The God Debates: A 21st Century Guide for Atheists and Believers (and Everyone in Between) - Softcover

Shook, John R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1444336428 ISBN 13: 9781444336429

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010

Synopsis

The God Debates presents a comprehensive, non-technical survey of the quest for knowledge of God, allowing readers to participate in a debate about the existence of God and gain understanding and appreciation of religion?s conceptual foundations.

• Explains key arguments for and against God's existence in clear ways for readers at all levels
• Brings theological debates up to the present with current ideas from modernism, postmodernism, fideism, evidentialism, presuppositionalism, and mysticism
• Updates criticism of theology by dealing with the latest terms of the God debates instead of outdated caricatures of religion
• Helps nonbelievers to learn important theological standpoints while noting their shortcomings
• Encourages believers and nonbelievers to enjoy informed dialogue with each other
• Concludes with an overview of religious and nonreligious worldviews and predictions about the future of faith and reason

About this title

From the Back Cover

The existence of God is a subject that has occupied individual thinkers and entire schools of philosophy for thousands of years, and it remains one of the greatest debates of our day. To equip readers with the information to enter the fray, The God Debates presents a comprehensive, non-technical survey of the quest for knowledge of God. By mastering the clear and concise strategies put forth in each chapter, anyone can participate in a thoughtful debate over whether God exists, or simply gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of religion’s conceptual foundations. The best arguments and counter-arguments regarding God's existence are clearly elucidated, and both believers and non-believers will become acquainted with reasoned arguments for and against the existence of God. Moving well beyond Medieval and Modern arguments about God's existence, The God Debates brings theology’s story right into the twenty-first century by considering various existentialisms, postmodernisms, and fideisms, as well as the ongoing controversy of evidentialism/presuppositionalism. A final chapter considers the possibility of harmonizing reason and faith in light of several current worldviews, including fundamentalism and secularism. The God Debates provides believers, and non-believers alike with invaluable information to participate in a thoughtful religious dialogue -- and gain insights into the timeless quest for knowledge that can give meaning to our lives.

About the Author

John R. Shook is Vice President for Education and Research and Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Inquiry in Amherst, New York. He also is Research Associate in Philosophy at the University at Buffalo. His recent books include The Future of Naturalism (2009) and Dewey's Philosophy of Spirit (2010).

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1444336428
• ISBN 13: 9781444336429
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 242