Overview

Hugh Rice explains why belief in God need not be seen as a strange or irrational kind of belief, but can be a natural extension of our ordinary ways of thinking. First he argues that it is rational to believe that the universe exists just because it is good that it should exist. Then he argues that we should conceive of God in an abstract way; in particular, we should understand God's willing something as consisting in its being good that that thing should be so. Together these arguments give reason to believe that the universe was created by God. This abstract conception of God does justice both to the nature of goodness and to the idea that God is sovereign. In the course of arguing for it, Rice gives clear and non-technical discussions of such fascinating topics as the objectivity of value, the problem of evil, and the evidence for miracles. Anyone interested in the nature of God and the basis of religious belief will enjoy this book.

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9780199256648

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`Review from previous edition a stimulating brief introduction to the philosophy of religion ... written with great clarity and remarkable conciseness. It displays a refreshing independence of mind in its treatment of a range of fundamental philosophical issues' Religious Studies `Rice's reasoning is clear and concise, and includes sharp analyses' Theology `Rice admirably avoids the technical jargon and formal symbolism often found in analytical treatises.' Reviews in Religion and Theology `deftly demolishes the claims of science to be more objectively factual than the claims of theism... If you enjoy intellectual arm-wrestling with the likes of Hick, Swinburne and Mackie, then you will enjoy getting to grips with this passionate plea for the importance of rational belief, at a time when mystery, metaphysics and imagination make so much of the running.' John Saxbee, Church Times `Rice has written a courageously argued book which refreshingly challenges many contemporary assumptions.' John A. Harrod, The Expository Times

God and Goodness is a fascinating book. It is clearly written, very ingenious, and in many places persuasive; and it makes a number of good points against those who would pit the scientific outlook against the religious. Richard Sturch, Journal of Theological Studies

`Review from previous edition a stimulating brief introduction to the philosophy of religion ... written with great clarity and remarkable conciseness. It displays a refreshing independence of mind in its treatment of a range of fundamental philosophical issues' Religious Studies `Rice's reasoning is clear and concise, and includes sharp analyses' Theology `Rice admirably avoids the technical jargon and formal symbolism often found in analytical treatises.' Reviews in Religion and Theology `deftly demolishes the claims of science to be more objectively factual than the claims of theism... If you enjoy intellectual arm-wrestling with the likes of Hick, Swinburne and Mackie, then you will enjoy getting to grips with this passionate plea for the importance of rational belief, at a time when mystery, metaphysics and imagination make so much of the running.' John Saxbee, Church Times `Rice has written a courageously argued book which refreshingly challenges many contemporary assumptions.' John A. Harrod, The Expository Times

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