Updated with the latest research, this second edition approaches human development from a multidisciplinary perspective. Uniquely inclusive of the moral and faith dimensions of the life cycle, 'Human Development and Faith' examines the interplay of mind, body, family, community, and soul at every stage of development. (Back cover).

A new understanding is developed in this book about the relationship between the Christian faith, modern science, and the world religions. The authors call their new position Evolutionary Pluralism. By combining the Christian faith with modern science and the global growth of religious diversity, Evolutionary Pluralism provides Christians with an alternative to current interpretations such as Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design Creationism, and Evolutionary Creationism. This new understanding stands solidly within the history and traditions of the Christian faith and builds on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

This thoroughly updated text offers students and adults an overarching perspective. The "Faith" section focuses on the nature of human faith and Christian faith. The "Religion" section examines the personal and social value of religion, religious belief and behavior, and offers an overview of major world religions. The "Theology" section includes an analysis of the theology/faith relationship. Suggested readings and study questions, excellent end notes and index add to the value of this edition.

Religious Evolution and the Axial Age describes and explains the evolution of religion over the past ten millennia. It shows that an overall evolutionary sequence can be observed, running from the spirit and shaman dominated religions of small-scale societies, to the archaic religions of the ancient civilizations, and then to the salvation religions of the Axial Age. Stephen K. Sanderson draws on ideas from new cognitive and evolutionary psychological theories, as well as comparative religion, anthropology, history, and sociology. He argues that religion is a biological adaptation that evolved in order to solve a number of human problems, especially those concerned with existential anxiety and ontological insecurity. Much of the focus of the book is on the Axial Age, the period in the second half of the first millennium BCE that marked the greatest religious transformation in world history. The book demonstrates that, as a result of massive increases in the scale and scope of war and large-scale urbanization, the problems of existential anxiety and ontological insecurity became particularly acute. These changes evoked new religious needs, especially for salvation and release from suffering. As a result entirely new religions-Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism-arose to help people cope with the demands of the new historical era.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on religion, conflict, and peacebuilding. With a focus on structural and cultural violence, the volume also offers a cutting edge interdisciplinary reframing of the scope of scholarship in the field.

"Philosophy and Faith: Debates on Religion and Reason" is a deep dive into the enduring and thought-provoking dialogue between belief and rationality. It tackles some of the most profound questions that have shaped human understanding for centuries: Can religious faith coexist with reason? Does the existence of God withstand logical scrutiny? What role does religion play in the modern scientific world? This book is a guide for readers navigating the complex terrain of philosophical and theological debates, offering insights from ancient thinkers to contemporary voices. With its comprehensive coverage of topics like the classic arguments for and against God’s existence, the nature of the soul, and the problem of evil, this book equips readers with a deep understanding of these debates. It traces the evolution of these discussions through the lens of influential philosophers such as Plato, Aquinas, Kant, Nietzsche, and more, illuminating how these ideas have shaped religious doctrines, ethical frameworks, and even secular thought. Readers will also encounter new perspectives that challenge traditional views, including the rise of modern atheism, the interplay between science and faith, and the ethical implications of belief in a secular society. Through a balanced examination, the book presents the arguments in their strongest forms, without taking sides, encouraging readers to grapple with their own convictions and assumptions. What You Will Find in This Book: In-depth analysis of the philosophical arguments for and against God’s existence Exploration of the problem of evil and its impact on faith Discussions on morality, ethics, and the role of religion in shaping human values Insights into the relationship between science and spirituality Perspectives on atheism, agnosticism, and secular ethics "Philosophy and Faith" is a comprehensive and accessible resource for anyone intrigued by the big questions of life, the nature of belief, and the enduring conflict—and potential harmony—between faith and reason. It welcomes readers to explore complex philosophical and theological topics in a comfortable and engaging manner.