What is the Philosophy of Religion?:
The Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. Such a study is "philosophical" if it is done in reasoned, disciplined manner and takes account of insights developed in various branches of philosophy: epistemology (for knowledge claims), metaphysics (for claims about the nature of reality), ethics, the philosophy of mind, etc. Irreligious atheists' critiques of religion are thus always a part of the philosophy of religion if they are done well and properly.
The Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. Such a study is "philosophical" if it is done in reasoned, disciplined manner and takes account of insights developed in various branches of philosophy: epistemology (for knowledge claims), metaphysics (for claims about the nature of reality), ethics, the philosophy of mind, etc. Irreligious atheists' critiques of religion are thus always a part of the philosophy of religion if they are done well and properly.
Why Should Atheists Care About the Philosophy of Religion?:
If an atheist is apathetic about theism and religion, this subject will have no interest for them. For atheists who are concerned about religion and who think it is important to offer sustained, reasoned, and pointed criticisms of religion and religious belief, then the Philosophy of Religion is indispensable. All of their arguments and reasoning will depend upon a solid grounding in this subject and an understanding of how it has developed over the past century or so. Without it, most critiques will tend to be somewhat superficial, won't have much impact, and won't convince anyone.
If an atheist is apathetic about theism and religion, this subject will have no interest for them. For atheists who are concerned about religion and who think it is important to offer sustained, reasoned, and pointed criticisms of religion and religious belief, then the Philosophy of Religion is indispensable. All of their arguments and reasoning will depend upon a solid grounding in this subject and an understanding of how it has developed over the past century or so. Without it, most critiques will tend to be somewhat superficial, won't have much impact, and won't convince anyone.
Philosophy of Religion & Theology:
Theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions. Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion. Theology treats scriptures (like the Bible or the Quran) as authoritative, while those texts are objects of study in the Philosophy of Religion. Authorities in the latter are reason, logic, and research, because the central aim of the Philosophy of Religion is to scrutinize religious claims for the purpose of formulating either a rational explanation or a rational response to them.
Theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions. Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion. Theology treats scriptures (like the Bible or the Quran) as authoritative, while those texts are objects of study in the Philosophy of Religion. Authorities in the latter are reason, logic, and research, because the central aim of the Philosophy of Religion is to scrutinize religious claims for the purpose of formulating either a rational explanation or a rational response to them.
What is an Atheist Philosophy of Religion?:
Since atheists don't believe in any gods, they won't believe that religions have been created by any gods. Atheists will regard religions as human-created belief systems which transmit traditions, ethics, mores, and identity across time. Beyond that, atheists may often disagree on exactly what a religion is, what functions a religion has, to what degree religion might be reasonable, how harmful religion might be, etc. At the very least, though, atheists will agree that religious claims shouldn't be taken at face value and should instead be subjected to critical, skeptical scrutiny.
Since atheists don't believe in any gods, they won't believe that religions have been created by any gods. Atheists will regard religions as human-created belief systems which transmit traditions, ethics, mores, and identity across time. Beyond that, atheists may often disagree on exactly what a religion is, what functions a religion has, to what degree religion might be reasonable, how harmful religion might be, etc. At the very least, though, atheists will agree that religious claims shouldn't be taken at face value and should instead be subjected to critical, skeptical scrutiny.
Questions Asked in the Philosophy of Religion:
Does God exist?
Is religious belief reasonable?
What is religion?
What is the nature of religious experiences?
What is the nature of religious language?
What is the value of faith?
Why does Evil exist?
Does God exist?
Is religious belief reasonable?
What is religion?
What is the nature of religious experiences?
What is the nature of religious language?
What is the value of faith?
Why does Evil exist?
Important Texts in the Philosophy of Religion:
Euthyphro, by Plato
The Idea of the Holy, by Rudolf Otto
I and Thou, by Martin Buber
The Golden Bough, by James Frazier
Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, by David Hume
Euthyphro, by Plato
The Idea of the Holy, by Rudolf Otto
I and Thou, by Martin Buber
The Golden Bough, by James Frazier
Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, by David Hume
