Philosophers Speak of God

In the first third of the course we will consider the concept of God and the existence of God found in important classical theistic thinkers in the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). In the second third of the course we will consider criticisms of classical theism found in several famous religious skeptics. And in the final third of the course we will consider an alternative version of theism called neoclassical (or process) theism in thinkers in all three of the major Abrahamic religions.

Along the way we will consider the differences in classical and neoclassical theism regarding the problem of evil and regarding the relationship between divine foreknowledge and human freedom. We will also see how feminist criticism of classical theism can reinforce neoclassical (or process) theism. In addition to the focus on the concept of God in the Abrahamic religions, the course will also include philosophical consideration of certain strands of pantheism and Buddhism.

The course as a whole is an exploration of the relationship between faith and reason, with an emphasis on the latter, although the fideistic view will also be considered.  Further, the course can be seen as an exercise in liberal religion as a third way between orthodoxy and religious skepticism.