Philosophy of Religion

by Stuart C. Brown

With the entry-level student in mind, Stuart Brown guides the reader through three main topics: whether or not there is life after death; whether or not there is a powerful, beneficent intelligence controlling the universe; and the nature and appropriate defence of religious belief or faith. Each chapter is linked to readings by commentators on religion and belief, such as David Hume, John Hick, Richard Dawkins and William James. Key features also include activities and exercises, chapter summaries and guides to further reading.

Genres: Philosophy

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2000

Reviews

[Richard Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brown has developed a written a very well structured introduction to the philosophy of religion. It contains a guide, a few key selected readings and some challenging questions with outline answers. In all, Brown has written an excellent educational tool that introduces the topic without bias either way. Many books in the genre are pro-religious or pro-atheism. Brown's book is overtly neither, he just lays out and discusses the arguments. However, perhaps because of this, somehow the book is a little dull and lacks some sparkle around what is normally a highly emotive topic. Additionally, the contents miss some obvious elementary philosophical topics - for example there is no mention of the ontological argument. All in all this is a good starting point if you want a text book. If you want something more then it may not appeal.