Philosophy of ReligionDr Tom Kerns
Philosophy of Religion
Rough Course Outline I. The Negation:
This, the reasoned attack against all things religious, including God, will be approached from philosophical, psychological and sociological perspectives, with reference to Nietzsche, Freud, Bertrand Russell, and others.
II. Some Religions:
A quick view of some of the major world religions, perhaps to include Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, the primordial traditions. Using Huston Smith's The World's Religions.
III. Common Themes in Religions:
Some philosophers - including your instructor - have tried to delineate some of the elements commonly found in the world's religious traditions. We will examine some of what they have found, using the following sources
A. Great Spiritual Traditions
Kerns essay; Br David Steindl-Rast's tape/lecture
B. Religious Experience
James, VRE , Otto, Das Heilige
C. Basic Truths
Smith, Forgotten Truth
D. Contemplation and Mysticism
Underhill, Mysticism
(Our definition of "Mysticism" vigorously and specifically excludes all the occult and para-normal phenomena often associated with the word. By "Mysticism" we will specifically mean "the genuine and serious quest for the Really Real.")Plus... a few appendices:
a.) Principles for assessing Religious Groups
(i.e., What about all the myriad examples of religiousness we see around us today, from Mother Theresa, the Pope and Lech Walesa to Jimmy Swaggart, Jim & Tammy Faye, and the Moonies? Can one discern between authentic and inauthentic forms? between healthy and not-so-healthy? What principles might one use for so distinguishing?
b.) On reading a Holy Book
(Some books have been called "inspired,"prophetic, or sacred. These writings demand to be read in a different manner than any other type of writing. We will briefly explore that way.)
c.) Appropriating it all as personal, i.e., not just generic knowledge
(Some kinds of "knowledge" need to be appropriated, need to become my knowledge or they do not qualify as knowledge at all.)
d.) Some notes on Practice
(One way it becomes my knowledge is when I live it, and don't just know it. What does living, or practicing, a religion entail?)
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