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The Christian Idea of God
A Philosophical Foundation for Faith

Part of Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society

  • Author: Keith Ward, University of Roehampton and Christ Church, Oxford
  • Date Published: September 2017
  • availability: Available
  • format: Paperback
  • isbn: 9781108410212

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About the Authors
  • In this book, eminent theologian Keith Ward takes a fresh look at the ancient philosophy of Idealism, connects it with findings in modern science, and shows that a combination of good science, good philosophy, and a passion for truth and goodness, can underpin religious faith. Going back to first principles, he argues for the Idealist view that all knowledge begins with experience. Critically examining the idealism of Plato, Kant, and Hegel, Ward shows how this philosophy is strengthened by a knowledge of modern physics, and how it can lead to a new and vivid presentation of Christian faith. A work of philosophical rigour that makes clear the rational nature of belief in God, this book challenges the easy assumptions of materialism and the relativity of truth that undermine both science and religion. Ward writes in an accessible and readable style that gives new life and practical usefulness to idealist philosophy.

    • Provides a fresh defence of philosophical Idealism, counteracting the materialism of much modern thought, thought which usually neglects quantum physics, consciousness, and questions of value, for example
    • It is written in an accessible, reader-friendly style and provides assured philosophical knowledge while not using technical terminology
    • Proposes an original philosophical basis for Christian, and more generally theistic, belief, showing the reasonableness of Christian belief
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    Reviews & endorsements

    'Ward does not shrink from the big issues, and his engagement with the problem of suffering is especially challenging.' Church Times

    'The Christian Idea of God, by preeminent theologian and Kant scholar Keith Ward, is an ambitious and surprisingly fast-paced exploration into cutting-edge possibilities for Christian philosophical theology in the light of remarkable recent developments in 21st century Western rationality.' William Greenway, Reading Religion

    'Commendable … is Ward's speculative humility. His articulation of his views is neither arrogant nor imperious, and the result is a book that invites the reader to join in the speculation.' F. G. Kirkpatrick, Choice

    'Ward presents, in an accessible book aimed at the general public, a revisionary account of God and His place in the universe … Evaluating whether Ward's theodicy is successful or attractive could prompt valuable discussion among students.' Fr. James Dominic Rooney, Religious Studies Review

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    Product details

    • Date Published: September 2017
    • format: Paperback
    • isbn: 9781108410212
    • length: 236 pages
    • dimensions: 228 x 152 x 14 mm
    • weight: 0.36kg
    • availability: Available
  • Table of Contents

    Introduction
    Part I. The Nature of Mind:
    1. What personal idealism is
    2. Beginning from experience
    3. The unitary self
    4. The self as agent
    5. Inferential and interpretative hypotheses
    6. The objectivity of value
    7. Personal knowledge
    Part II. External Mind:
    8. The idea of ultimate mind
    9. The supreme informational principle
    10. Explaining the Universe
    11. Creation and evolution
    12. Is nature sacred? 13. Eternal mind
    14. Freedom and necessity
    Part III. Supreme Good:
    15. Morality and creativity
    16. Philokalia
    17. The world to come
    18. Moral demand and human fulfilment
    19. Judgment and compassion
    20. Kenosis and Theosis
    21. Divine causality
    22. Reason and revelation.

  • Author

    Keith Ward, University of Roehampton and Christ Church, Oxford
    Keith Ward has been Professor of the Philosophy of Religion, University of London, and Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford. He is the author of many books on religion, philosophy, and theology (including on Kant, comparative theology and, recently, Christ and the Cosmos: A Reformulation of Trinitarian Doctrine (Cambridge, 2015). He is a Fellow of the British Academy, and a Canon of Christ Church, Oxford.

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