Faith and Philosophical Analysis : The Impact of Analytical Philosophy on the Philosophy of Religion

Analytical philosophy has dominated the philosophy of religion for at least half a century. Its impact is relished by some and regretted by others, but rarely openly discussed. This is the first ever volume critically and historically to debate its influence. The volume boasts world-renowned contributors who have shaped Anglo-American philosophy of religion over the past fifty years, and also up and coming scholars who will help determine its future.

What tensions arise between philosophy of religion and theology? What strengths and weaknesses of analytical methods emerge in relation to strongly confessional philosophical theologies, or to Continental philosophies? Faith and Philosophical Analysis evaluates how well philosophy of religion serves in understanding religious faith. Figures who rarely share the space of the same book - leading exponents of analytic philosophy of religion and those who question its legacy - are drawn together in this book, with their disagreements harnessed to positive effect. Figures such as Richard Swinburne and Basil Mitchell reflect on their life-long projects from a perspective which has not previously been seen in print. A wide range of approaches found in contemporary philosophy of religion are explored, including: reformed epistemology, ''traditional'' metaphysical theory building, feminist methodologies, Wittgensteinian approaches, and American pragmatism. Considering the trends in philosophy of religion as they are interacting across continents, looking particularly at philosophical influences in North America, Britain, and Continental Europe, this book will appeal to students, scholars and general readers with an interest in philosophy of religion, theology, or analytical philosophy.