Customer comments on this selection.
 Ideal textbook
Philosophy of Religion: A Guide to the Subject
This volume is extremely comprehensive, treating of most of the debated topics involved in a study of philosophy of religion. It is particularly valuable because it combines primary sources (dating back to Plato, with Thomas Aquinas a relative newcomer) with contemporary treatment of the still questioned premises. Brian Davies' introductions to each section are comprehensive, readable, and, though he clearly is a Thomist, present challenges to much traditional thought, Thomas' included.
One major element in the book's favour is that there is a wide scope of perspective. It is not 'selling' one point of view, Christian or otherwise, though the Christian philosophers are well represented. Students who thoroughly pursue this guide will be capable of forming their own arguments and conclusions - based not on 'feeling' or mere doctrine (or lack of same), but on the full range of sources which set forth or refute a particular viewpoint. The treatment of, for example, attributes of God is wide ranging, challenging, and adequate, with Davies' explanation of historical contexts, for the reader to have a solid understanding of concepts which can be highly puzzling.
I would recommend Brian Davies' other anthology, "Philosophy of Religion: A Guide to the Subject" (see link) as a companion volume for those who wish to pursue topics further. That book contains single essays, by prominent contemporary philosophers, each on one topic treated in detail in the Guide and Anthology. (It is less suited as a textbook, because those wishing to explore contemporary treatments will require the background information and diversity of views, throughout history, in the Guide and Anthology.)
Students are likely to find that whatever aspect of the subject they need to pursue is contained in this volume. It is a rich compendium, and one which I would recommend as the first book on the topic to add to one's shelf.
A well-rounded and well-executed effort
There are a host of philosophy of religion books out there, so the question becomes what's the best way to get a well-rounded survey of the field. Davies solution is to pick plenty of articles with, what I perceive to be, a somewhat contemporary slant, and then carefully organize them according to topical groupings with overview-type introductions. Each topical grouping leads naturally into the next grouping, so debates early on are carried forward into new areas. I liked this book as soon as I came into contact with the desk copy, and having now read it, my first impressions were correct: a nice summary and guide for anyone who has already had an Introduction to Philosophy class. A class in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy would be very helpful too, though hardly necessary, for much medieval philosophy still influences issues in contemporary philosophy of religion.
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