Unlike many other introductions to the philosophy of religion, Runzo does not adopt a perspective which is particular to Western monotheistic religions — Christianity and Judaism in particular. Today, in the 21st century, it simply isn’t possible to approach religion in such an insular manner while ignoring the challenges posed by other religious traditions.
It should be emphasized that this is not just an empty slogan for Runzo; on the contrary, he puts it into practice throughout the book as he makes use of ideas from non-Christian religions and philosophies. For example, when presenting and critiquing various traditional arguments for the existence of God — arguments which are elsewhere framed in a manner particular to Western religious traditions — Runzo not only employs non-Christian arguments, but he also contrasts Christian and non-Christian arguments for different types of gods.
One particularly good instance of this is when explains Anselm’s Ontological Argument because, right alongside, he also offers a parallel Ontological Argument for Brahman:
- “Anselm and others have felt that ontological arguments show the “rational acceptability” (to use Plantinga’s phrase) of Christian faith. But here we have a parallel argument purporting to show the rational acceptability of Hindu faith and applicable to Advaita Vedanta as well as forms of Hindu theism. So even if one is inclined to think that there is a Transcendent, an ontological argument for the existence of God may not be the ontological argument for a Transcendent which one finds most convincing. ...Anselm’s argument seems to be a proof only for those who are already convinced that God exists...”
Why should you consider buying this book? Everyone who seriously discusses religion would benefit from a deeper understanding of the philosophical problems and issues involved. Runzo’s book is one of the best ways to accomplish that — even though the topics he addresses are very difficult, he manages to make them comprehensible. That doesn’t mean that this book doesn’t require some attention and thinking, but that effort will be richly rewarded.
That also doesn’t mean that the book is perfect, however. It is wonderful right up until the last chapter, at which point Runzo attempts to provide a rational defense of a commitment to belief in God. Throughout the book he emphasizes the need for a successful deductive argument to be valid and sound. Unfortunately, his Argument from Love is neither. As a matter of fact, readers (including theists) who are paying attention will find that his argument makes some of the same mistakes he points out earlier in other arguments.
It’s a logically invalid rationalization made up to look like a reasonable argument, which is a very disappointing finish to an otherwise wonderful introduction to the philosophy of religion. If you can ignore the last chapter, or even use it as an example of what not to do, you will benefit greatly from having this book around.
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