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Philosophy of Religion

The following is a summary of each of the five parts of

Philosophy of Religion by Dr. D. Elton Trueblood. The author's entire approach to theology is as a Protestant theologian; however, as he points out: "Whatever the truth may be, it is certainly larger than our particular systems. It is for this reason that no religious thinker dare be limited by the dogmas of his own school" (XV).

This initial part is separated into five chapters: "The Necessity of Philosophy;" "Faith and Reason;" "The Possibility of Truth;" "The Mystery of Knowledge;" and "The Nature of Evidence."

"The Necessity of Philosophy" takes the position that the religious vitality of the 20th century cannot be ignored. Religion, in this age, cannot be abandoned to science, except in Russia. However, modern developments, unknown to Dr. Trueblood, are making this no longer the situation. Yet the vitality of religion is not answering all our questions, but adding to them. Trueblood observes: "What is amazing is that it has been possible, in spite of years of reverence for the very letter of scripture, to face the sacred writings with complete scientific honesty . . . " (4). There is no real conflict between science and religion. This book approaches philosophy from the viewpoint of the philosophy of religion. Truth is reached by examining many areas of thought.

"Faith and Reason" speaks of such subjects as the validation of belief. We must be concerned about reality. What is is more important than what is pleasant. Answers must not be given too soon. The problems must be thoroughly examined. Trueblood refers to Blaise Pascal: "The least of the idea is that, because the truth is never really simple, it is almost always necessary, when dealing with profound matter, to present at least two propositions rather than one" (25). This is the importance of paradox. Man may be a sinner, but he is also made in God's image. We may not know which reli...

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Philosophy of Religion. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 14:45, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1687604.html