Question about a book

[daveleau]

Hi everybody!

In my systematic theology class, I have seen how influential philosophical issues are the basis for the differences between Christian denominations. I believe that the answers lie not in debating the minor issues but the philosophy that under rides the theology. I want to read more on philosophy in regards to theology. I just got back from B&N and saw a book edited by Quinn and Tailaffero titled "A Companion to Philosophy of Religion". Have you heard anything about this book? If not, what are some good philosophy books (general overview)?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[SumTinWong]

Don't know much about the book, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express (j/k)

Here are some reviews from Amazon:
"This book is a monster and well worth the price tag. The book deals with all facets of the Philosophy of Religion from philosophical issues in the world religions to new direction in the field of philosophy of religion. Some of the contributors are Robert Audi, William Lane Craig, Stephen T. Davis, C. Stephen Evans, Antony Flew, Thomas P. Flint, William Hasker, Paul Helm, John Hick, Brian Leftow, Ralph McInnerny, Michael Martin, Kai Nielsen, Terence Penelhum, Alvin Plantinga, William L. Rowe, Eleonore Stump, William J. Wainwright, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Keith Yandell, and many others. Some the issues/topics covered are Philosophical Theology, Philosophy of Religion in the Western World, Currents in Twentieth Century Philosophy, Theism and the Linguistic Turn, the Theistic Concept of God, Justification of Theistic Beliefs, etc. The individual articles by a given scholar range from "Theism and Physical Cosmology," "Theism and Evolutionary Biology," (all the classical arguments for God are covered), "Foreknowledge and Human Freedom," "Divine Command Ethics," "Omnipresence," "Being," "Simplicity," "Religious Language," "Early Modern Philosophical Theology," etc. There are 622 pages of articles covering everything imaginable. This is definitely an invaluable resource for those who are interested in the study of the Philosophy of Religion. As you can see from just the little I have included here, the book is very comprehensive and put together quite well."

"I agree with the last review. This book serves as an excellent reference to philosophy students and hobbyists. With so much information, you might as well leave it out instead of putting it up in a bookshelf. It would be best, I think, to have at least an introductory knowledge in general philosophy before reading this. I became interested in the philosophy of religion after reading a little apologetics. This book was exactly what I was looking for. After this, I just might check out other books in the Blackwell companion series."

A nice addition to philosophy of religion. A book of essays by leading scholars, the Companion covers the major religions of the world, but deals mostly with theistic religions, especially Christianity. The articles are short and to the point: you won't have to plough through philosophical journals or big books to get to the important stuff. Look at each essay as a 'Cliffs Notes'.

"Many philosophy of religion books are pro-classical theism. This one is different, sort of. In this book, we see articles on process theism and religious pluralism. Comparative philosophy of religion is also addressed. This is refreshing, especially for those who no longer stand within the classical tradition.
In summa, a fine addition to philosophy of religion. Also recommended: David Ray Griffin 'ReEnchantment without Supernaturalism: A Process Philosophy of Religion.'"

Hope that helps...

 

[Gold Dragon]

Not a book, but if you want a quick-and-dirty summary of the major players in western philosophy (which almost always involves some aspect of theology), here is a good resource. It is probably not has comprehensive or focused on theology as what you are looking for, but may come in handy.

History of Philosophy

 

[daveleau]

Thanks, guys. The reviews look good, but I am not sure what their background is, so I don't know if their slant is too far out there for me and my beliefs. Nice site! Thanks.
Dave

 

[daveleau]

Nice site. Anyone else have inputs or even their ideas regarding philosophy and religion?

 

[jbarcher]

Hey Dave

Let me say a few words about those names I do know a bit about...

William Lane Craig - my current fav. philosopher. President of the Evangelical Philosophical association. Has written on a number of issues, including several from a middle knowledge perspective. You can find his online office here: http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/

Antony Flew - mostly an atheist philosopher, though he very recently moved to theism (abiet minimal theism)--he made the news, certainly--so the chances are that what you'll find from him come from a 21st century rationalist perspective

Thomas P. Flint - don't know too much about him, but his name crops up a number of times in Craig's middle knowledge articles.

William Hasker - ditto to above.

John Hick - once started out as a generally conservative dude, and is now quite left

Michael Martin - atheist philosopher, has defended logical positivism, you can find some of his stuff on infidels. Seems pretty well known.

Kai Nielsen - ditto to above, minus the defense of positivism (I don't know if he did or did not).

Alvin Plantinga - a very well known Reformed philosopher. Brought up in the Dutch tradition, I believe. Cool beard. He is among the leading orthodox Christian philosophers living today.

William L. Rowe - I suspect he's in the Christian camp.

Eleonore Stump - An interesting, though relatively obscure philosophy prof. Her "Mirror of Evil" can be classified, I think, as a theistic argument from evil--yet it is more like an argument to Christian theism.

Hope that helps a wee bit. Certainly it is hard to fully appreciate each person without going way into philosophy.

Now, though I don't think my recommendation is exactly pin-point related to what you want, I can assure you that a large portion is directly related; the rest that aren't, are indirectly related (such as rules of logic). http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_1/002-6628484-6208833?v=glance&s=books

You can find, easier, the table of contents for that book here: http://store.discerningreader.com/phfoforchwoj.html They had the "second" table of contents up earlier, but it's not there...(after the first table of contents with page numbers, there is another more indepth list of topics.)

 

[ps139]

Anyone else have inputs or even their ideas regarding philosophy and religion?

Hey Dave

I think that within Christianity, religion and philosophy are inextricably intertwined. Underlying philosophies regarding revelation, ecclesiology, redemption, and grace are the foundations of different schools of thought, which are usually then reflected in church structure, doctrine, and worship "style."

In this area, the more you know, the better you can understand "Why different groups believe and practice the way they do."

 

[ZiSunka]

I think you are on the right track with your idea of the differences not being found in minor doctrinal issues, but in the basic philosophy of the doctrines. I have found that even the language of faith is formed by these differences in philosophy. When catholics and protestants use the same words, they do not have the same meanings, and I was thinking that it would make an interesting master's thesis to explore the words of our faith and the different meanings they have to the different denoms.