Concepts of God: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Contemporary Perspectives

Abstract

This paper analyzes the pluralist approach to the God question, considering current trends in religious studies, philosophy of religion, sociology, and psychological studies. The paper begins with a brief overview of the more conventional thinking on God, especially regarding how technophiles change religious ideation. It examines changes in vital monotheistic faiths and attempts to understand various positions within polytheistic systems. Most significantly, in terms of the conceptual development of the paper, the author discusses the antinomies of theism, the ontological arguments for and against theism, the nature of God, the idea of omnipotence, and process theology. The paper assesses the impact of secularization, the influence of religion and secular spirituality, and how modern society reinvents religion through virtual experiences. Psychologically, the analysis includes a discussion of the cognitive and developmental theories of belief, the mental components of religion, and the psychological functions of God in connection with the issues of coping with existential crises. The paper sums up the significant developments concerning religious thought, identifies possible future trends, and suggests areas for potential collaboration across various disciplines.