Natural Signs and Knowledge of God

Is there such a thing as natural knowledge of God? C. Stephen Evans presents the case for understanding theistic arguments as expressions of natural signs in order to gain a new perspective both on their strengths and weaknesses. Three classical, much-discussed theistic arguments - cosmological, teleological, and moral - are examined for the natural signs they embody.At the heart of this book lie several relatively simple ideas. One is thatif there is a God of the kind accepted by Christians, Jews, and Muslims, then it is likely that a 'natural' knowledge of God is possible. Another is that this knowledge will have two characteristics:it will be both widely available to humans and yet easy to resist. If these principles are right, a new perspective on many of the classical arguments for God's existence becomes possible. We understand why these arguments have for many people a continued appeal but also why they do not constitute conclusive 'proofs' that settle the debate once and for all.Touching on the interplay between these ideas and contemporary scientific theories about the origins of religiousbelief, particularly the role of natural selection in predisposing humans to form beliefs in God or gods, Evans concludes that these scientific accounts of religious belief are fully consistent, evensupportive, of the truth of religious convictions.

Winner of Winner of the C.S. Lewis Prize 2012.

“This is a richand rewarding book that reaffirms the rationality of belief in God, while opening up a subtly different approach to theistic apologetics that could well be of considerable value.”

Evans has here made a valuable and original contribution to the field of religious epistemology. Natural Signs and Knowledge of God deserves attention from, and is sure to provoke lively debate between, philosophers of religion and theologians. However, it should also be of interest to, and accessible to, anyone concerned with theistic apologetics. Even someone with little grounding in these issues is likely to gain something from it. Sarah Adams, Religious Studies
lucidly written and carefully argued John Cottingham, Times Literary Supplement
There are many reasons to recommend C. Stephen Evans' new book... It is accessible and open in its style, and deals skilfully with what I consider to be the most important subject we can study: our ability to know God... The book can be read with profit by a wide audience, from undergraduate and graduate students to the interested general public... an engaging and stimulating work Owen Anderson, Conversations in Religion and Theology
Alister McGrath, Theology
a very good book... Evans has placed philosophers and theologians further in his debt with this book... I look forward to having an opportunity to read it again. Graham Gould, Journal of Theological Studies
This is an impressive book. It is rigorously argued but not written in dense or technical language. As well as philosophers, it should appeal to anyone with a serious interest in Christian apologetics. Church of England Newspaper
Evans' book is a characteristic combination of careful attention to neglected historical ideas and insightful analysis of a broad range of contemporary issues ... Natural Signs and Knowledge of God has much to offer philosophers and theologians, but the most significant contribution of Evans' book may well be to motivate and otherwise support broadly theistic research programs in the human sciences. Todd Buras, Books and Culture

C. Stephen Evans (Ph.D., Yale) is Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and the Humanities at Baylor University. He previously taught in the philosophy departments at Calvin College, St. Olaf College and Wheaton College. His publications include Why Believe?, The Historical Christ and the Jesus of Faith: The Incarnational Narrative as History, Kierkegaard's Ethic of Love and Keirkegaard on Faith and the Self: Collected Essays.

Is there such a thing as natural knowledge of God? C. Stephen Evans presents the case for understanding theistic arguments as expressions of natural signs in order to gain a new perspective both on their strengths and weaknesses. Three classical, much-discussed theistic arguments - cosmological, teleological, and moral - are examined for the natural signs they embody.At the heart of this book lie several relatively simple ideas. One is that if there is a God of the kind accepted by Christians, Jews, and Muslims, then it is likely that a 'natural' knowledge of God is possible. Another is that this knowledge will have two characteristics: it will be both widely available to humans and yet easy to resist. If these principles are right, a new perspective on many of the classical arguments for God's existence becomes possible. We understand why these arguments have for many people a continued appeal but also why they do not constitute conclusive 'proofs' that settle the debate once and for all.Touching on the interplay between these ideas and contemporary scientific theories about the origins of religious belief, particularly the role of natural selection in predisposing humans to form beliefs in God or gods, Evans concludes that these scientific accounts of religious belief are fully consistent, even supportive, of the truth of religious convictions.

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