On the Nature and Existence of God

Cambridge Philosophy Classics

by Richard M. Gale

There has been in recent years a plethora of defences of theism from analytical philosophers: Richard Gale's important book is a critical response to these writings. New versions of cosmological, ontological, and religious experience arguments are critically evaluated, along with pragmatic arguments to justify faith on the grounds of its prudential or moral benefits. In considering arguments for and against the existence of God, Gale is able to clarify many important philosophical concepts including exploration, time, free will, personhood, actuality, and the objectivity of experience.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Atheism, Religion

430 pages, Hardcover

First published July 26, 1991

Reviews

[Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wisely starts by pointing out a deity that is religiously available to the believer is very different from those versions that are abstractly conceived by theologians and philosophers. Concepts such as omnipotence need to be qualified carefully to avoid incoherence and absurdity. As expected, the Free Will Defense is discussed extensively, but its libertarian version of free will is at least confusing if not wanting. The second part of the book canvasses various theological arguments. A couple of highlights include the conclusion that religious experiences are non-perceptual and non-veridical, and that faith should not be merely pragmatic but should have sound epistemological basis. Five stars.