Reasonable Moral Faith: A History, Primer, and Argument - Paperback

by David Baggett (Author), William Lane Craig (Author)

In Reasonable Moral Faith, distinguished philosophers David Baggett and William Lane Craig present a comprehensive case for how moral evidence supports theistic belief. This rigorous yet accessible volume traces the rich intellectual history of moral arguments from ancient Greek philosophy to contemporary scholarship, providing students and scholars with essential background on this vital apologetic tradition. The authors then develop a robust defense of moral realism before constructing their innovative fivefold inductive moral argument for God's existence.

Drawing on objective moral values, authoritative duties, moral knowledge, and Kantian moral faith, Baggett and Craig demonstrate how theism--and particularly Christianity--provides a compelling explanation for our moral experience. Their argument addresses fundamental human needs for forgiveness, transformation, and the ultimate alignment of virtue with happiness.

Integrating insights from philosophy and theology, Reasonable Moral Faith offers a valuable resource for upper-level college students, seminarians, and scholars seeking to understand how ethical reflection can inform questions of ultimate reality. This work demonstrates the evidential power of morality for theistic belief.

Back Jacket

"A breathtaking achievement by the top two defenders of the moral argument for God's existence in our day"

This book surveys the history of the moral argument for God's existence, provides a primer on moral realism, and offers a five-fold inductive moral argument.

"This book is an absolute treasure! Moral arguments have often been considered among the most vivid and compelling testimonies to the reality and nature of God, yet today their reception is surprisingly unpredictable. No one is better positioned to help this situation than David Baggett and William Lane Craig, who bring an amazing wealth of knowledge and experience to the topic. No one interested in the relation of morality and God can afford to avoid this wise, balanced, well-crafted, and persuasive book!"
--Gavin Ortlund, president, Truth Unites; visiting professor, Phoenix Seminary; theologian-in-residence, Immanuel Nashville

"A stunning achievement. The authors have done more than one would imagine one could in a single book. Of course, not every claim will be convincing to all readers, something the authors concede. However, Reasonable Moral Faith will be helpful to anyone who wants to think seriously about the relation of morality to God. It is a work to which I will often return and for which I am deeply grateful."
--C. Stephen Evans, University Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Baylor University

"A breathtaking achievement by the top two defenders of the moral argument for God's existence in our day. Here in one volume, we finally have the most impressive case for God from morality, which will serve as the standard treatment for the next generation and beyond."
--Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Author Biography

David Baggett (PhD, Wayne State University) served as professor of philosophy and the director of the Center for the Foundations of Ethics at Houston Christian University. He is currently studying at the University of Missouri School of Law and lives in Columbia, Missouri.

William Lane Craig (PhD, University of Birmingham; DTheol, University of Munich) is emeritus research professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California. He has written or edited more than 60 books.