7. Philosophy of Religion II

Faith

A set of beliefs at least some of which are not supported by evidence; goes beyond available evidence and is considered a gift of God.

Reason

Human intellect abilities and our capacity to form beliefs based on evidence, whether empirical or rational.

Pascal's Wager

An argument by Blaise Pascal suggesting that if God exists, believing in Him can lead to infinite gain, whereas not believing can lead to loss.

Reformed Epistemology

The doctrine that some religious beliefs are based on personal experience of God rather than arguments or evidence.

Fideism

The view that religious beliefs cannot be assessed by reason; belief requires faith.

The Problem of Evil

A challenge to religious faith, questioning how an omniscient, omnipotent, and good God can allow evil to exist.

Moral evil

Evil caused by human actions, distinguishing it from natural evil.

Natural evil

Evil that occurs within the physical world, such as natural disasters.

Theodicy

Attempts to justify or resolve the problem of evil within the context of a belief in God.

Hume's view on miracles

David Hume argued that miracles, defined as violations of the laws of nature by a divine agent, are very unlikely and thus unreasonable to believe.

Divine Command Ethics

The ethical theory stating that whatever God commands is morally good.