In the monotheistic traditions, there are people who report having special experiences that justify their monotheistic beliefs. They see, hear, or otherwise experience directly the one true God, ruler of the universe. In order to understand what is going on in these experiences and how we should respond to reports of these experiences, it is important to understand what religious experiences can and can't be, what the claim of monotheism entails, and therefore how what reports of such expe...

This book takes a theoretical enterprise in Christian philosophy of religion and applies it to Buddhism, thus defending Buddhism and presenting it favorably in comparison. Chapters explore how the claims of both Christianity and Theravada Buddhism rest on people’s experiences, so the question as to which claimants to religious knowledge are right rests on the evidential value of those experiences. The book examines mysticism and ways to understand what goes on in religious experiences, hel...

The renowned psychoanalyst and New York Times –bestselling author of The Art of Loving unites philosophy from the East and West.In 1957, social philosopher and psychoanalyst Erich Fromm invited Daisetz T. Suzuki, the most famous Zen Buddhist master in the Western world, to a seminar at his new home in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Their discussion was one of the highlights of Fromm's lif...

This book is for anyone wanting to understand what religion is really about. Exploring all the key principles upon which religion is based and setting out the arguments for and against belief in a clear, accessible style, it examines religion against current issues such as terrorism, evolution, and our multi-cultural society.NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.AUTHOR INSIGHTSLots of instant help with ...

The writings of C. G. Jung himself are the best place to read about all his main ideas—but where to start, when Jung's Collected Works run to more than eighteen volumes? Robert H. Hopcke's guide to Jung's voluminous writings shows exactly the best place to begin for getting a handle on each of Jung's key concepts and ideas—from archetypal symbols to analytical psychology to UFOs. Each chapter explains one of Jung's principal concerns, then directs the reader where to read about i...

Religion has been responsible for both horrific acts against humanity and some of humanity's most sublime teachings and experiences. How is this possible? From a contemporary psychoanalytic perspective, this book seeks to answer that question in terms of the psychological dynamic of idealisation. At the heart of living religion is the idealisation of everyday objects. Such idealisations provide much of the transforming power of religious experience, which is one of the positive contributio...

Does God exist? What about evil and suffering? How does faith relate to science? Is there life after death? These questions fascinate everyone and lie at the heart of philosophy of religion. Chad Meister offers an up-to-date introduction to the field, focussing not only on traditional debates but also on contemporary concepts such as the intelligent creator. Key topics, such as divine reality and the self and religious experience, are discussed in relation to different faiths.I...

Is religion a positive reality in your life? If not, have you lost anything by forfeiting this dimension of your humanity?This book compares the theology of Tillich with the psychology of Jung, arguing that they were both concerned with the recovery of a valid religious sense for contemporary culture. Paul Tillich, Carl Jung and the Recovery of Religion explores in detail the diminution of the human spirit through the loss of its contact with its native religious depths, a...

The field of Jungian psychology has been growing steadily over the last twenty years and awareness is increasing of its relevance to the predicaments of modern life. Jung appeals not only to professionals who are looking for a more humane and creative way of working with their clients, but also to academics in an increasingly wide range of disciplines.This Handbook is unique in presenting a clear, comprehensive and systematic exposition of the central tenets of Jung’s work...

Philosophy of Religion: The Basics offers a concise introduction to philosophy of religion, distilling key discussions and concepts of the subject to their succinct essence, providing a truly accessible entry into the subject.A truly accessible introduction to philosophy of religion for beginnersTakes a topical approach, starting with the nature of religion and moving the reader through the major concepts, explaining how topics connect and point to one anot...

Contemplative Aging is for men and women age 60 and beyond who want to experience a more peaceful, aware way of being through contemplative practices and transcend the many causes of suffering inherent in later life. It presents a way of being that has received little attention in most popular and professional books on aging, yet adds a different and deeper dimension to complement and strengthen the active, healthy older age promoted in the popular media. Contemplative Aging also provides ...

The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Religion, Second edition is an indispensable guide and reference source to the major themes, movements, debates and topics in philosophy of religion. Considerably expanded for the second edition, over seventy entries from a team of renowned international contributors are organized into nine clear parts:philosophical issues in world religionskey figures in philosophy of religionreligious diversityt...