How to Think About God

How to Think About God presents arguments for God's existence using philosophical reasoning rather than religious faith. The book applies logical analysis and builds upon ideas from thinkers like Aristotle and Aquinas. Author Mortimer Adler examines key questions about the nature of God and the relationship between faith and reason. He constructs his case step by step, addressing common objections and counterarguments along the way. The text focuses on natural theology - the attempt to prove God's existence through observation and logic rather than revelation or scripture. Adler analyzes concepts like causation, infinity, and necessity as they relate to theological questions. This philosophical work contributes to centuries-old debates about proving divine existence through human reason alone. The methodical arguments raise fundamental questions about knowledge, belief, and the limits of human understanding.

Readers appreciate Adler's logical, step-by-step approach to examining God's existence through philosophical reasoning rather than faith or religion. Many note that he builds his argument carefully using common sense and straightforward logic. Readers like: - Clear writing style accessible to non-philosophers - Rational examination without religious doctrine - Systematic breakdown of complex concepts Main criticisms: - Too dense and academic for casual readers - Repetitive in parts - Some find the logic flawed or unconvincing From a Goodreads reviewer: "Adler takes you through each premise methodically, though at times the pace can be tedious." An Amazon reviewer notes: "He presents rational arguments while avoiding theological assumptions, but occasionally gets bogged down in philosophical terminology." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) The book achieves higher ratings among readers interested in philosophical arguments versus those seeking spiritual or religious content.

The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley A comparative analysis of spiritual and mystical traditions across cultures demonstrates the universal human conception of divine reality.

The God of the Philosophers by Anthony Kenny The text examines philosophical arguments for God's existence through Western intellectual history from Ancient Greece to modern times.

The Experience of God by David Bentley Hart A philosophical investigation defines what major world religions mean by the term "God" and explores the common ground between different theological traditions.

Rational Theology and Christian Philosophy by James Frederick Ferrier The work presents systematic arguments for religious belief using logic and philosophical methods from the Western intellectual tradition.

God: A Biography by Jack Miles A literary-historical analysis traces the development of God as a character through the Hebrew Bible using philosophical and textual interpretation.

🔹 Though Mortimer Adler was raised in a non-religious Jewish family and considered himself an agnostic for most of his life, he converted to Christianity at age 81, several years after writing this book about God's existence. 🔹 The book employs philosophical arguments similar to those used by Thomas Aquinas, particularly the concept of God as the "Uncaused Cause," but presents them in accessible modern language for general readers. 🔹 As part of his work on this book, Adler analyzed over 300 historical arguments for God's existence, ultimately focusing on what he considered the most logically sound ones. 🔹 The book was published in 1980 as part of Adler's lifelong mission to make complex philosophical concepts accessible to the general public - a mission that also led him to co-found the Great Books of the Western World program. 🔹 Despite tackling the profound question of God's existence, Adler intentionally avoided discussing religious doctrine or specific faiths, focusing purely on philosophical reasoning that could be followed by believers and non-believers alike.