In Contemporary Philosophical Theology, Charles Taliaferro and Chad Meister focus on key topics in contemporary philosophical theology within Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, as well as Hinduism and Buddhism. The volume begins with a discussion of key methodological tools available to the philosophical theologian, such as faith and reason, science and religion, revelation and sacred scripture, and authority and tradition. The authors use these tools to explore subjects including language, ineffability, miracles, evil, and the afterlife. They also grapple with applied philosophical theology, including environmental concerns, interreligious dialogue, and the nature and significance of political values. A concluding discussion proposes that philosophical theology can contribute to important reflections and action concerning climate change.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Science and Philosophical Theology
2. Mystery and Philosophical Theology
3. Pluralism and Philosophical Theologies
4. Reasons and Revelations
5. Divine Attributes
6. Good and Evil
7. Evil and Philosophical Theology
8. Philosophical Explorations of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism
9. Philosophical Theology and Open Society
References
Index
Biography
Charles Taliaferro is Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College.
Chad Meister is Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethel College.
"Contemporary Philosophical Theology is exceptional in its treatment of philosophical issues in religion within the context of our global, religiously diverse world. Accessible to beginning students yet replete with helpful insights for scholars, it provides fresh perspectives on traditional issues while skillfully guiding us through some perplexing new questions."
Harold Netland, Trinity International University, USA
"In this judicious meld of philosophy and theology, Meister and Taliaferro expound and evaluate an impressive range of arguments and perspectives in a manner that is splendidly clear and accessible and unfailingly fair-minded."
John Cottingham, Heythrop College London, UK
"'Philosophical theology' is the label for a mode of philosophical engagement with religion that has become increasingly prevalent in practice, but has seldom been written about as a subject in itself. Taliaferro and Meister remedy this lack, explaining lucidly what philosophical theology is and the rationale for engaging in it, and offering comments on both good and bad examples. They address criticisms that argue against philosophical theology as a valuable and constructive discipline, and provide abundant evidence of its value in the insights it provides. The book is highly recommended as an introduction to this important form of philosophical inquiry."
William Hasker, Huntington University, USA
"The relationship between philosophy and theology is described by many as "complicated." To be a theologian is to make it more difficult to be a philosopher (and vice versa). Charles Taliferro and Chad Meister deconstruct this silliness and provide a clear example of the both/and. They show us how philosophy can help clarify fundamental
theological questions and how philosophical theology is essential to engaging some of the most pressing questions of the day. Lucid in presentation, impressive in scope, and fair-minded in attitude; one of the best books of its sort available!"Jim Beilby, Bethel University, USA
"This is a significant contribution that helpfully covers a broad set of topics involved with some additional and positively surprising topics. Contemporary Philosophical Theology is engaging and insightful. It will likely become a standard text in college and graduate courses. I can’t wait to use it in future courses!"
Joshua Farris, Houston Baptist University, USA
"This book is an excellent introduction to philosophical theology. While tightly argued and sophisticated, it is not overly technical. ... There are plenty of ideas in these pages for paper topics, for students as well as scholars."
Erik Baldwin, University of Notre Dame, USA
