Publisher's Synopsis
Bishop Butler's Analogy of Religion: Natural and Revealed, to the Constitution and Course of Nature is a book written by Joseph Butler, a prominent 18th-century theologian and bishop of Durham. The book was first published in 1736 and has since become a classic in the field of religious philosophy.In this book, Butler argues that the natural world and the revealed truths of religion are not contradictory but complementary. He uses analogies from nature to explain the mysteries of religion and to show that the principles of reason and morality are inherent in both.The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the analogy between the natural world and the revealed truths of religion. Butler argues that just as the natural world exhibits order, design, and purpose, so too does the world of religion. He shows that the laws of nature and the laws of morality are both based on the same principles of order and reason.The second part of the book deals with objections to the analogy between religion and nature. Butler responds to objections from skeptics who argue that the natural world is imperfect and therefore cannot be used as a basis for understanding religion. He also responds to objections from religious enthusiasts who argue that the supernatural realm is entirely separate from the natural world.The book has been praised for its clear and logical arguments and its ability to reconcile reason and faith. It has been influential in the fields of theology, philosophy, and ethics, and has been studied by scholars and theologians for centuries.This particular edition of the book, published in 1861, includes a preface by Robert Emory, an American bishop and theologian, who provides a brief overview of Butler's life and work and discusses the relevance of his ideas to contemporary religious thought.With An Analysis, With A Life Of Bishop Butler, Notes And Index.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.