Exploring the Philosophy of Religion, 7th Edition, combines the best features of a text and a reader by offering clear analysis coupled with important primary-source readings. Professor David Stewart called upon his 30-plus years of teaching experience to introduce students to the important study of philosophical issues raised by religion. Beginning students often find primary sources alone too difficult so this text offers primary source materials by a variety of significant philosophers?including a balanced blend of classical and contemporary authors?but the materials are supported by clearly written introductions, which better prepare students to understand the readings.

In this remarkably accessible, concise, and engaging introduction to the philosophy of religion, Steven M. Cahn brings together a rich and balanced collection of sixty-six classic and contemporary readings. This unique anthology features a clear, well-organized structure and careful editing of many articles in order to sharpen their focus and make them understandable to students with little or no background in philosophy. The book also reflects the importance of women's contributions to the field; 40% of the contemporary readings are by women. In addition, topics often minimized in other collections are covered in more depth here, including forgiveness and love; ritual, prayer, and worship; gender; speaking of God; and the afterlife.

What are the inherent claims that lie at the core of religion? Which of them are defensible by reason, and which are not? Potential answers to these questions and more, from influential philosophers past and present, may be found in this short book edited by Steven M. Cahn. Featuring fifty-twoclassic and contemporary readings, Exploring Philosophy of Religion: Text and Readings is a topically-organized anthology that presents broad coverage of seven major areas in the philosophy of religion - the concept of God, the existence of God, religious language, miracles and mysticism, belief inGod, resurrection and immortality, and religious pluralism - in a clear and accessible format. With guiding introductory material from Professor Cahn, each of the readings has been carefully selected and edited for maximum clarity and comprehensiveness; only the most essential material is included.To further foster understanding, the text also features an appendix consisting of Professor Cahn's monograph, God, Reason, and Religion, which provides a synthesis and interpretation of the crucial issues raised throughout the readings.

"Those who begin the study of philosophy may easily become discouraged. Many classic texts are daunting in their complexity, and much contemporary writing is intended primarily for a professional audience. A few prominent philosophers of our day write in a style understandable by all, but nonspecialists are often left unaware of this work. They may never realize that serious discussion of central problems of philosophy can proceed without arcane terminology, unexplained references, or convoluted arguments. The guiding principle of this book is that reading clear, concise essays by recent philosophers offers an inviting avenue to understanding philosophical inquiry. While some of the articles are reprinted in their entirety, many are shortened to sharpen their focus and enhance their accessibility. For readers who wish to understand the development of philosophy over the centuries, I have included a substantial number of historical sources, including without abridgement Plato's Defense of Socrates, Crito, and Meno, as well as substantial segments from his Republic, Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy, and Hume's An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding and Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion. Most of these are identified by the name of the work from which the selection is drawn, while with regard to some of the recent essays, I have taken the liberty of developing short, descriptive titles"--

An accessible and engaging introduction to philosophical inquiry, this book concentrates on topics of greatest interest to beginning students: the nature and tools of philosophy, free will, philosophy of religion, ethics, and social philosophy. The work throughout is clearly written and carefully argued.

Don't buy just another philosophy of religion textbook, get the best. GOD, REASON, AND RELIGION walks you through unusual examples and new ideas on the way to explain the core issues of the philosophy of religion. Plus it's got the study tools you need and easy to follow explanations so you'll be ready for the test as well.