Philosophy of Religion: Tough Questions Seeking Thoughtful Answers
Saturday mornings, 9:00-11:30am tentatively starting May 5, 2012 (8-week series)
Instructor: John DeMassa, M.Div., Ph.D.
Location: TBA
Textbooks:
- C. Stephen Evans, R. Zachary Manis, Philosophy of Religion: Thinking about Faith (2nd Edition), InterVarsity Press, 2009.
- Robert G. Olson, A Short Introduction to Philosophy, Dover Publications, 2003.
- Other materials listed in class schedule.
Description: The philosophy of religion is a less-explored area in Christian studies that should be a prerequisite course for all others. This fascinating field probes the most fundamental problems concerning human existence. As such it lays a foundation to understand the scope, depth and gravity of scriptural claims and doctrine often under appreciated or even avoided.
We will discuss questions like: How should we view a religious experience? Is religious language unique? Are there good arguments for the existence of God? Is it reasonable to believe in miracles? How should we view horrendous evils and the problem of Hell? Why does a good God allow suffering? Is faith subjective, objective, or both? Can faith ever be certain? Could one religion be true? What is faith?
It is simply impossible to sidestep these questions for believers and inquisitive non-believers alike. Thinking critically and carefully about these questions is well worth the effort because it leads to personal growth and preparedness in our pluralistic culture.
The student will engage in two major tasks. First, a brief but effective survey of philosophy will be examined with the goal of establishing a framework for our discussion. This survey will also expose the student to some “tools of thinking” to evaluate and formulate answers. Secondly, using this background material, students will be challenged to wrestle with the questions. For students, Bible teachers, and seekers alike this course is a must.
