Does God Matter?: Essays on the Axiological Consequences of Theism [Hardcover]

Does God Matter? features eleven original essays written by prominent philosophers of religion that address this very important, yet surprisingly neglected, question. One natural way to approach this question is to seek to understand what difference Gods existence wouldor doesmake to the value of the world and the well-being of its inhabitants. The first essay sets the stage for the discussion of this topic. The three essays in Section I defend versions of pro-theism: the view that Gods existence would -- or does -- make things better than they would otherwise be. The four essays in Section II defend anti-theism: the view that Gods existence would, or does, make things worse than they would otherwise be. The three essays in Section III consider the interplay between the existential and axiological debates concerning the existence of God. This book presents important research on a growing topic in philosophy of religion that will also be of keen interest to scholars working in other areas of philosophy (such as metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory), and in other disciplines (such as religious studies and analytic theology).

1. Invitation to the Axiology of Theism  Klaas J. Kraay 

Part I: Arguments for Pro-Theism 

2. God and Intrinsic Value  Scott A. Davison 

3. Axiology: Theism Versus Widely Accepted Monotheisms  Michael Tooley 

4. An Agreeable Answer to a Pro-Theism/Anti-Theism Question  T.J. Mawson 

Part II: Arguments for Anti-Theism 

5. If There is a Hole, it is Not God-Shaped  Guy Kahane