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Runtime: 22 minsJohn Cottingham discusses his introduction to the Christian faith in his book Why Believe? He discusses the fact that many philosophers over-intellectualize religion, focusing on arguments for and against God's existence. However, religion's essence lies more in its moral and experiential dimensions than in theoretical debates. True religious experience involves responding to moral imperatives and experiencing awe in the face of moral and natural beauty. He reframes the argument in terms of the sense of moral normativity, and the awe inspired by the natural world which draw us towards values beyond ourselves, aligning with the religious impulse. While science and religion need not clash, the dogma of scientism misrepresents the debate and religion, viewed through our experiences of beauty and morality, offers a richer, more coherent account of objective values.
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Produced in May 2012. Provisional captions.
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