This is a comprehensive textbook for students coming to philosophy of religion for the first time. "Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction" is a comprehensive textbook for students coming to philosophy of religion for the first time. It sets traditional arguments such as the problem of evil or the concept of God within the contexts of contemporary debates. In addition to classical questions and issues, the textbook also covers more modern debates such as those on reformed epistemology, theological non-realism and foundationalism. A special feature of the textbook is a developed account of the question of the truth claims of other religions. The authors also explain the development of religious language, the challenge of modern science and afterlife beliefs. There is extensive examination and study advice throughout, with suggested seminar and discussion topics as well as guidance on how to write a philosophy essay. The authors presuppose little prior knowledge, thus making "Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction" an ideal starting point for undergraduate students of philosophy, theology and religious studies. More than simply listing and explaining the central arguments, it gives practical examples of engagement with them.

This is a comprehensive textbook for students coming to philosophy of religion for the first time. "Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction" is a comprehensive textbook for students coming to philosophy of religion for the first time. It sets traditional arguments such as the problem of evil or the concept of God within the contexts of contemporary debates. In addition to classical questions and issues, the textbook also covers more modern debates such as those on reformed epistemology, theological non-realism and foundationalism. A special feature of the textbook is a developed account of the question of the truth claims of other religions. The authors also explain the development of religious language, the challenge of modern science and afterlife beliefs. There is extensive examination and study advice throughout, with suggested seminar and discussion topics as well as guidance on how to write a philosophy essay. The authors presuppose little prior knowledge, thus making "Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction" an ideal starting point for undergraduate students of philosophy, theology and religious studies. More than simply listing and explaining the central arguments, it gives practical examples of engagement with them.

Covering the new OCR course specification for the Philosophy of Religion at AS Level, this book offers a basic level introduction to the subject. Addressing core and background materials, biographies and examination notes this is an essential textbook.This textbook covers the new OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Requirement) course specification for the Philosophy of Religion at A2 Level. The book will be published in time for the first teaching of the new specification in September 2009.Following the AS Level book already commissioned, the next natural step forward would be an A2 text. At present there are 8000 candidates for the revised A2 at OCR, and it is at year 2 that the greatest need for an accurate text exists. Among rivals, there is no specific A2 Philosophy of Religion book, and in recent years there have been significant problems for candidates because of errors in other works. It is also at A2 that there is the need for developed 'Stretch and Challenge' material - this is not available in other texts which tend simply to suggest what candidates might read for themselves. This material is clearly highlighted as additional to the text. Given that the majority of teachers of this subject are not themselves philosophers, there is a need for a readable text which provides sufficient background for both teachers and students.The fundamental concepts covered include arguments for the existence of God, including the Ontological, Cosmological, Moral and Teleological Arguments, as well as challenges to faith from the Problem of Evil and other sources. Background material from ancient philosophy and the Judaeo-Christian tradition is explained, and there are specially developed sections on Verification and Meaning, The Falsification Debate, Language Games and the Afterlife. The section on Divine Attributes covers an area that is new to the course specification. The authors have focused on original sources to ensure that errors which creep into textbooks by repetition are avoided.The book will carry three important appendices: guidance on how to write a philosophy essay; revision notes, examination advice; and suggestions for further reading.The authors are well-known as past and present Principal Examiners of the subject.

This comprehensive and easy to use textbook is endorsed by OCR for use with the Philosophy of Religion unit of the OCR AS Religious Studies specification.

KEY FEATURES
* Co-authored by experienced examiners
* "Stretch and Challenge" material for advanced students
* Timeline of philosophers
* Appendix on revision notes
* Each chapter includes
- essential new vocabulary with definitions
- extracts from primary texts
- examination tips
- discussion topics and practice exam questions
- suggestions for further reading
Fundamental concepts covered include arguments for the existence of God, including the Ontological, Cosmological, Moral and Teleological Arguments, as well as challenges to faith from the Problem of Evil and other sources. Background material from Ancient Philosophy and the Judaeo-Christian tradition is explained, and there are specially developed sections on Boethius and the Divine Attributes and Modern Science, both new to the specification.

A particular feature of this book is substantial "Stretch and Challenge" material throughout which allows students to develop further.