4A Inherent Problems

Question 1

Explain the challenge: limitations of traditional concepts of God.

Answer 1

• Communication depends on language, which is based on exp; we have to have a common understanding for statements to be meaningful - this is not the case for r. lang. ∵ it is beyond emp. world
• Metaphysical lang. = often dismissed as not having a strong level of meaning about the physical world ∴ no objective agreement on the exp.s
• G as ‘limitless’ and ‘timeless’ = more like abstract claims that realities that we can see and exp.
• R. lang. about G = unverifiable in relation to our common base of exp. that gives lang. its meaning

Question 2

Explain the challenge: sacred texts and religious pronouncements as unintelligible.

Answer 2

• Physical objects with religious connotations = understandable lang. ∵ it is observable
• But, once lang. describes divinities worshipped within the buildings or teachings of an afterlife in sacred texts, the lang. ≠ understandable or relatable

Question 3

Explain the challenge: religious language is not a common shared base and experience.

Answer 3

• When talking about G, there is no universally applicable experience to those with a faith commitment and those without
• To talk about things beyond our exp. means to move away from that which can be known
• Talking about ideas that can only ever be expressed in abstract terms breaks down empirical understanding of lang.
• Presence of HS in worship = beyond emp./exp. - based means
• All such lang. = specific to an individual/community and removes the possibility of universal verification
• It is equivocal ∵ it talks about the realm of infinite existence ∴ diff. interpretations

Question 4

Most religious language is non-cognitive. Why is this a problem?

Answer 4

• Claims about a believer’s attitudes towards the world around them based on religiously held beliefs = not empirically verifiable or falsifiable but instead expresses an attitude

Question 5

What are the four inherent problems of religious experience?

Answer 5

• Limitations of traditional concepts of God.
• Sacred texts and religious pronouncements as unintelligible.
• Religious language is not a common shared base and experience.
• Most religious language is non-cognitive.