Philosophy of Religion

A much-needed introductory level book on this widely studied subject.Isaac Asimov said that "whatever the tortures of hell, I think the boredom of heaven would be even worse." Such quandaries are the bread and butter of philosophy of religion. Questioning why evil exists, whether God could create a stone he couldn’t lift, and if the wonder of life suggests a Creator, this fascinating branch of philosophy is concerned with arguments for and against religion, and what form an immortal god (or gods) would take if in existence.Assuming no prior knowledge of philosophy from the reader, Taliaferro provides a clear exploration of the discipline, introducing a wide range of philosophers and covering the topics of morality and religion, evil, the afterlife, prayer, and miracles. Also containing sections dedicated to Hinduism, Buddhism and the Eastern religions, this helpful primer is perfect for students or the general reader.

A lucid and engaging philosophical survey. He covers all the most important issues in a way that is always fair-minded, and manages to be accessible without over-simplifying.-- "John Cottingham - President of the British Society for the Philosophy of Religion and Professor Emer", A remarkably concise volume. Topics as diverse as the existence and the goodness of God and the use of nuclear power for energy are woven together in a thematically coherent manner able to instruct as it draws the reader into 'the Long Debate'.-- "Dan Robinson - Professor of Philosophy, Oxford University", Charles Taliaferro is internationally recognized as a philosopher at the very top of his field. Philosophy of Religion: A Beginner's Guide does not disappoint. Brimming with arguments, the material is cutting edge, and the selection of topics is superb.-- "J.P. Moreland - Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Biola University, California"

Charles Taliaferro is Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College, Minnesota, USA. He is the author or editor of numerous books on the philosophy of religion including as co-editor of The Blackwell Companion to Philosophy of Religion.