Problems of Religious Luck

This book examines the complexities of religious belief and disagreement, particularly focusing on the concept of religious luck and its implications for faith.

In Problems of Religious Luck, the author explores the concept of inductive risk as it pertains to religious belief and disagreement. The book delves into how different methodologies for forming religious beliefs can lead to varying degrees of risk, particularly in the context of fundamentalist orientations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how individuals ascribe value to their faith and the implications of viewing one's own religion as superior to others. This exploration reveals a deeper connection between the notions of religious luck and the asymmetric attributions of religious worth.

The author presents a compelling argument that the ideas of religious luck and the unequal assessment of religious value are intertwined. By examining these themes from theological, social scientific, and philosophical perspectives, the book provides a multifaceted analysis of how adherents of various faith traditions perceive their beliefs in relation to others. This examination includes a critical look at the language used to describe faith, such as the idea of being 'religiously lucky,' and how this language can shape one's understanding of salvation and worth.

In the book's structure, Part I categorizes different forms of religious luck, extending previous work on moral and epistemic luck. Part II advances the inductive risk account, addressing both descriptive and normative aspects. The author challenges the exclusivist attitudes that often accompany religious belief, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of religious disagreement. Ultimately, Problems of Religious Luck seeks to demystify the concept of religious exclusivism and promote a more inclusive dialogue about faith and belief systems.