Don Cupitt and the Realism/Non-Realism Debate

Abstract

The structure of this paper is threefold. First, it will suggest that the religious realist and non-realist attitudes are representative of a spectrum of cognitive attitudes toward God rather than two polarising positions. Second, it will offer ‘thick’ and ‘thin’ forms of both attitudes, with ‘thickness’ representing the strength of metaphysical commitment. Finally, in answer to ‘what is at stake?’, the genuineness of religious non-realism and a ‘thin’ form of realism will be defended to a significant extent. Don Cupitt’s work will be commended for helping to open up the conversation and for introducing a range of authentic ways of talking and thinking about God.