Traditional theistic proofs are often understood as evidence intended to compel belief in a divinity. John Clayton explores the surprisingly varied applications of such proofs in the work of philosophers and theologians from several periods and traditions, thinkers as varied as Ramanuja, al-Ghazali, Anselm, and Jefferson. He shows how the gradual disembedding of theistic proofs from their diverse and local religious contexts is concurrent with the development of natural theologies and atheism as social and intellectual options in early modern Europe and America. Clayton offers a new reading of the early modern history of philosophy and theology, arguing that awareness of such history, and the local uses of theistic argument, offer new ways of managing religious and cultural difference in the public sphere today. He argues for the importance of historically grounded philosophy of religion to the field of religious studies and public debate on religious pluralism and cultural diversity.

Clayton explores the diverse local applications of theistic proofs in the work of philosophers and theologians across several periods and traditions. He argues that examining the history of theistic argument in medieval and early modern periods offers new ways of managing religious and cultural difference in the public sphere today.

John Clayton explores the diverse local applications of theistic proofs in the work of philosophers and theologians across several periods and traditions. He shows how the gradual disembedding of such proofs from their religious contexts is concurrent with the development of natural theologies and atheism as social and intellectual options in early modern Europe and America. Clayton argues that examining the history of theistic argument in medieval and early modern periods offers new ways of managing religious and cultural difference in the public sphere today.

Clayton explores the diverse applications of theistic proofs in the work of philosophers and theologians.

Professor John Clayton was Chair of the Department of Religion and Director of the Graduate Division of Religious and Theological Studies, Boston University from 1997 until his death in 2003.Anne Blackburn is Associate Professor of South Asia and Buddhist Studies in the Department of Asian Studies, Cornell University.Thomas D. Carroll is a PhD candidate in the Graduate Division of Religious and Theological Studies, Boston University.