Dialogues Between Faith And Reason

The contemporary theologian Hans Küng has asked if the "death of God," proclaimed by Nietzsche as the event of modernity, was inevitable. Did the empowering of new forms of rationality in Western culture beginning around 1500 lead necessarily to the reduction or privatization of faith? In Dialogues between Faith and Reason, John H. Smith traces a major line in the history of theology and the philosophy of religion down the "slippery slope" of secularization—from Luther and Erasmus, through Idealism, to Nietzsche, Heidegger, and contemporary theory such as that of Derrida, Habermas, Vattimo, and Asad. At the same time, Smith points to the persistence of a tradition that grew out of the Reformation and continues in the mostly Protestant philosophical reflection on whether and how faith can be justified by reason. In this accessible and vigorously argued book, Smith posits that faith and reason have long been locked in mutual engagement in which they productively challenge each other as partners in an ongoing "dialogue." Smith is struck by the fact that although in the secularized West the death of God is said to be fundamental to the modern condition, our current post-modernity is often characterized as a "postsecular" time. For Smith, this means not only that we are experiencing a broad-based "return of religion" but also, and more important for his argument, that we are now able to recognize the role of religion within the history of modernity. Emphasizing that, thanks to the logos located "in the beginning," the death of God is part of the inner logic of the Christian tradition, he argues that this same strand of reasoning also ensures that God will always "return" (often in new forms). In Smith's view, rational reflection on God has both undermined and justified faith, while faith has rejected and relied on rational argument. Neither a defense of atheism nor a call to belief, his book explores the long history of their interaction in modern religious and philosophical thought.

This short book is a lively dialogue between a religious believer and a skeptic. It covers all the main issues including different ideas of God, the good and bad in religion, religious experience and neuroscience, pain and suffering, death and life after death, and includes interesting autobiographical revelations.

The contemporary theologian Hans Küng has asked if the "death of God," proclaimed by Nietzsche as the event of modernity, was inevitable. Did the empowering of new forms of rationality in Western culture beginning around 1500 lead necessarily to the reduction or privatization of faith? In Dialogues between Faith and Reason, John H. Smith traces a major line in the history of theology and the philosophy of religion down the "slippery slope" of secularization—from Luther and Erasmus, through Idealism, to Nietzsche, Heidegger, and contemporary theory such as that of Derrida, Habermas, Vattimo, and Asad. At the same time, Smith points to the persistence of a tradition that grew out of the Reformation and continues in the mostly Protestant philosophical reflection on whether and how faith can be justified by reason. In this accessible and vigorously argued book, Smith posits that faith and reason have long been locked in mutual engagement in which they productively challenge each other as partners in an ongoing "dialogue." Smith is struck by the fact that although in the secularized West the death of God is said to be fundamental to the modern condition, our current post-modernity is often characterized as a "postsecular" time. For Smith, this means not only that we are experiencing a broad-based "return of religion" but also, and more important for his argument, that we are now able to recognize the role of religion within the history of modernity. Emphasizing that, thanks to the logos located "in the beginning," the death of God is part of the inner logic of the Christian tradition, he argues that this same strand of reasoning also ensures that God will always "return" (often in new forms). In Smith's view, rational reflection on God has both undermined and justified faith, while faith has rejected and relied on rational argument. Neither a defense of atheism nor a call to belief, his book explores the long history of their interaction in modern religious and philosophical thought.

In Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion Hume explores whether religious belief can be rational. Because Hume is an empiricist (i.e. someone who thinks that all knowledge comes through experience), he thinks that a belief is rational only if it is sufficiently supported by experiential evidence. So the question is really, is there enough evidence in the world to allow us to infer an infinitely good, wise, powerful, perfect God? Hume does not ask whether we can rationally prove that God exists, but rather whether we can rationally come to any conclusions about God's nature. He asserts that the first question is beyond doubt; the latter is initially undecided.Hume presents three characters, each of whom represent a different position on this issue, engaged in a dialogue together. Demea argues for the position of religious Orthodoxy, and insists that we cannot possibly come to know the nature of God through reason. Philo, the philosophical skeptic, agrees with Demea that God is incomprehensible and provides the most convincing arguments for this position. Cleanthes argues the position of empirical theism—the position that we can come to know about God by reasoning from the evidence afforded us by nature—against these two opponents.Together with his characters, Hume forces the reader to reflect not on the existence of God, but on the nature of religion and faith.

In "Harmony Unveiled: A Dialogue Between Faith and Reason," acclaimed author William Jones invites readers on a profound journey of exploration into the intricate interplay between two essential facets of human understanding. With eloquence and insight, Jones unveils the dynamic relationship between faith and reason, shedding light on their shared quest for truth, meaning, and enlightenment. Drawing from a rich tapestry of religious traditions, philosophical perspectives, and historical narratives, Jones guides readers through a thought-provoking odyssey that transcends boundaries and bridges divides. Through the pages of this captivating volume, readers embark on a transformative voyage of discovery—a journey that navigates the complexities of belief and rational inquiry with grace and intellectual rigor. "Harmony Unveiled" traverses a diverse array of themes, each chapter a gateway into the heart of fundamental questions that have shaped human existence. From the foundational origins of faith and reason to the nuanced dialogues that foster unity amidst diversity, Jones masterfully weaves together narratives of faith, scientific inquiry, philosophical musings, and real-life experiences. With each chapter, readers delve into the rich history of interfaith dialogues, the ethical foundations that bind diverse perspectives, the cosmic mysteries that awaken wonder, and the transformative power of doubt and certainty. Jones skillfully navigates the labyrinth of personal identity, illuminating the ways in which both faith and reason shape the complex tapestry of the self. "Harmony Unveiled" also invites readers to envision the future horizons of faith-reason dialogue, offering a compelling glimpse into the potential for technological advancements, global interfaith collaboration, and evolving belief systems. Through a visionary lens, Jones explores how the dialogue between faith and reason can foster unity, compassion, and collective wisdom in an ever-changing world. As readers immerse themselves in the eloquent prose and thought-provoking insights of "Harmony Unveiled," they are invited to embrace the beauty of complexity, celebrate the unity that emerges from diversity, and embark on a journey of personal and intellectual growth. Whether driven by faith, reason, or an insatiable curiosity for understanding, readers will find themselves enriched by the tapestry of thought presented within these pages—a tapestry that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. "Harmony Unveiled: A Dialogue Between Faith and Reason" is more than a book; it is an invitation to engage in a timeless conversation that transcends generations and touches the essence of human experience. Through its pages, readers are empowered to explore, reflect, and harmonize the profound melodies of faith and reason, and in doing so, contribute to a more enlightened and interconnected world.

First published in 2002. This is Volume XI of seventeen in the Library of Philosophy series on Metaphysics. Written in 1923, this study of Malebranche’s philosophical system, translated from ‘Entretiens sur la Metaphysique’, dialogues on metaphysics and religion.