I am particularly excited to announce the publication of Mark Robson's Ontology and Providence in Creation: Taking Ex Nihilo Seriously, a new addition to our spirited new philosophy of religion list.
Robson's concern is to overturn the Leibnizean argument of creation - which can be traced back to Plato - that God's understanding encompassed a host of possible worlds, only one of which He actualised. Robson's contention is that this understanding of creation does not take seriously the idea of ex nihilo and that, rather than considering possible worlds, we should understand possibility as indeterminate. He then develops this argument and explores how it impacts on the problem of evil.
Those scholars who have read the manuscript prior to publication have greeted it with terrific enthusaism:
'Robson draws on a wide range of material in an illuminating way. Ambitious, constructive, confidently and clearly held together, this book displays real independence of thought.' Ann Loades CBE, Professor Emerita of Divinity, University of Durham, UK
'This is a bold book which offers a genuine and original contribution to both philosophical and theological debates. The ease, confidence and lucidity with which Robson discusses the philosophical and theological doctrines of a wide range of authors is very impressive.' Maria Rosa Antognazza, Reader in Philosophy of Religion, King's College London, UK
'Robson has made great progress on a central but neglected area of philosophy of religion. In a way, it is surprising that this kind of book has not been written before. Robson's work is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophy of theism and creation.' Charles Taliaferro, Professor of Philosophy, St Olaf College, Minnesota, USA
'[Robson contends] that there are good philosophical reasons for believing that, prior to their actual existence, concepts and the possibilities inherent in them have no determinate meaning. So even God must respond to what actually emerges. It is an idea that could radically alter the way in which we think of God, creation and evil.' David Brown FBA, Professor of Theology, Aesthetics and Culture, University of St Andrews, UK
Ontology and Providence in Creation will be published on 1st August in the UK and 1st October in the US.
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