Companion to Philosophy of Religion (Blackwell Companions to Philosophy) (Paperback)

by Philip L. Quinn (Editor), Charles Taliaferro (Editor) "The Hindu tradition is important for the philosophy of religion from a number of angles..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, Notre Dame, Thomas Aquinas (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"I must congratulate the editors on the volume. It is very comprehensive - bringing in the different religious traditions of the world and their philosophies, the history of the philosophy of religion, and some of its most modern developments. I think it has got the balance of its articles exactly right, focusing on the modern detailed analytic work, but not neglecting the wider perspective. It is very readable, and the various articles will serve as useful introductions to topics for students; it is a very valuable resource." Professor Swinburne, Oriel College, University of Oxford

<!--end-->"A superb collection! The topics are just right: from the religions of the world and currents in recent philosophy of religion to the theistic conception of God and the justification of theistic belief. The writing is authoritative, but also lively and stimulating. The book will be a valuable reference resource for years to come." Robert L. Arrington, Georgia State University

"Blackwell's Companions to Philosophy have already established themselves as up-to-date and reliable guides to the central fields within the discipline. This present volume which, offers a remarkably wide-ranging survey of philosophy of religion and philosophical theology in crisp and manageable essays by acknowledged authorities, is no exception." The Tablet

"Philip L. Quinn and Charles Taliaferro are to be commended for putting together an excellent resource in philosophy of religion. This is indeed a 'companion', for here one finds wise guides to the study of key issues in the philosophy of religion. This is a volume to refer to again and again. Essay after essay provides food for thought and additions to one's reading list." Paul Reasoner, Bethel Collage

"Another fine addition to the Blackwell Companions of Philosophy series has been published. I consider it a gold mine!" The Review of Metaphysics

Product Description
In over 78 newly-commissioned essays, this outstanding volume provides a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the philosophy of religion. Written by many of today's leading figures, the volume surveys philosophical issues in the religions of the world, philosophical thought about religion in Western history, and important currents in twentieth-century philosophy of religion. Theism is treated systematically in discussions of religious language, the concept of God, arguments for and against theistic belief, and its relations to other aspects of culture, such as science and values. A final section on new directions in philosophy of religion explores feminism, religious pluralism, and comparative philosophy of religion. This volume will stand for many years to come as the standard reference resource for students and specialists alike.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (June 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631213287
• ISBN-13: 978-0631213284
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #782,411 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Collection of Works, October 11, 2000

By	T. B. Vick "Learn 2 Discern" (The Lone Star State) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive, August 3, 2004

By	Lee Tasey "a bad Christian" (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Companion to Philosophy of Religion (Blackwell Companions to Philosophy) (Hardcover)

This book is a nice addition to the 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, you'll 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: ReEnchantment without Supernaturalism and The Gospel of Arnie

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well rounded, very informative, May 27, 2002

By	A. Pedersen (Lincoln, NE) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.