Hello!  Let me tell you a little bit about myself and the work that I do.  I am your Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion.  As the title implies, I teach classes in philosophy and in religion.  My specific field is philosophy of religion.  Scholars in this field look at religion from a philosophical perspective.  In this field we think and write about, for example, the following concerns: 1) whether religious belief is rational, 2) how religious experience can serve as support for religious belief, 3) why is there evil in the world, if God could prevent it given that God is all-powerful and all-good? 

 More specifically, my work revolves around religious diversity.  I am interested in all things related to religious diversity.  If you want to get me going in a conversation all you will need to do is talk to me about some aspect of religion or philosophy. 

To get even more specific, my writing right now is concerned with how people support their beliefs when they are thinking about religious alternatives.  I argue for the thesis that most people have a very difficult time supporting their beliefs when taking seriously religious alternatives, and here is why.  The serious consideration of religious alternatives gets people to think about what the support is that they have for their own beliefs; and when people engage in self-reflection about their religious beliefs they find, for the most part, that they don’t have as much support for their beliefs as they thought. 

I am engaged right now in research to actually test the thesis above.  I am working with two other scholars at UT developing this project.  We will complete the study this Fall. 

I recently co-edited a book which compiled original essays from some of the world’s best philosophers arguing for and against the thesis I mentioned above.  You will find a picture and description of this book below.

We have a religious studies minor here. The religion minor is designed to help students, among other things, develop their understanding of the diversity of religions around the world, prepare for graduate work or ministry, respond to religious diversity and science.  If you want more information about the religion minor, and anything else, call or write (jjkraft@htu.edu).

You will see a picture of yours truly at a recent family reunion in Spokane Washington, where I am from.