The Modern Scholar: Faith and Reason: The Philosophy of Religion

By: Peter Kreeft

Narrated by: Peter Kreeft

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Through the ages, mankind has pursued questions of faith in something beyond the world of ordinary experience. Is there a God? How can we explain the presence of evil? Do humans, or human souls, live on after death? Is there a hell? The following lectures examine these eternal questions and present the most compelling arguments for and against God's existence, the seeming conflicts between religion and science, and the different truth-claims of the world's most popular religions. By delving into the major characteristics of world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, mankind's association with the many different varieties of religious practice is brought to light. Above all, Faith and Reason: The Philosophy of Religion lays the groundwork for a rational approach to pursuing questions of faith - and at the same time provides a better understanding of religion's ongoing importance in the realm of human experience.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2005 Peter Kreeft (P)2005 Recorded Books

Very Thoughtful

Very thoughtful and insightful analysis of religion. The professor treats the subject with care on all sides and says many things that are profound. I found it to be excellent.

Air tight and captivating

This was amazing. Speaks to all who are open minded. The classic modern atheist would probably find it frustrating as he is a world class philosopher who makes arguments far beyond simplified fundamentalism so apparent in today's white noise surrounding religion. It is no wonder that dogmatic materialist reductionist atheists stay clear of this type of discussion. Somehow he has put together a coherent discussion between Plato, Jesus, and Buddha without missing a beat. Bravo.

Approach to the main ideas of the world's religion

Very thorough but not overwhelming approach to comparative religion
philosophy. You can learn what is common to the different religions

Mostly Boring

I felt like I was listening to a long series of syllogisms read by someone trying to sound relevant and important; when really they didn't have much to say. From my point of view, this audio book was just plain boring.

Politically Correct is not Philosophy

I am a Catholic who sincerely believes that there is no salvation outside the, "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church". I endeavor to save souls by converting as many people as possible to the one true faith. I have found through experience that philosophical/historical argument is the most effective way to do this.

In this work the study of the different religions including atheism has been invaluable to the success of my missionary work. Obviously, the only people I have ever converted were sincere in their quest to find know, and love the truth. These people are lovers of wisdom not of political correctness. I want to understand Atheism, and different world religions so that I will understand what is good and bad about them, so that I will be more effective in my missionary work.

Peter Kreeft, however; is not primarily concerned with the truth in his analysis of different religions such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism as well as the several others he analyzes, as he is very superficial and politically correct.

Some of my best friends are atheists and by questioning them for their reason for being atheists I have found three primary reasons: one belief in God would require a change in life style that they do not want to make, two they note that many believers are hypocrites and seem to be impervious to the grace of God, three for many, their understanding of religion is that of a child whilst they are grown-ups. I have been astounded by several educated atheists who have tried to disprove a notion of God or religion that is suitable for a seven year old. These people will attempt to attack the Catholic religion by discrediting an infantile understanding of God and the Church.

By the way Kreeft's final conclusion is that all religions are the same, he seems to suggest, however; that atheism is an inferior position even though he rightly points out that many forms of Buddhism are atheistic and that Confucianism is agnostic.

Why should you believe?

I may have expected more from this one, but what I found was a lengthy pro et contra for believing or not believing in God. The author admits to being a Christian believer, and I feel that this colours the lectures a bit.

I would say that this is something you should listen to if you are unsure about why you believe, or why you don't believe. Alternately, if you are looking to rehearse arguments for those long debates on the existence of a creator.

Clear theistic bias.

What disappointed you about The Modern Scholar?

Peter Kreeft has a clear theistic bias.

Would you ever listen to anything by Peter Kreeft again?

No, I would not.

What three words best describe the narrator’s performance?

Clear theistic bias.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

The author lacks objectivity, and implicitly (and explicitly) promotes theism.

Any additional comments?

This is not an objective delivery of the materials. The author/narrator clearly holds a theistic bias. How this author gained credibility under "The Modern Scholar" brand is beyond me. Those who hold non-theistic views will be disappointed with materials developed and delivered by this "scholar," more accurately described as a religious apologist.

Awful

This was so boring, I could not even finish. narration was very monotone and I wanted to fall asleep when I was listening to it. To bad it seemed to be an interesting topic.

Not best for an audio book

Some reviews have said that the author and narrator's voice is monotone and that this is off putting. Well it is monotone except when he cracks a joke about the Boston Redsox and then there is a slight raise in excitement. I actually did not find the voice off putting. It is clear and precise, just what is needed for reading this type of book. If he was reading a novel or a dramatic story like The Lord of the Rings, then this would be a disaster. So, voice good.

I have listened to many of Dr Kreeft's lectures that are free on his website - very interesting, all of them. But I just could not get into this book. I stopped it after 2.5 hours. I might return. Now, I listen to my books in the car travelling to and from work. Perhaps an indepth book on philosophy is not suited to that. I kept wanting to rewind and relisten to understand. Not the easest thing in a car. So, I would have to say that for me, this was a book either to be read or to be listened to in the armchair at home with headphones, a note pad and my finger on the rewind button. Hence I gave it 2 stars based on a very subjective opinion.

An excellent example of double standard

I didn't realize the lecturer is also a theologian at the beginning of the course, and as the course goes on, I feel it's obvious that lecturer is good at talking but lacks basic skepticism and critical thinking, especially when it comes to arguments favoring religious beliefs. Or maybe it's simply dishonesty.