Introduction

Abstract

A major question in the Philosophy of Religion concerns the existence of God, and a significant portion of the literature in this field is devoted to providing an answer to this question.¹ _{The question also plays a central role in this study, though I will not attempt to provide arguments which disambiguate in favour of, or against, the existence of God. My approach will be to assume that the evidence leaves open the question of God’s existence, i.e., that the total relevant evidence neither shows belief in God to be true nor false}.² _{I will refer to this assumption as the thesis of religious ambiguity or simply as the ‘ambiguity thesis’. The ambiguity thesis is open to contention, although I believe that it is worthy of serious philosophical consideration}.³ _{One reason for considering this assumption is that it can be seen to explain observations about the nature and diversity of religious commitments. For example, Keith Ward observes that}

Many religions claim to state truths about the nature of the universe and human destiny which are important or even necessary for human salvation and ultimate well-being. Many of these truths seem to be incompatible; yet there is no agreed method for deciding which are to be accepted; and equally intelligent, informed, virtuous and holy people belong to different faiths.⁴

I was a hidden treasure, and I wished to be known, so I created the world.

— Hadith Qudsi