God and the reach of reason : C.S. Lewis, David Hume, and Bertrand Russell /
Erik J. Wielenberg.
- Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2008.
- x, 243 p. ; 23 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 233-239) and index.
The love of God and the suffering of humanity -- The problem -- Hume's presentation of the problem -- Lewis's attempt to solve the problem -- The case of Ivan Ilyich -- The incompleteness of Lewis's solution -- Beyond nature -- The moral argument -- The argument from reason -- The argument from desire -- conclusion -- Miracles -- Debating miracles in the 18th century -- Preliminary skirmish -- Hume's main assault -- Lewis's counter-attack -- The fitness of the incarnation -- Lewis's mitigated victory and the trilemma -- Faith, design, and true religion -- Faith -- Design -- True religion.
Hume and Russell were critics of Christianity, whilst Lewis was a very Christian writer. This book puts the three figures in conversation with one another to shed light on a range of major philosophical questions, such as the existence of God, suffering, morality, reason, joy, miracles, and faith.