Philosophy of Religion An Examination of the Arguments for the Existence of God, and the Problem of Evil

This brief and concise handbook will explore the subject matter of “Philosophy of Religion.” The philosopher of religion asks “why?” The philosopher seeks understanding about people's beliefs. Traditionally, Philosophy of Religion is that branch of philosophy that attempts to examine religious beliefs or religious presuppositions. Philosophers of religion may ask this question: Is a belief in God rational? Can this belief be justified by reason? The focal point of this investigation of the Philosophy of Religion is an examination of a rational defense for Theism (belief in God). This concise handbook was designed for the purpose of explaining some of the classic arguments as "proofs" for the existence of God. More specifically, the relationship between Faith and Reason will be examined. As a Christian, we need to know: What role does reason have in regard to our religious faith? Should we believe in something if it can't be verified by science? Rationalism is an overemphasis on scientific proof for God's existence; however, we simply can't put God under a microscope since God is invisible, He is a Spirit. How, then, can we rationally defend our faith or belief in a being who we can't see with the naked eye? More specifically, If there is a God, as we believers claim that there is, Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world in which we live? Did God create evil? The question of evil has caused many people to disregard any belief in God at all. The Philosopher of Religion must take to task the problem of evil. Can we really prove the existence of God by argument? What do the Ontological, Cosmological, and Teleological Arguments have to offer the Theist in terms of defending their faith rationally? This brief and concise handbook will serve as a tool in helping one understand the rational validity of their belief in God. In addition to this, this study will investigate the importance of revelation; the revelation of God through nature, and special revelation that will aid in helping one come to a saving knowledge of the faith in our Creator. Lastly, this handbook will examine the issue of eternity. How do we know that there is life after death? What can we do here and now to prepare for life after death? It is the author's hope that this brief and concise handbook on the Philosophy of Religion will help the reader to see more clearly that belief in God is not some “blind faith,” or “leap into the dark,” as Soren Kierkegaard once said, but, in fact, belief in God or Theism, can be defended by philosophical arguments, and is a completely rational belief. Philosophy of Religion is not an intellectual waste of time, rather, it will aid the Theist to be better defenders of the faith (I Peter 3:15).