With the entry-level student in mind, Stuart Brown guides the reader through three main topics: whether or not there is life after death; whether or not there is a powerful, beneficent intelligence controlling the universe; and the nature and appropriate defence of religious belief or faith. Each chapter is linked to readings by commentators on religion and belief, such as David Hume, John Hick, Richard Dawkins and William James. Key features also include activities and exercises, chapter summaries and guides to further reading.

Stuart Brown is lecturer in Philosophy at the Open University, UK.

Includes: I. Life after death: Reading 1. 'Problems about the resurrection of the body' - Linda Badham II. Purpose in the universe: Reading 2. 'Darwinism and the argument from design' - Richard Dawkins Reading 3. 'A modern argument for design' - Russell Stannard Reading 4. 'The argument from conscience' - John Henry Newman Reading 5. 'The problem of evil: the free-will defence' - John Hick Reading 6. 'The problem of animal suffering' - John Hick III. Faith and revelation: Reading 7. 'Miracles and Revelation' - David Hume Reading 8. 'The ethics of belief' - William K.Clifford Reading 9. 'The will to believe' - William James Revision Test Answers to exercises Answers to revision test