K.H.A. Esmail

God: A brief philosophical introduction III K.H.A. Esmail

This is a clear and original investigation of God's nature and existence.







First of all, it considers (among other things) two of God's traditional properties: being all-knowing and being all-powerful. It argues he cannot possess these properties. But, it argues this is in accord with him being worthy of worship.




Secondly, it introduces the notion of evil being "overridden". It argues he has to bring about other free living things and it is plausible they have to be liable to experience evil due to their conditions. But, it argues the evil in this world is "overridden".




Thirdly, it considers the principal arguments for the claim he does not exist. (They refer to the evil in the world.) It argues they do not establish sufficient grounds for this claim.




Finally, it considers some well-known arguments for the claim he exists. It argues they face difficulties. It sets out other arguments: eg, some arguments to increase any degree of belief one has that God can exist.




It includes a number of Appendices: God's sovereignty; Are there sufficient grounds for the claim that, very probably, God does not exist?; Theodicy and some theodicies; Some further remarks on God and time; Some further remarks on a living thing which possesses the power to do this or that freely; ...







It covers as a whole the principal parts of the Philosophy of Religion.




It unifies these parts to a significant degree. It proceeds regularly by way of formal and clear arguments.







It will be of interest to advanced students and specialists in Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theology.




Given its explanation of key terms, its jargon-free language, its clarity and brevity...., it will be of interest to others, too.