The Christian Idea of God
A Philosophical Foundation for Faith

A robust defence of the philosophy of Idealism - the view that all reality is based on Mind - which shows that this is strongly rooted in classical traditions of philosophy.

Keith Ward (Author)

9781108410212, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 September 2017

236 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.36 kg

'Ward presents, in an accessible book aimed at the general public, a revisionary account of God and His place in the universe … Evaluating whether Ward's theodicy is successful or attractive could prompt valuable discussion among students.' Fr. James Dominic Rooney, Religious Studies Review

In this book, eminent theologian Keith Ward takes a fresh look at the ancient philosophy of Idealism, connects it with findings in modern science, and shows that a combination of good science, good philosophy, and a passion for truth and goodness, can underpin religious faith. Going back to first principles, he argues for the Idealist view that all knowledge begins with experience. Critically examining the idealism of Plato, Kant, and Hegel, Ward shows how this philosophy is strengthened by a knowledge of modern physics, and how it can lead to a new and vivid presentation of Christian faith. A work of philosophical rigour that makes clear the rational nature of belief in God, this book challenges the easy assumptions of materialism and the relativity of truth that undermine both science and religion. Ward writes in an accessible and readable style that gives new life and practical usefulness to idealist philosophy.

Introduction
Part I. The Nature of Mind: 1. What personal idealism is
2. Beginning from experience
3. The unitary self
4. The self as agent
5. Inferential and interpretative hypotheses
6. The objectivity of value
7. Personal knowledge
Part II. External Mind: 8. The idea of ultimate mind
9. The supreme informational principle
10. Explaining the Universe
11. Creation and evolution
12. Is nature sacred? 13. Eternal mind
14. Freedom and necessity
Part III. Supreme Good: 15. Morality and creativity
16. Philokalia
17. The world to come
18. Moral demand and human fulfilment
19. Judgment and compassion
20. Kenosis and Theosis
21. Divine causality
22. Reason and revelation.

Subject Areas: Christian spirituality & religious experience [HRCS], Christian theology [HRCM], History of religion [HRAX], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Philosophy of mind [HPM], Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA]