Philosophy of Religion

What is the role of religion in an agnostic
(with respect to the supernatural) and
neuroscientific (or soul-less) world?

As a new kind of introduction to the philosophy of religion, Soul, God, and Morality is meant to take care of two religious beliefs: in the existence of God or deities, and the persistence of persons as souls in a spiritual hereafter. In contrast with the normal run of text on the philosophy of religion, it is light on the theism-atheism issue, but heavy-footed against the theory of spiritual souls.

Among other things, what this book presents is one sustained and decisive argument against the belief that a person¡¦s consciousness and memory are carried by the soul capable of persisting into a spiritual hereafter. The author contends that for reason of the problem of unconsciousness, and for what is now known of correlations that exist between brain and mind, the soul theory in all its forms is not trustworthy. As to the existence of God and deities, he further contends that the only justifiable position to take is to remain agnostically silent.

However, despite the speculative nature of religion, the author believes that the altruistic posture of certain religion 'founders' is yet to be respected. To do so is perhaps what may still be considered religious in an agnostic (with respect to the supernatural) and soul-less (neuroscientific) world. But he also believes that the basis of morality is actually grounded within human nature itself. As such, there is no excuse for not trying to be moral.

To Read Excerpts of the Book

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