Philosophy Of Religion: Main Topics

religious language is non-sensical since none of it is empirically understandable. The criterion of logical positivism, in turn, has been proven to be non-sensical since it is itself empirically unproven. The best position regarding religious language seems to be the view of ‘forms of life’ according to which religious language is only understandable to those who share in the particular form of religious life. To others, such language might make no sense. As Paul said, ‘the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.’

Thus, philosophy attempts to investigate the metaphysical and epistemological implications of religious doctrines. It also analyses the aspects of the religious life and experience that carry philosophical implications.

Conclusion

To a Christian theologian, both theology and philosophy of religion are of utmost importance. Theology of religion enables him to biblically evaluate the value and position of universal religious phenomena with reference to Christianity. The position one assumes is of great importance since it decides his theological approach to missions as well. For instance, if a theologian is a pluralist, he would be dissuaded from any attempt to evangelize or convert people of non-Christian religious groups and thus would reinterpret mission as anything but the conversion of unbelievers. On the other hand, an exclusivist would see conversion and discipleship at the core of mission. Thus, one’s theology of religion has a decisive role in one’s ministry.

Similarly, philosophy of religion also has an important role to play in the life and ministry of the

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