Monotheism and Human Nature

This Element is an engaging exercise in natural theology and metaphysics that illuminates connections between God's nature and our own.

Andrew M. Bailey (Author)

9781108964401, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 June 2021

75 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 0.5 cm, 0.12 kg

The main question of this Element is how the existence, supremacy, and uniqueness of an almighty and immaterial God bear on our own nature. It aims to uncover lessons about what we are by thinking about what God might be. A dominant theme is that Abrahamic monotheism is a surprisingly hospitable framework within which to defend and develop the view that we are wholly material beings. But the resulting materialism cannot be of any standard variety. It demands revisions and twists on the usual views. We can indeed learn about ourselves by learning about God. One thing we learn is that, though we are indeed wholly material beings, we're not nearly as ordinary as we might seem.

1. Opening Moves
2. Spirits Human and Divine
3. Simplicity and Mystery
4. God Alone
5. Heterodoxy.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Religion: general [HRA], Religion & beliefs [HR]