Description:
This book guides readers through an investigation of religion from a naturalistic perspective and explores the very meaning of the term 'religious naturalism'. Oppy considers several widely disputed claims: that there cannot be naturalistic religion; that there is nothing in science that poses any problems for naturalism; that there is nothing in religion that poses any serious challenges to naturalism; and that there is a very strong case for thinking that naturalism defeats religion.
Review Quotes:
"This excellent defence of a carefully defined version of naturalism should be required reading for anyone thinking about the topic."
Greg Dawes, University of Otago, New Zealand"The philosophy of religion today has no more acute and incisive investigator than Graham Oppy. His works combine deep understanding of technical nuance with eloquence and lucidity of expression. These qualities are preeminently present in his new book from Routledge, Naturalism and Religion: A Contemporary Philosophical Investigation. Unreservedly recommended."
Keith Parsons, University of Houston-Clear Lake, USA
"In this learned and perforce wide-ranging examination, Oppy makes a powerful case for the superiority of naturalistic over religious attempts to understand reality, while rejecting claims of inevitable conflict between science and religion".
Evan Fales, University of Iowa, USA
"It succeeds splendidly at delineating the philosophy of religion as seen from the viewpoint of naturalism. ...Oppy's methodology is refreshing."
Glenn Branch, National Centre for Science Education.