In this episode Lance Smith unpacks J. Steve Miller's discussion of people who report a direct, non-inferential knowledge that God exists, comparing it to basic beliefs like consciousness and belief in other minds. The episode explores arguments from Alvin Plantinga and William Alston that such religious experiences can be properly basic, addresses skeptical objections, and highlights how these encounters often lead to real transformation.
Smith shares a personal reflection, invites listener responses, and points to further reading for those who want to dive deeper into the philosophy and testimony behind why many people simply 'know' God is real.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com
- Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd
- Nagel, T. (2012). The Philosopher Defends Religion. The New York Review of Books. Available at: http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2012/09/27/philosopher-defends-religion/
- Plantinga, A. (1993, 2000). Warrant: The Current Debate, Warrant and Proper Function, and Warranted Christian Belief. Oxford University Press.
- Alston, W. P. (1991). Perceiving God: The Epistemology of Religious Experience. Cornell University Press.
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