Secularity and biblical literalism: confronting the case for epistemological diversity

Stephen Carter argues that biblical literalism is predicated on an epistemological position drastically different than that maintained by mainstream scientists inasmuch as it operates on the basis of a “hermeneutic of inerrancy” with respect to the ideas laid out in the Bible. By relying on consider...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal for philosophy of religion
Main Author: Smith, Andrew F. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Springer Science + Business Media B. V 2012
In: International journal for philosophy of religion
Further subjects:B Charles Taylor
B Secularity
B Stephen Carter
B Epistemological diversity
B Ethic of certainty
B Biblical Literalism
B Doubt
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Summary:Stephen Carter argues that biblical literalism is predicated on an epistemological position drastically different than that maintained by mainstream scientists inasmuch as it operates on the basis of a “hermeneutic of inerrancy” with respect to the ideas laid out in the Bible. By relying on considerations offered by Charles Taylor and recent sociological studies, I contend that Carter’s thesis is incorrect. The divide between proponents and opponents of biblical literalism is ethical rather than epistemological. Beyond the philosophical implications of my contention, this displays that deliberative engagement between these parties—which depends on shared epistemological norms—is possible in principle.
ISSN:1572-8684
Contains:Enthalten in: International journal for philosophy of religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1007/s11153-011-9332-3