Is there such a thing as natural knowledge of God? C. Stephen Evans presents the case for understanding theistic arguments as expressions of natural signs in order to gain a new perspective both on their strengths and weaknesses. Three classical, much-discussed theistic arguments - cosmological, teleological, and moral - are examined for the natural signs they embody. At the heart of this book lie several relatively simple ideas. One is that if there is a God of the kind accepted by Christians, Jews, and Muslims, then it is likely that a 'natural' knowledge of God is possible. Another is that this knowledge will have two characteristics: it will be both widely available to humans and yet easy to resist. If these principles are right, a new perspective on many of the classical arguments for God's existence becomes possible. We understand why these arguments have for many people a continued appeal but also why they do not constitute conclusive 'proofs' that settle the debate once and for all. Touching on the interplay between these ideas and contemporary scientific theories about the origins of religious belief, particularly the role of natural selection in predisposing humans to form beliefs in God or gods, Evans concludes that these scientific accounts of religious belief are fully consistent, even supportive, of the truth of religious convictions.
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Is there such a thing as natural knowledge of God? C. Stephen Evans presents the case for understanding theistic arguments as expressions of natural signs in order to gain a new perspective both on their strengths and weaknesses.
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1. The Problem of Natural Theology ; 2. The Concept of a Natural Sign ; 3. Cosmic Wonder and Cosmological Arguments for God ; 4. Beneficial Order and Teleological Arguments for God ; 5. Moral Arguments and Natural Signs for God ; 6. Conclusions: Can We Rely on Natural Signs for a
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Evans has here made a valuable and original contribution to the field of religious epistemology. Natural Signs and Knowledge of God deserves attention from, and is sure to provoke lively debate between, philosophers of religion and theologians. However, it should also be of interest to, and accessible to, anyone concerned with theistic apologetics. Even someone with little grounding in these issues is likely to gain something from it.
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`Review from previous edition "There are many reasons to recommend C. Stephen Evans' new book... It is accessible and open in its style, and deals skillfully with what I consider to be the most important subject we can study: our ability to know God... The book can be read with proft by a wide audience, from undergraduate and graduate students to the interested general public... an engaging and stimulating work"' Owen Anderson, Conversations in Religion and Theology `"a very good book... Evans has placed philosophers and theologians further in his debt with this book... I look forward to having an opportunity to read it again."' Graham Gould, Journal of Theological Studies
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Provides a new interpretation of the classic theistic arguments in a clear style Relates theistic natural signs to common human experiences Relates the debate over God to evolutionary explanations of religious belief Explores why the debate surrounding the arguments for the existence of God seems irresolvable
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Provides a new interpretation of the classic theistic arguments in a clear style Relates theistic natural signs to common human experiences Relates the debate over God to evolutionary explanations of religious belief Explores why the debate surrounding the arguments for the existence of God seems irresolvable
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780199661077
Publisert
2012
Utgiver
Vendor
Oxford University Press
Vekt
289 gr
Høyde
221 mm
Bredde
137 mm
Dybde
13 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
224

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