Features

• Includes all those topics that customarily come up in philosophy of religion courses (design arguments, the problem of evil, divine omnipotence, divine omniscience, moral arguments etc.) as well as chapters on miracles, prayer and life,death and hope which are not typically covered by philosophy of religion texts however provide students with a broad perspective of the subject area. 
• Offers chapter features to support independent reading, class discussion, and further study, including clear summaries of positions addressed, points for further reflection, and annotated suggestions for further reading.
• The textbook explores the topics from the perspectives of the five main world religions, introducing students to the work of scholars from a variety of religious traditions and interpretations of belief. This is a unique approach to the subject area.

Summary

What is this thing called Philosophy of Religion? grapples with the core topics studied on philosophy of religion undergraduate courses including: 

• the meaning of religious language, including 20th century developments 
• the nature of the Divine, including divine power, wisdom and action 
• arguments for the existence of the Divine 
• challenges to belief in the Divine, including the problems of evil, divine hiddenness and religious diversity 
• believing without arguments
• arguments for life after death, including reincarnation.

In addition to the in-depth coverage of the key themes within the subject area Elizabeth Burns explores the topics from the perspectives of the five main world religions, introducing students to the work of scholars from a variety of religious traditions and interpretations of belief.

What is this thing called Philosophy of Religion? is the ideal introduction for those approaching the philosophy of religion for the first time, containing many helpful student-friendly features, such as a glossary of important terms, study questions and further reading.