Paul Copan is a Christian theologian and analytic philosopher whose work deeply engages with the intersection of faith and reason. His writing is dedicated to the defense of Christianity through philosophical arguments and ethical considerations. Copan explores complex theological concepts, offering thoughtful responses to philosophical challenges to religious belief. His approach is characterized by a commitment to intellectual rigor and clarity of thought.
Exploring the intersection of faith and global conflict, this book addresses how committed Christians can navigate the complexities of war, terrorism, and geopolitical instability while honoring Jesus Christ. It delves into critical issues such as church-state relations, maintaining social order, just peacemaking practices, and the ethical implications of using coercive force, offering guidance for believers in today's tumultuous world.
Leading apologetics author Paul Copan examines challenging Old Testament texts, placing them in their larger historical and theological context to help readers reconcile the seemingly disconnected natures of God portrayed in the Old and New Testaments.
A guide to Christian philosophy that engages with the biblical storyAs human beings, we all qualify as philosophers, and Paul Copan contends that we take a position of trust (faith) shaped by philosophical stances but also personal heart commitments (worldviews). In this thoroughly revised and expanded second edition of Loving Wisdom, Copan explores philosophy of religion from a distinctively evangelical Christian perspective—biblically grounded, informed by apologetics, and engaging with questions about universal human longings. Copan presents a distinctively and deliberately biblical philosophy of religion in Loving Wisdom,addressing a wide range of topics and questions as they arise in the metanarrative of scripture. He acknowledges the difficulties, mystery, and disagreements in “religion,” while attempting to show how the Christian faith does a much more adequate job of responding to a wide range of challenges as well as addressing our deepest human yearnings. With discussion questions for each chapter and an accessible approach, Loving Wisdom is ideal for the classroom or small groups.
The book explores the historical context of vegetarianism within Christianity, highlighting that it was once viewed as just an option rather than a moral imperative. It emphasizes that the biblical tradition does not elevate a plant-based diet over meat consumption, affirming that eating meat is permissible and even divinely sanctioned. This perspective challenges common assumptions about spirituality and diet in the Christian faith.
Focusing on the fulfillment of God's purposes, this revised text on biblical ethics explores living virtuously and offers ethical alternatives across various contemporary issues. It addresses bioethics, technology, assistance for the poor, animal rights, sexual ethics, and the influence of media, providing a thorough examination of what should guide our actions and decisions in today's world.
Lessons for presenting the message of Jesus in a pluralistic and relativistic world.
Leading apologetics author helps readers understand how the violent commands of the Old Testament God can be reconciled with the New Testament's ethic of love as taught by Jesus.
A recent string of popular-level books written by the New Atheists have leveled the accusation that the God of the Old Testament is nothing but a bully, a murderer, and a cosmic child abuser. This viewpoint is even making inroads into the church. How are Christians to respond to such accusations? And how are we to reconcile the seemingly disconnected natures of God portrayed in the two testaments? In this timely and readable book, apologist Paul Copan takes on some of the most vexing accusations of our time, including: God is arrogant and jealous God punishes people too harshly God is guilty of ethnic cleansing God oppresses women God endorses slavery Christianity causes violence and more Copan not only answers God's critics, he also shows how to read both the Old and New Testaments faithfully, seeing an unchanging, righteous, and loving God in both.
The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Religion is an indispensable guide and reference source to the major themes, movements, debates and topics in philosophy of religion. A team of renowned international contributors provide sixty-five accessible entries organized into nine clear parts: philosophical issues in world religions key figures in philosophy of religion religious diversity the theistic conception of God arguments for the existence of God arguments against the existence of God philosophical theology christian theism recent topics in philosophy of religion. Covering key world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, and key figures such as Augustine, Aquinas and Kierkegaard, the book explores the central topics in theism such as the ontological, cosmological and teleological arguments for God's existence. Three final parts consider Catholicism, Protestantism, Eastern orthodoxy and current debates including phenomenology, reformed epistemology, religious experience, and religion and science. This is essential reading for anyone interested in philosophy, religion and related disciplines.
Copan provides readers with thoughtful explanations of anti-Christian slogans and brief answers to help them keep the conversation going with non- Christians.