Religious philosophy
Religious philosophy is philosophical thinking that is influenced and directed as a consequence of teachings from a particular religion. It can be done objectively, but it may also be done as a persuasion tool by believers in that faith. Religious philosophy is concerned with the nature of religion, theories of salvation, and conceptions of god, gods, and/or the divine.[1]
Not to be confused with Philosophy of religion or Theology.Philosophical commonalities[edit]
Religious faith and philosophical reflection are connected to one another. Religious tradition influences the philosophical thinking and beliefs of followers of that religion.[3]
Many philosophical commonalities have arisen among religions due to their core historical foundations. For example, Abrahamic religions, which encompass Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baha'i Faith, Yezidi, Druze, Samaritan, and Rastafari, share philosophical commonalities, although they differ in their presentation of these philosophical concepts through their respective religious texts.[4][5]
There are also philosophical concepts and reasoning in religious teachings that were conceived independently from one another, but are still similar and reflect analogous ideas.[6] For example, the argument and reasoning for the existence of an omniscient god or multiple gods can be found in several religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Another example includes the philosophical concept of free will, which is present in monotheistic religions as well as polytheistic religions.[6]
Types[edit]
Intuitive religious philosophy[edit]
Many religious concepts are considered to be 'cross-culturally ubiquitous'[2] as they are 'cognitively natural'.[7][2] They are considered to be intuitive, meaning that they arise without much direction, instruction, or coaching in the early stages of our intellectual development[8] and do not necessarily arise from cultural influence.[9] Such religious concepts include beliefs concerning 'afterlife, souls, supernatural agents, and miraculous events'.[2]
Reflective religious philosophy[edit]
Some religious concepts require deliberate teaching to ensure the transmission of their ideas and beliefs to others.[8] These beliefs are categorised as reflective and are often stored in a linguistic format that allows for ease of transmission. Reflective philosophies are thought to contribute significantly to the continuation of cultural and religious beliefs.[10] Such religious philosophies include karma, divine immanent justice, or providence, and also encompass theological concepts such as Trinity in Christianity or Brahman in Hinduism.[8]
Each religion also has unique philosophies that distinguish them from other religions, and these philosophies are guided through the concepts and values behind the teaching pertaining to that belief-system. Different religious philosophies include:
