God and the Reach of Reason
C. S. Lewis, David Hume, and Bertrand Russell

This book puts C. S. Lewis, David Hume, and Bertrand Russell in dialogue with one another.

Erik J. Wielenberg (Author)

9780521707107, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 November 2007

254 pages
22.8 x 18.6 x 1.4 cm, 0.354 kg

'This is a well written book that can catch the attention of a wide readership interested in theology, ethics and the philosophy of religion.' Russell: the Journal of Bertrand Russell Studies

C. S. Lewis is one of the most beloved Christian apologists of the twentieth century; David Hume and Bertrand Russell are among Christianity's most important critics. This book puts these three intellectual giants in conversation with one another to shed light on some of life's most difficult yet important questions. It examines their views on a variety of topics, including the existence of God, suffering, morality, reason, joy, miracles, and faith. Along with irreconcilable differences and points of tension, some surprising areas of agreement emerge. Today, amidst the often shrill and vapid exchanges between 'new atheists' and twenty-first-century believers, curious readers will find penetrating insights in the reasoned dialogue of these three great thinkers.

1. The love of God and the suffering of humanity
2. Beyond nature
3. Miracles
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Debating miracles in the 18th century
3.3 A preliminary skirmish
3.4 Hume's main assault
3.5 Lewis's counter-attack
3.6 The fitness of the incarnation
3.7 Lewis's mitigated victory and the trilemma
3.8 Conclusion
4. Faith, design, and true religion.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Religion & beliefs [HR], Philosophy [HP]