Theism; being the Baird Lecture of 1876

by Robert Flint

"Theism; Being the Baird Lecture of 1876" by Robert Flint is a religious philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the nature and validity of belief in God, exploring whether theism can be rationally justified over anti-theistic theories. Flint highlights the importance of understanding the nature of God as a self-existent, perfect being and the implications of belief in God on morality and society. The opening of this volume introduces significant questions regarding the rationality of religious belief. Flint posits that the inquiry should explore the existence of a divine being and whether such belief is justified. He emphasizes that religious belief must be rooted in knowledge, not mere feelings, and lays the groundwork for a thorough examination of theistic proofs by discussing the historical and philosophical context of theism. Flint argues that a worldview devoid of a divine entity ultimately deprives religious experiences of truth and meaning, leading to the idea that all human thought and morality is interconnected with the existence of God.