The Problem of God in Buddhism

This Element examines the roles of deities in Buddhist texts and practice and discusses whether Buddhism is an atheistic religion.

Signe Cohen (Author)

9781009578707, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 March 2025

74 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 0.9 cm, 0.26 kg

Since Buddhism does not include a belief in a personal god instrumental to the creation of the world or to human salvation, it is often assumed that gods play no part in Buddhism at all. This Element complicates the simplistic assessment of Buddhism as an 'atheistic religion' and discusses the various roles deities play in Buddhist texts and practice. The Problem of God in Buddhism includes a comprehensive analysis of the Buddhist refutations of a creator God, the idea of salvation without divine intervention, the role of minor deities in Buddhism, the question of whether Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can function as gods in certain forms of Buddhism, and the notion of the sacred as apart from the divine in Buddhist traditions.

1. Buddhism as 'Atheism'?
2. Buddhism and the idea of a divine creator
3. Salvation without gods
4. The roles of gods, buddhas, and bodhisattvas
5. Gods and goddesses in Buddhism
6. The sacred in Buddhism
References.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of religion [HRAB]