Introduction
1. Evidence: Lockean Evidentialism vs. Reformed Epistemology
2. Natural Theology: Lockean Optimism vs. Skeptical Theism
3. Religious Experience: Locke’s Skepticism vs. Phenomenal Conservatism
4. Miracles: Lockean Apologetics vs. Humean Skepticism
5. Probability: Lockean Confidence vs. Dwindling Probabilities
6. Conflicting Evidence: Lockean Steadfastness vs. Humean Conciliationism
7. Scripture: Locke on Expertise vs. Authority
Conclusion: Important Lessons
Appendix: Introduction to Conditional Probability
Biography
Nathan Rockwood, PhD, is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Brigham Young University, specializing in Locke’s religious epistemology. His publications include “Locke on Reason, Revelation, and Miracles” (The Lockean Mind), “Locke and Hume on Competing Miracles” (Religious Studies), and “The Authority of Scripture” (History of Philosophy Quarterly).
"Locke’s Religious Epistemology and Its Critics is an important contribution both to Locke scholarship and to the philosophy of religion. Anyone interested in these subjects will be richly rewarded by engaging with Rockwood’s book."
John Earman, University of Pittsburgh, USA
"For several decades, the philosophical discussion of rational religious belief has been dominated by externalist accounts of religious belief – accounts that effectively change the subject. Nate Rockwood’s new book returns to the evidentialist tradition and addresses the questions we really wanted to ask, questions about evidence and rationality, and it does so with a clear and critical view of the arguments that had persuaded so many to abandon Locke’s appealingly simple approach. The result is a lucid work full of both historical and technical insight. I hope it opens the door for more to follow."
Timothy McGrew, Western Michigan University, USA
"Rockwood examines central issues in the analytic philosophy of religion, with a particular focus on religious epistemology. Drawing on his expertise in epistemology, philosophy of religion, and Locke scholarship, he offers a compelling case for Locke’s evidentialism. Meticulous in its textual analysis, the book will appeal to historians of philosophy, while its engagement with contemporary religious epistemology shows how Locke’s views on evidentialism, natural theology, and Christian faith remain relevant today."
Lex Newman, University of Utah, USA
