Argumentation in Religion

Major Questions . . . What are the implications of these inquiries? What types of topics are included when we refer to spirituality or religion?

What is the Nature of God? Natural Theology Proofs implicit in the Natural World Do not rely on Sacred Texts Generally used to support . . . Revealed Theology Authority and explication of texts Strict Monotheism vs Polytheism Personality of God

What is the Nature of Human Beings? Adam and Eve Dominion versus Stewardship Granted by God or Nature? Free Will versus Determinism Conversion implies choice Accidents attributed to Fate Original Sin Humans are essentially evil Humans are essentially good

What is Moral Behavior? Is there a strict code defining “Goodness”? Is “Goodness” relative? If a code exists, is it absolute, or malleable?

Sin, Evil, & Suffering What is the nature of Evil? What about Sin? Does it occur because of outside influence? Is it created internally? What about Sin? Does it exist outside a religious framework? Why would God create sin within people? Why do people Suffer? Is it punishment? Is it a test? Is it aimed towards growth?

The Human Relationship to God What is the effect and reason for prayer? Is it for praise alone? Is it for blind supplication? Is it possible to “converse” with God? What is the nature of Prophets/Prophetesses?

What is Salvation? Is it a place? What is the nature of the place? Does it have an antithesis? Is it a quality of action while living? Is it a state of mind, or union?

What Role does “Church” play? Is there a need for hierarchy? If there is a hierarchy, how is it determined? What are the issues that arise from strict organization? What are the issues that arise from little, or no, organization? What importance does “separation of church and state” carry?

Values and Themes The way a person or group answers these fundamental questions defines their theology. The various themes that arise create the warrants which define their theological claims. Not all people or groups who have claims to argue use all of the values mentioned. Not all values that warrant a religion are discussed here.

Evidence in Religious Argumentation What Constitutes Support?

Text as Evidence Importance of Accuracy Trustworthiness of Source Apocrypha Old Testament versus New Testament Qur’an versus Hadith Torah versus Talmud Additional Texts

Texts continued . . . Interpretation Historical meaning Doctrinal meaning Prophetic meaning Philosophical meaning Mystical meaning Interpretation requires an organizing principle

Tradition as Evidence Long-standing practices define doctrine. Judaism Catholicism Hinduism Even rejecting tradition cannot reject traditional interpretation entirely.

Experience as Evidence Text speaks differently to each generation. If religion is applicable, then it must be observed in everyday life.

Revelation as Evidence Texts are only understood through faith Deeper meanings revealed through faith, meditation, and/or prayer Extra-textual Revelation Roman Catholic Church LDS Church

Culture as Evidence Approaching the texts within the context Judeo-Christian tradition views process as a linear process engulfing a series of important events. Islam relates to its home-culture. Buddhist tradition and its cultural contexts Translations as reflections of the culture

Preferred Argument Forms

Argument Forms, cont. Argument from Authority Argument by Analogy Explicit Implicit Argument by Analogy Argument by Narrative Argument by Sign Argument by Paradox Argument by Generalization

Conclusion Religious argumentation is among the oldest spheres known to humans. It will generally follow the seven major questions listed previously: What is the nature of the Divine? What is the nature of Human Beings? What is moral behavior, the religious life? What are sin, evil, and the meaning of suffering? What is the human’s relationship to the Divine? What is the nature of salvation? What is the role of the church?