PHL 206 Philosophy of Religion

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Uses reflective and critical reading, thinking, writing, and discussion to explore the complex relationships between faith, reason, experience, religion, and worldview. Analyzes classical and contemporary texts, focusing on the nature, scope, and limits of faith and reason. Examines the major themes and arguments of the Philosophy of Religion. Considers theistic and atheistic religious and non-religious worldviews and values. Explores issues of difference, power, and responsibility in worldview as related to discrimination and fundamentalism. Examines the assumptions and convictions of worldview values and how their application benefits or harms particular groups.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Recommended: Placement into WR 121Z (or higher), or completion of WR 115 (or higher) with a grade of C or better.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain major themes and arguments in the Philosophy of Religion.
Articulate informed account of the complex relationship between faith, reason, religion, worldview, and experience.
Articulate personal worldview while respectfully engaging and understanding the worldviews of others: theistic, non-theistic, atheistic religious, and non-religious.
Use various forms of written and verbal discussion to articulate understanding and practical application of various aspects of Philosophy of Religion.
Write coherent essays using textual support, documentation (where applicable), and standard grammar/mechanics.
Thoughtfully and respectfully engage those who hold a different philosophical worldview.
Describe, and assess how power and worldview impacts the ways people treat each other, including oppression, discrimination, and fundamentalism

Content Outline

Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
- God
- Religion
- Worldview
- Conduct
  - Engage diverse perspectives with thoughtfulness and respect
  - Learn in disagreement
  - Openness to new insights and understandings creates better learning
Religious Experience
- Types
- Diversity
- Essence
The Relationship between Faith and Reason
- Strong rationalism
- Fideism
- Critical rationalism
Attributes of God
- Creator
- All-powerful, all-knowing, all-good
- Eternal
Evidence For and Against God’s Existence
- Theistic arguments
- Atheistic arguments
- Properly basic beliefs
The Problem of Evil: The Case Against the Existence of God
- Logical problems of evil
- Evidential problem of evil
- Defense
- Theodicy
Action of God: How God Interacts with the World
- God’s power
- God’s knowledge
- Miracles
Life After Death
- Personal identify and the soul
- Immortality of the soul
Religious Language
- Challenge of speaking meaningfully about God
- Analogy
- Function
- Symbolic
- Gender and language
Religion and Science
- Conflict
- Independent
- Dialogue
Religious Diversity
- Understanding the differences among religions
- Exclusivism
- Pluralism
- Inclusivism
Ethics and Religion
- God’s relationship to morality
- Source of religious ethics
- Religious discrimination and oppression
- Religious fundamentalism and violence