PHIL 201STUDY GUIDE: LESSON 16Philosophy of Religion: IntroductionLesson Overview:With this lesson, we begin our unit on philosophy of religion. Religious questions are among the most important for the vast majority of persons: Is there a God? Is there an afterlife? Why does God allow evil and suffering? How can we know God? Are miracles possible? What is the relation between faith and reason? In this first lesson, we explore exactly how philosophy and religion relate to each other. Can we objectively explore religion from a philosophical vantage point? We will critically examine 2 extreme answers to this question and then arrive at a proposed way that religious beliefs can be philosophically investigated.Tasks:Read Chapter 1 of Philosophy of Religion: Thinking about Faith, “What is Philosophy of Religion?” As you read, make sure you understand the following points and questions:- Explain the distinctions between philosophy of religion and sociology, history, theology, and religious philosophy.Philosophy of religion- critical reflection on religious beliefs may be engaged in by thinkers who are not themselves religious and all religious thinkers--needs a neutral space-- the focus on the truth and reasonableness of religious beliefs help distinguish the philosophy of religion from other disciplines that study religion (pg 19)Religious - philosophical thinking which is religious in inspiration and direction; self conscious and critical (pg 22)- Activity of critical reflection on religious questions and beliefs. May be engaged by thinkerswho are not themselves religious at all and by those who are committed religious thinkers.Theology- activity carried with in religion and the theologian looks at religious beliefs from within, as an adherent or representative of a religious tradition. (pg. 20)Sociology - False beliefs may be as important as true one for the sociologist that tries to painta picture of religion in society. (pg. 20)History - Also study religious beliefs but not focus on the truth or reasonableness of such beliefs. False beliefs may be as important as true ones to the historian or sociologist. They tryto paint a picture of the history of a religion or the place of religion in society. (pg. 20)History, Psyc, and soci are important because they distinguish phil of religion from religiousphil- Explain the arguments for and problems with fideism.PHIL 201Arguments for Fideism: Always either in faithful service or in rebellion against the Creator. Must have a genuine, personal faith. Committed! (pg. 24)- human beings are never religiously neutral; they are always either in faithful service or in rebellion against the creatorProblems with Fideism: Can't attempt to win over his critics by rational argument or attemptto engage in rational dialogue with those who disagree. Lose the benefit of criticism which might enable improved theories. (pg. 24-25)-human attempts to reflect on the truth of religious beliefs are disastrous-the believes only hope is to first believe and then come to see the reasonableness of the belief--one cannot arrive at true religious beliefs as a result of rational reflection-faith is the precondition for any correct thinking about religion- What 2 factors do Evans and Manis raise in answering the fideist claim that critical reflection about religious beliefs is arrogant and presumptuous?1.) weather God, if real, wants humans to reflect about religious truth--our ability to think is a gift from God, it seems proper to assume that we are intended to useour gifts2.) the manner in which the thinking is carried onThe attempt of humans to think about God "for themselves" independently and autonomously, is proof of their rebelliousness. It's an attempt on the part of humans to put their own thought and reason above God.- According to Evans and Manis, is it possible to be completely neutral, and is it valid?No. Many factors influence humans. (Experiences, upbringing, education, emotions, ideas, attitudes of friends, historical situations, etc.)Is it valid? No. A human being cannot be neutral with respect to God. (pg. 23)- How is critical dialogue a balance between fideism and neutralism?The individual attempts to think through the alternatives and the objections to his own view that those alternatives put forward. In the course of such a process, a persons view may be modified or abandoned. What survives is not bias, but, subject to continuing willingness to test what appears doubtful.Rethinking what it means to be reasonable. Reason=a willingness to test one's commitments.A continued willingness to test what appears doubtful, reasoned conviction. (pg. 32-33)- What are some criteria for testing basic religious beliefs, suggested in Evans and Manis’ concept of critical dialogue?-simples beliefs about particular matters of fact are subject to fairly direct experimental tests-scientific theory will be accepted if it explains a great deal, even if it faces serious obligations as long as there is no viable alternatives.-One looks at theoretical, coherence, predictive power, the ability to illuminate what was previously unintelligible. A theory must be tested to its rivals. Testing is a complicated affair. Requires good judgment, honest and concern for the truth. (pg. 32)PHIL 201Terms:Make sure you fully understand the following terms and concepts:- Philosophy of ReligionCritical reflection on religious beliefs. (pg. 18)The critical & reflective side of philosophy that is most evident in philosophy of religion. Not so much religious thinking as it is thinking about religion, which can be done by religious and non-religious people. (pg. 22)- Natural Theology (also called Philosophical Theology)The theologian attempts to say what can be knownabout God or things divine apart from any commitment to any particular religion, claims to special revelation and so on. (pg. 20)- Religious PhilosophyPhilosophical thinking which is religious in inspiration or direction. (pg. 22)- FideismClaims that faith is the precondition for any correctthinking about religion. (pg. 24)One cannot arrive at true religious beliefs as a result of rational reflection.(pg. 24)A feudist cannot attempt to win over his critics by rational argument or even attempt to engage in rational dialogue with those who disagree. (pg. 25)- NeutralismThe philosopher that insists that our thinking about religious matters must be presupposition less. Believe that our critical thinking will be likely to help us