and are ultimately up to both in a way that leaves all the standard conditions for libertarian freedom satisfied. Offering a comprehensive alternative to existing approaches for combining theism and libertarian freedom, he proposes new solutions for reconciling libertarian freedom with robust accounts of God''s providence, grace, and predestination. He also addresses the problem of moral evil without the commonly employed Free Will Defense. Written for analytic philosophers and theologians, Grant''s approach can be characterized as “neo-scholastic” as well as “analytic,” since many of the positions defended are inspired by, consonant with, and develop resources drawn from the scholastic tradition, especially Aquinas.

The idea that God, understood as the most perfect being, must create the best possible world is often underacknowledged by contemporary theologians and philosophers of religion. This book clearly demonstrates the rationale for what Justin J. Daeley calls Theistic Optimism and interacts with the existing literature in order to highlight its limitations. While locating Theistic Optimism in the thought of Gottfried Leibniz, Daeley argues that Theistic Optimism is consistent with divine freedom, aseity, gratitude, and our typical modal intuitions. By offering plausible solutions to each of the criticisms levelled against Theistic Optimism, he also provides a vigorous and original defence against the charge that it deviates from the Christian tradition.Engaging with both the Christian tradition and contemporary theologians and philosophers, Why God Must Do What is Best positions the idea of Theistic Optimism firmly within the language of contemporary philosophy of religion.

The idea that God, understood as the most perfect being, must create the best possible world is often underacknowledged by contemporary theologians and philosophers of religion. This book clearly demonstrates the rationale for what Justin J. Daeley calls Theistic Optimism and interacts with the existing literature in order to highlight its limitations. While locating Theistic Optimism in the thought of Gottfried Leibniz, Daeley argues that Theistic Optimism is consistent with divine freedom, aseity, gratitude, and our typical modal intuitions. By offering plausible solutions to each of the criticisms levelled against Theistic Optimism, he also provides a vigorous and original defence against the charge that it deviates from the Christian tradition. Engaging with both the Christian tradition and contemporary theologians and philosophers, Why God Must Do What is Best positions the idea of Theistic Optimism firmly within the language of contemporary philosophy of religion.

The idea that God, understood as the most perfect being, must create the best possible world is often underacknowledged by contemporary theologians and philosophers of religion. This book clearly demonstrates the rationale for what Justin J. Daeley calls Theistic Optimism and interacts with the existing literature in order to highlight its limitations. While locating Theistic Optimism in the thought of Gottfried Leibniz, Daeley argues that Theistic Optimism is consistent with divine freedom, aseity, gratitude, and our typical modal intuitions. By offering plausible solutions to each of the criticisms levelled against Theistic Optimism, he also provides a vigorous and original defence against the charge that it deviates from the Christian tradition. Engaging with both the Christian tradition and contemporary theologians and philosophers, Why God Must Do What is Best positions the idea of Theistic Optimism firmly within the language of contemporary philosophy of religion.

Many people find sacred choral music profound and deeply evocative, even in societies that seem to be turning away from religious belief. In this book, Julian Perlmutter examines how, in light of its wide appeal, sacred music can have religious significance for people regardless of their religious convictions. By differentiating between doctrinal belief and the desire for God, Perlmutter explores a longing for the spiritual that is compatible with both belief and ‘interested non-belief’. He describes how sacred music can elicit this kind of longing, thereby helping the listener to grow in religious openness. The work of Thomas Merton is also analyzed in order to show that musically-elicited desire for God can be incorporated into the Christian practice of contemplative prayer, aimed ultimately at a union of love with God. By exploring connections between desire, knowledge and religious practice, this engaging account illustrates how sacred music can have a transformative effect on one’s wider spiritual life.Of particular interest to philosophers and theologians, the book makes a novel contribution to several topics including religious epistemology, the philosophy of emotion and aesthetics.

Many people find sacred choral music profound and deeply evocative, even in societies that seem to be turning away from religious belief. In this book, Julian Perlmutter examines how, in light of its wide appeal, sacred music can have religious significance for people regardless of their religious convictions. By differentiating between doctrinal belief and the desire for God, Perlmutter explores a longing for the spiritual that is compatible with both belief and ''interested non-belief''. He describes how sacred music can elicit this kind of longing, thereby helping the listener to grow in religious openness. The work of Thomas Merton is also analyzed in order to show that musically-elicited desire for God can be incorporated into the Christian practice of contemplative prayer, aimed ultimately at a union of love with God. By exploring connections between desire, knowledge and religious practice, this engaging account illustrates how sacred music can have a transformative effect on one''s wider spiritual life. Of particular interest to philosophers and theologians, the book makes a novel contribution to several topics including religious epistemology, the philosophy of emotion and aesthetics.

Many people find sacred choral music profound and deeply evocative, even in societies that seem to be turning away from religious belief. In this book, Julian Perlmutter examines how, in light of its wide appeal, sacred music can have religious significance for people regardless of their religious convictions. By differentiating between doctrinal belief and the desire for God, Perlmutter explores a longing for the spiritual that is compatible with both belief and ''interested non-belief''. He describes how sacred music can elicit this kind of longing, thereby helping the listener to grow in religious openness. The work of Thomas Merton is also analyzed in order to show that musically-elicited desire for God can be incorporated into the Christian practice of contemplative prayer, aimed ultimately at a union of love with God. By exploring connections between desire, knowledge and religious practice, this engaging account illustrates how sacred music can have a transformative effect on one''s wider spiritual life. Of particular interest to philosophers and theologians, the book makes a novel contribution to several topics including religious epistemology, the philosophy of emotion and aesthetics.

Contemporary discussions in metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of mind are dominated by the presupposition of naturalism. Arguing against this established convention, Jim Slagle offers a thorough defence of Alvin Plantinga’s Evolutionary Argument against Naturalism (EAAN) and in doing so, reveals how it shows that evolution and naturalism are incompatible.Charting the development of Plantinga’s argument, Slagle asserts that the probability of our cognitive faculties reliably producing true beliefs is low if ontological naturalism is true, and therefore all other beliefs produced by these faculties, including naturalism itself, are self-defeating. He critiques other well-known epistemological approaches, including those of Descartes and Quine, and deftly counters the many objections against the EAAN to conclude that metaphysical naturalism should be rejected on the grounds of self-defeat. By situating Plantinga’s argument within a wider context and showing that science and evolution cannot entail naturalism, Slagle renders this most common metaphysical view irrational. As such, the book advocates an important reconsideration of contemporary thought at the intersection of philosophy, science and religion.

Contemporary discussions in metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of mind are dominated by the presupposition of naturalism. Arguing against this established convention, Jim Slagle offers a thorough defence of Alvin Plantinga''s Evolutionary Argument against Naturalism (EAAN) and in doing so, reveals how it shows that evolution and naturalism are incompatible.Charting the development of Plantinga''s argument, Slagle asserts that the probability of our cognitive faculties reliably producing true beliefs is low if ontological naturalism is true, and therefore all other beliefs produced by these faculties, including naturalism itself, are self-defeating. He critiques other well-known epistemological approaches, including those of Descartes and Quine, and deftly counters the many objections against the EAAN to conclude that metaphysical naturalism should be rejected on the grounds of self-defeat. By situating Plantinga''s argument within a wider context and showing that science and evolution cannot entail naturalism, Slagle renders this most common metaphysical view irrational. As such, the book advocates an important reconsideration of contemporary thought at the intersection of philosophy, science and religion.

Contemporary discussions in metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of mind are dominated by the presupposition of naturalism. Arguing against this established convention, Jim Slagle offers a thorough defence of Alvin Plantinga''s Evolutionary Argument against Naturalism (EAAN) and in doing so, reveals how it shows that evolution and naturalism are incompatible.Charting the development of Plantinga''s argument, Slagle asserts that the probability of our cognitive faculties reliably producing true beliefs is low if ontological naturalism is true, and therefore all other beliefs produced by these faculties, including naturalism itself, are self-defeating. He critiques other well-known epistemological approaches, including those of Descartes and Quine, and deftly counters the many objections against the EAAN to conclude that metaphysical naturalism should be rejected on the grounds of self-defeat. By situating Plantinga''s argument within a wider context and showing that science and evolution cannot entail naturalism, Slagle renders this most common metaphysical view irrational. As such, the book advocates an important reconsideration of contemporary thought at the intersection of philosophy, science and religion.

The traditional doctrine of God's universal causality holds that God directly causes all entities distinct from himself, including all creaturely actions. But can our actions be free in the strong, libertarian sense if they are directly caused by God? W. Matthews Grant argues that free creaturely acts have dual sources, God and the free creaturely agent, and are ultimately up to both in a way that leaves all the standard conditions for libertarian freedom satisfied. Offering a comprehensive alternative to existing approaches for combining theism and libertarian freedom, he proposes new solutions for reconciling libertarian freedom with robust accounts of God's providence, grace, and predestination. He also addresses the problem of moral evil without the commonly employed Free Will Defense. Written for analytic philosophers and theologians, Grant's approach can be characterized as “neo-scholastic” as well as “analytic,” since many of the positions defended are inspired by, consonant with, and develop resources drawn from the scholastic tradition, especially Aquinas.

Contemporary discussions in metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of mind are dominated by the presupposition of naturalism. Arguing against this established convention, Jim Slagle offers a thorough defence of Alvin Plantinga’s Evolutionary Argument against Naturalism (EAAN) and in doing so, reveals how it shows that evolution and naturalism are incompatible.Charting the development of Plantinga’s argument, Slagle asserts that the probability of our cognitive faculties reliably producing true beliefs is low if ontological naturalism is true, and therefore all other beliefs produced by these faculties, including naturalism itself, are self-defeating. He critiques other well-known epistemological approaches, including those of Descartes and Quine, and deftly counters the many objections against the EAAN to conclude that metaphysical naturalism should be rejected on the grounds of self-defeat. By situating Plantinga’s argument within a wider context and showing that science and evolution cannot entail naturalism, Slagle renders this most common metaphysical view irrational. As such, the book advocates an important reconsideration of contemporary thought at the intersection of philosophy, science and religion.

It is widely claimed that notions of gods and religious beliefs are irrelevant or inconsequential to early Chinese (“Confucian”) moral and political thought. Rejecting the claim that religious practice plays a minimal philosophical role, Kelly James Clark and Justin Winslett offer a textual study that maps the religious terrain of early Chinese texts. They analyze the pantheon of extrahumans, from high gods to ancestor spirits, discussing their various representations, as well as examining conceptions of the afterlife and religious ritual.Demonstrating that religious beliefs in early China are both textually endorsed and ritually embodied, this book goes on to show how gods, ancestors and afterlife are philosophically salient. The summative chapter on the role of religious ritual in moral formation shows how religion forms a complex philosophical system capable of informing moral, social, and political conditions.

It is widely claimed that notions of gods and religious beliefs are irrelevant or inconsequential to early Chinese (“Confucian”) moral and political thought. Rejecting the claim that religious practice plays a minimal philosophical role, Kelly James Clark and Justin Winslett offer a textual study that maps the religious terrain of early Chinese texts. They analyze the pantheon of extrahumans, from high gods to ancestor spirits, discussing their various representations, as well as examining conceptions of the afterlife and religious ritual. Demonstrating that religious beliefs in early China are both textually endorsed and ritually embodied, this book goes on to show how gods, ancestors and afterlife are philosophically salient. The summative chapter on the role of religious ritual in moral formation shows how religion forms a complex philosophical system capable of informing moral, social, and political conditions.

It is widely claimed that notions of gods and religious beliefs are irrelevant or inconsequential to early Chinese (“Confucian”) moral and political thought. Rejecting the claim that religious practice plays a minimal philosophical role, Kelly James Clark and Justin Winslett offer a textual study that maps the religious terrain of early Chinese texts. They analyze the pantheon of extrahumans, from high gods to ancestor spirits, discussing their various representations, as well as examining conceptions of the afterlife and religious ritual. Demonstrating that religious beliefs in early China are both textually endorsed and ritually embodied, this book goes on to show how gods, ancestors and afterlife are philosophically salient. The summative chapter on the role of religious ritual in moral formation shows how religion forms a complex philosophical system capable of informing moral, social, and political conditions.

It is widely claimed that notions of gods and religious beliefs are irrelevant or inconsequential to early Chinese (“Confucian”) moral and political thought. Rejecting the claim that religious practice plays a minimal philosophical role, Kelly James Clark and Justin Winslett offer a textual study that maps the religious terrain of early Chinese texts. They analyze the pantheon of extrahumans, from high gods to ancestor spirits, discussing their various representations, as well as examining conceptions of the afterlife and religious ritual.Demonstrating that religious beliefs in early China are both textually endorsed and ritually embodied, this book goes on to show how gods, ancestors and afterlife are philosophically salient. The summative chapter on the role of religious ritual in moral formation shows how religion forms a complex philosophical system capable of informing moral, social, and political conditions.

The idea that God, understood as the most perfect being, must create the best possible world is often underacknowledged by contemporary theologians and philosophers of religion. This book clearly demonstrates the rationale for what Justin J. Daeley calls Theistic Optimism and interacts with the existing literature in order to highlight its limitations. While locating Theistic Optimism in the thought of Gottfried Leibniz, Daeley argues that Theistic Optimism is consistent with divine freedom, aseity, gratitude, and our typical modal intuitions. By offering plausible solutions to each of the criticisms levelled against Theistic Optimism, he also provides a vigorous and original defence against the charge that it deviates from the Christian tradition.Engaging with both the Christian tradition and contemporary theologians and philosophers, Why God Must Do What is Best positions the idea of Theistic Optimism firmly within the language of contemporary philosophy of religion.

Many people find sacred choral music profound and deeply evocative, even in societies that seem to be turning away from religious belief. In this book, Julian Perlmutter examines how, in light of its wide appeal, sacred music can have religious significance for people regardless of their religious convictions. By differentiating between doctrinal belief and the desire for God, Perlmutter explores a longing for the spiritual that is compatible with both belief and ‘interested non-belief’. He describes how sacred music can elicit this kind of longing, thereby helping the listener to grow in religious openness. The work of Thomas Merton is also analyzed in order to show that musically-elicited desire for God can be incorporated into the Christian practice of contemplative prayer, aimed ultimately at a union of love with God. By exploring connections between desire, knowledge and religious practice, this engaging account illustrates how sacred music can have a transformative effect on one’s wider spiritual life.Of particular interest to philosophers and theologians, the book makes a novel contribution to several topics including religious epistemology, the philosophy of emotion and aesthetics.

Is divine simplicity coherent? Is there adequate theological and philosophical motivation for the doctrine? Does it undermine God’s freedom in creation? Does it help or hinder Trinitarian doctrine? For the first time in a multi-view format, a team of renowned proponents and critics of divine simplicity come together to consider these questions and discuss the intrinsic merits of the doctrine. With contributors presenting Thomistic, Anselmian, Eastern Orthodox and Scotistic views, as well as a sustained and considered critique, this unique structure makes for a genuine discussion and developed exploration of the key issues at stake. Chapters evaluate the coherence and interpretation of divine simplicity, assessing which version is worthy of assent, and set out the motivations in favour of the doctrine. Divine freedom, the contingency of creation and the doctrine of the Trinity are also considered in light of theological arguments against divine simplicity.A valuable resource for any scholar or student of philosophy of religion and theology, Contemplating Divine Simplicity brings into dialogue diverse views of five thinkers, tracing the arguments in favour of divine simplicity from divine aseity.

Is divine simplicity coherent? Is there adequate theological and philosophical motivation for the doctrine? Does it undermine God's freedom in creation? Does it help or hinder Trinitarian doctrine? For the first time in a multi-view format, a team of renowned proponents and critics of divine simplicity come together to consider these questions and discuss the intrinsic merits of the doctrine. With contributors presenting Thomistic, Anselmian, Eastern Orthodox and Scotistic views, as well as a sustained and considered critique, this unique structure makes for a genuine discussion and developed exploration of the key issues at stake. Chapters evaluate the coherence and interpretation of divine simplicity, assessing which version is worthy of assent, and set out the motivations in favour of the doctrine. Divine freedom, the contingency of creation and the doctrine of the Trinity are also considered in light of theological arguments against divine simplicity. A valuable resource for any scholar or student of philosophy of religion and theology, Contemplating Divine Simplicity brings into dialogue diverse views of five thinkers, tracing the arguments in favour of divine simplicity from divine aseity.

Is divine simplicity coherent? Is there adequate theological and philosophical motivation for the doctrine? Does it undermine God's freedom in creation? Does it help or hinder Trinitarian doctrine? For the first time in a multi-view format, a team of renowned proponents and critics of divine simplicity come together to consider these questions and discuss the intrinsic merits of the doctrine. With contributors presenting Thomistic, Anselmian, Eastern Orthodox and Scotistic views, as well as a sustained and considered critique, this unique structure makes for a genuine discussion and developed exploration of the key issues at stake. Chapters evaluate the coherence and interpretation of divine simplicity, assessing which version is worthy of assent, and set out the motivations in favour of the doctrine. Divine freedom, the contingency of creation and the doctrine of the Trinity are also considered in light of theological arguments against divine simplicity. A valuable resource for any scholar or student of philosophy of religion and theology, Contemplating Divine Simplicity brings into dialogue diverse views of five thinkers, tracing the arguments in favour of divine simplicity from divine aseity.

Is incarnational Christology credible? Should we understand Jesus as God incarnate? Discerning God Incarnate offers a critical survey of a range of proposals in contemporary theology and philosophy of religion on the validation of the doctrine of the Incarnation. In this engaging and original study Gary Chartier investigates approaches that span across the topics of consciousness, resurrection, tradition and experience, focusing on the logic and pervasive assumptions of each argument.Historical study of the Bible and historical sensitivity to the ways in which church tradition develops, along with contemporary views of divine action, make it difficult to affirm belief in the Incarnation simply on the basis of what the Bible or the church teaches. Chartier examines the alternative paths to affirming incarnational Christology that take full account of contemporary historical and philosophical insights. He explores the potential and limitations of the kind of ‘critical orthodoxy’ associated with such figures as Charles Gore, J. M. Creed and Leonard Hodgson, embracing both credal orthodoxy and historical consciousness.Providing a sharp philosophical reflection on the degree to which different critical Christological arguments are exclusive or potentially mutually supportive, this is a valuable resource for any student and scholar studying philosophy of religion and theology.

Is incarnational Christology credible? Should we understand Jesus as God incarnate? Discerning God Incarnate offers a critical survey of a range of proposals in contemporary theology and philosophy of religion on the validation of the doctrine of the Incarnation. In this engaging and original study Gary Chartier investigates approaches that span across the topics of consciousness, resurrection, tradition and experience, focusing on the logic and pervasive assumptions of each argument.Historical study of the Bible and historical sensitivity to the ways in which church tradition develops, along with contemporary views of divine action, make it difficult to affirm belief in the Incarnation simply on the basis of what the Bible or the church teaches. Chartier examines the alternative paths to affirming incarnational Christology that take full account of contemporary historical and philosophical insights. He explores the potential and limitations of the kind of 'critical orthodoxy' associated with such figures as Charles Gore, J. M. Creed and Leonard Hodgson, embracing both credal orthodoxy and historical consciousness.Providing a sharp philosophical reflection on the degree to which different critical Christological arguments are exclusive or potentially mutually supportive, this is a valuable resource for any student and scholar studying philosophy of religion and theology.

Is incarnational Christology credible? Should we understand Jesus as God incarnate? Discerning God Incarnate offers a critical survey of a range of proposals in contemporary theology and philosophy of religion on the validation of the doctrine of the Incarnation. In this engaging and original study Gary Chartier investigates approaches that span across the topics of consciousness, resurrection, tradition and experience, focusing on the logic and pervasive assumptions of each argument.Historical study of the Bible and historical sensitivity to the ways in which church tradition develops, along with contemporary views of divine action, make it difficult to affirm belief in the Incarnation simply on the basis of what the Bible or the church teaches. Chartier examines the alternative paths to affirming incarnational Christology that take full account of contemporary historical and philosophical insights. He explores the potential and limitations of the kind of 'critical orthodoxy' associated with such figures as Charles Gore, J. M. Creed and Leonard Hodgson, embracing both credal orthodoxy and historical consciousness.Providing a sharp philosophical reflection on the degree to which different critical Christological arguments are exclusive or potentially mutually supportive, this is a valuable resource for any student and scholar studying philosophy of religion and theology.

By developing a new ontological argument for the existence of God, Joshua R. Sijuwade presents an innovative approach that enriches the existing discourse with fresh insights and a contemporary perspective.The ontological argument seeks to demonstrate the existence of God from an a priori standpoint and Sijuwade begins by addressing the substantial critique the modal argument has received. He embarks on a rigorous exploration, providing needed analysis and a positive iteration termed the ‘Rational Ontological Argument’, rooted in a novel modal methodology known as Rational Modal Realism.Using this new method, Sijuwade focuses on demonstrating how the central concepts and theories within modal metaphysics and epistemology—such as modal realism, modal rationalism, trope theory and ontological pluralism—offer a means to develop a victorious ontological argument.Employing contemporary analytic methods and suggesting productive directions for further research, Sijuwade makes a key contribution to philosophy of religion and re-invigorates the age-old philosophical argument for the existence of God.

By developing a new ontological argument for the existence of God, Joshua R. Sijuwade presents an innovative approach that enriches the existing discourse with fresh insights and a contemporary perspective.The ontological argument seeks to demonstrate the existence of God from an a priori standpoint and Sijuwade begins by addressing the substantial critique the modal argument has received. He embarks on a rigorous exploration, providing needed analysis and a positive iteration termed the ''Rational Ontological Argument'', rooted in a novel modal methodology known as Rational Modal Realism.Using this new method, Sijuwade focuses on demonstrating how the central concepts and theories within modal metaphysics and epistemology-such as modal realism, modal rationalism, trope theory and ontological pluralism-offer a means to develop a victorious ontological argument.Employing contemporary analytic methods and suggesting productive directions for further research, Sijuwade makes a key contribution to philosophy of religion and re-invigorates the age-old philosophical argument for the existence of God.

By developing a new ontological argument for the existence of God, Joshua R. Sijuwade presents an innovative approach that enriches the existing discourse with fresh insights and a contemporary perspective.The ontological argument seeks to demonstrate the existence of God from an a priori standpoint and Sijuwade begins by addressing the substantial critique the modal argument has received. He embarks on a rigorous exploration, providing needed analysis and a positive iteration termed the ''Rational Ontological Argument'', rooted in a novel modal methodology known as Rational Modal Realism.Using this new method, Sijuwade focuses on demonstrating how the central concepts and theories within modal metaphysics and epistemology-such as modal realism, modal rationalism, trope theory and ontological pluralism-offer a means to develop a victorious ontological argument.Employing contemporary analytic methods and suggesting productive directions for further research, Sijuwade makes a key contribution to philosophy of religion and re-invigorates the age-old philosophical argument for the existence of God.