A Primal Perspective on the Philosophy of Religion

- Acknowledgement

- Preface

- Introduction

1. The concept of god: monotheism

2. Other concepts of god

3. Arguments for the existence of god

4. Arguments against the existence of god

5. The problem of evil

6. The concept of revelation and the primal religious tradition

7. Theories of faith

8. Evidentialism, foundationalism and rational belief

9. Language and religious thought

10. The problems of religious language

11. The problem of verification

12. Conflicting truth claims of different religions

13. Human destiny: immortality and resurrection

14. Human destiny: karma and reincarnation

- Conclusion

- Endnotes

- Index

"Despite the absence of written texts, primal religions have an implicit philosophy. They can offer a fresh perspective on controversial philosophical issues. This study shows how materials of primal religious experience can be incorporated in the categories of modern philosophy of religion. Fourteen chapters offer examples varying from concepts of God and revelation to conflicating truth claims and the problem of human destiny. The book contends that the primal perspective can widen and deepen the horizons of philosophy of religion and enhance the philosophical appreciation of religion as a universal phenomenon." Jacobus Waardenburg, University of Lausanne, Switzerland"Arvind Sharma makes a perfect case for a cross-cultural philosophy of religion in which all world religions, especially primal religions, could effectively participate in the dialogue and conversation about the relevant issues in the quest for the transcendent and the sacred. The work ultimately may be a prolegomena to the study of philosophy of religion of many primal religious traditions, because it provokes debate and responses from scholars of these traditions. This book will certainly begin a broader conversation in the cross-cultural philosophy of religion." Jacob Olupona, The University of California, Davis, U.S.A.