Problems and Possibilities of the Philosophy of Religion

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Problems and Possibilities of the Philosophy of Religion

Introduction

Over the years, scholars and religious theorists with an objective of understanding the operations of the world and the construct of life have widely evaluated the concept of religion and philosophy. While their input to most of the societal activities has been instrumental in building consistency, the two concepts have relayed specific areas of divergence that have raised significant questions among different people. In light of this, the philosophy of religion involves the evaluation and understanding of the nature of religion. It constitutes an analysis of the religious terms, arguments, and practices that guide religious adherence. Arguments raised towards understanding the philosophy of religion have been inclined towards specific theistic beliefs. The implications of drawing input from diverse analytic and continental traditions can be seen in the criticism and agnostic beliefs that have been raised across the globe. The philosophy of religion poses significant problems and possibilities that are applicable in the contemporary society.

Discussion

One of the problems for the philosophy of religion is associated with the nature of criticism exerted by each party. While philosophers concentrate on human reason and societal inclinations to identify the operations of the world, religious theorists concentrate solely on the beliefs about God. This criticism interferes with the perception of people towards religion, questioning their faith and their coming into existence. According to Evans (Evans and Manis 12), religious believers have often considered philosophers to be unsympathetic critics who have an objective of undermining the faith that some people hold dear. On the contrary, the philosopher often views the believer as an undoubted protector of superstition. Such perceptions often limit the ability of scholars across different disciplines to understand and reflect on the opposing views regarding the philosophy of religion (Evans and Manis 15). A limited or constrained approach towards understanding is likely to deliver incomplete outcomes that fail to reveal the importance of attitudes, stipulations, opinions, and observations of spiritual enthusiasts.

            The philosophy of religion possesses a fideist possibility that considers people as inherently religious. This concept is supported by the perception that once a person does not worship the true God, it is likely that they worship the false gods (Can Philosophy of Religion). Evans argues that such a possibility eliminates the opinion that a person can be religiously neutral, only a sincere follower or rebel of any attitudes and beliefs purported by the creator (Evans and Manis 18). While this is a possibility, it may also appear as a problem in the sense that a classification of theorists have considered that the unbeliever places their thoughts and reasoning above that of God. God is considered impartial, merciful, and perfect (Evans and Manis 18). Therefore, it requires more than rational reflection to become like God discrediting any arguments raised by nonbelievers.

            Faith appears to be a significant problem within the fideist approach to the philosophy of religion. People place their faith to a variety of things in the contemporary society. For instance, some people may have faith in books, education, family, and religious ideologies that are different from other adherents. According to Evans, the Christian fideist may argue that they follow God, true beliefs and accurate presuppositions oblivious of the inclinations of other adherents (Evans and Manis 20). Their analysis creates two possibilities under which their beliefs are universal and feasible. Religious truth is one of the possibilities in which a believer may affirm the nature and existence of God (Can Philosophy of Religion). This possibility is uncertain, as it is impossible to determine the position that God takes regarding the pursuit of religious truth. Additionally, legitimate thinking regarding religious beliefs that is impious and presumptuous is likely to reveal the nature of truth in a religion. Such possibilities provide an avenue in which religious adherents may identify their inclination towards certain faith and beliefs.

            A significant issue surrounding the philosophy of religion is the inclination towards commitments within the contemporary society. Separation from such perceptions creates the possibility that a person’s religious proclivity is impartial and unbiased. Neutralism insists that, “Our thinking about religious matters must be presuppositionless” (Evans and Manis 22). This implies that adherents should approach religious concepts from a dispassionate position. Although this is the case, scholars have raised two distinct issues regarding the nature of human beings that revolves around their ability to think reasonably and deviation from all assumptions. Evidently, human thinking is often affected by a myriad of irrational issues such as experiences and emotions that may shape a person’s beliefs about the existence of God or human creation (Evans and Manis 27). Furthermore, the issue of commitment appears to be a broader aspect at the critical reflection and dialogue stage as it warrants the need to evaluate a person’s beliefs. It is correspondingly complex to achieve a consensus regarding religious affairs as it directly affects a person’s life.

Conclusion

The philosophy of religion possesses a variety of problems and possibilities, particularly in the contemporary society where there exists a myriad of religions. Diversity in religion has the ability to yield different values, terms, attitudes, and beliefs making it difficult for believers and non-believers to understand and determine the true religion. Among the possibilities and problems associated with the philosophy of religion include, the nature of criticism, a fideist inclination towards faith and a neutralist perspective towards commitment and reasonableness. The reading provides extensive information that highlights the problems and possibilities of the philosophy of religion. Engaging a diverse community such as spiritual believers and agnostics, cynics and nonbelievers is likely to expand the understanding of the possibilities and problems of philosophy of religion.

Works Cited

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“Can Philosophy Of Religion Find God? Closer to Truth”. Closertotruth.Com, 2018, https://www.closertotruth.com/series/can-philosophy-religion-find-god#video-3075. Accessed 16 May 2018.

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Evans, Charles S, and R Zachary, Manis. Philosophy of Religion: Thinking About Faith. IVP academic, 2009.