7/27/2019 Religious Studies Review Volume 33 issue 3 2007 [doi 10.1111%2Fj.1748-0922.2007.00199_2.x] Charles Taliaferr

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Religious Studies Review VOLUME 33 NUMBER 3 JULY 2007

sin, suffering, and miracles. This book is highly recom-mended for academics and university classrooms.

Barry L. Whitney

University of Windsor

Philosophy of Religion

PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION: AN HISTORICALINTRODUCTION. By Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski. Funda-mentals of Philosophy, 3. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing,2007. Pp. 264. $29.95, ISBN 978-1-4051-1872-9.

Zagzebskis book offers a clear and accessible introduc-tion to the philosophy of religion that includes both a histor-ical overview of the subject and a taste of the latest researchin the field. Because of its generally theistic approach toreligion and its focus on monotheism, the book would beparticularly well suited to those already acquainted withmonotheism but who could benefit from a brief history ofreligion, philosophy, and philosophical argument. Particu-larly notable are Zagzebskis layout of the classical argu-

ments for Gods existence and the connection she makesbetween them and more contemporary arguments. Withclarity and precision, Zagzebski not only traces througharguments for Gods existence but also delves into questionsof who God is and the implications of theism for free will,morality, the existence of evil, and the afterlife. She alsoaddresses two problems associated with religion today: reli-gious diversity and the alleged conflict between faith andreason. Although Zagzebki realizes that some of the mostimportant and difficult philosophical questions remainunanswerable, her book ends on a hopeful note. She urgesphilosophers to continue to ponder the issues of ultimate

significance without losing their eagerness of spirit. WhileZagzebskis Christian framework and overriding focus onmonotheism might seem lopsided to some, her book servesas an excellent contribution to the field both for its historicalapproach to the philosophy of religion and its ability to con-textualize current discussions in light of history andpersonal faith.

Hannah J. Woldum

University of St. Thomas

RELIGIONS, REASONS AND GODS: ESSAYS INCROSS-CULTURAL PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION. ByJohn Clayton. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,

2006. Pp. 352. $100.00, ISBN 13 978-0-521-42104-1.This is one of the best works on cross-cultural philoso-

phy of religion in the last ten years. Blackburn and Carrollhave done an expert job completing the manuscript left byClayton, who died in 2003. Clayton clearly understood andintelligently promoted the practice of philosophy of religionwith a deep appreciation for its history and socioculturalcontext. Clayton offers an admirable, detailed analysis oftheistic arguments and the relationship of faith and reasonin early modern philosophy.

Charles Taliaferro

St. Olaf College

THE WISDOM TO DOUBT: A JUSTIFATION OFRELIGIOUS SKEPTICISM. By J. L. Schellenberg. Ithaca,NY: Cornell University Press, 2007. Pp. xi + 326; illustra-tions. $49.95, ISBN 978-0-8014-4554-5.

This is an aggressive sustained argument against the-ism and in favor of religious skepticism. Schellenbergextends his atheistic arguments fromDivine Hiddenness and

Human Reasons and his project outlined in hisProlegomenato a Philosophy of Religion. There are seven proofs foratheism and a careful overview of the possible resources fora skeptical philosophy of religion. While opposed to theism,Schellenberg is also opposed to a facile secular naturalism.His latest book is an important contribution, brimming witharguments and counterarguments, and deserving of a widereadership.

Charles Taliaferro

St. Olaf College

DIVINITY AND MAXIMAL GREATNESS. By Daniel J.Hill. London: Routledge, 2005. Pp. ix + 255. $115.00, ISBN

0-415-31288-4.This is a superior contribution to perfect being philo-

sophical theology in the tradition of Anselm. There is a vig-orous case for the coherence of maximal excellence at thebeginning and then concentrated, analytic treatments ofomniscience, omnipotence, and values. Eternity and omni-presence are considered succinctly in a final chapter. Thishighly technical text is essential reading for those with seri-ous interests in analytic philosophy of religion.

Charles Taliaferro

St. Olaf College

A THINKERS GUIDE TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF

RELIGION. By Allen Stairs and Christopher Bernard. NewYork: Pearson Longman. Pp. xi + 356; illustrations. $38.20,ISBN 0-321-24375-7.

This is an excellent introduction to philosophy of reli-gion with an emphasis on analytic methodology. Written inan accessible, engaging prose, the authors address conceptsof God, theistic arguments, reformed epistemology, prag-matic arguments, the problem of evil, the relationship of Godand morality, religious pluralism, the meaningfulness of reli-gious discourse, and life after death. It is odd that the topicof the meaning of religious discourse emerges in chaptertwelve, but apart from this minor peculiarity, the book will

make a fine textbook to those interested in exploring philos-ophy of religion today.

Charles Taliaferro

St. Olaf College

Theology

EXPLORING CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY: ESSAYSIN HONOR OF SANDRA M. SCHNEIDERS, IHM.Edited by Bruce H. Lescher and Elizabeth Liebert, SNJM.New York: Paulist Press, 2006. Pp. v + 240. $22.95, ISBN 0-8091-4216-3.