Global Philosophy of Religion: A Short Introduction [Paperback]

Does the existence of God matter? Does science leave anything for religion to explain? How are religion and ethics connected, if at all? In this introduction, Joseph Runzo addresses the fundamental questions of life to present a global perspective on the philosophy of religion. Comparing and contrasting the philosophical insights offered by the different world religions, and examining their application today, this comprehensive book covers everything from the arguments for and against the existence of God to the problem of suffering and the possibilities of life after death. Balancing scholarship with a jargon-free approach, Runzo makes even the most profound arguments accessible to readers of all levels. Authoritative, yet readable, this contemporary study encourages readers to arrive at their own informed and global understanding of the great religious ideas of humankind.Joseph Runzo is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Chapman University, California and Life Fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge University. The recipient of five National Fellowships and Awards from the National Endowment for the Humanities, he has published widely in the fields of religious pluralism, ethics and philosophy and is co-editor of Oneworld’s Library of Global Ethics and Religion series.Introduction The problem of religious commitment Religious epistemology The World Religions The relation of scientific to philosophical approaches to religion Against global theology or a global philosophy of religion The way of knowledge versus the way of love 1. Religion and Philosophy What is religion? What is philosophy? Doing philosophy and using philosophy Are philosophy and religion enemies? Why religion needs philosophy 2. Worldviews and Religion The problem of religious plurality Can different worldviews be compared? Exclusivism and Antipathy Subjectivism and Pluralism Inclusivism and Henofideism A road map of World Religiosity 3. Religious Metaphysics without God The material wolC%