AN APPRAISAL OF DAVID HUME’S CRITIQUE OF RELIGION

This study is an appraisal of David Hume’s critique of religion. The study seeks to examine Hume's arguments on miracles; analyze Hume's views on the problem of evil; evaluate Hume's critique of religious experience. The expository method was used as the research methodology. In Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion and An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Hume critiques faith as being grounded more in emotion and subjective belief than in reason. He argues that faith, unlike empirical knowledge, is not founded on evidence and often contradicts the principles of rational inquiry. Regarding the problem of evil, Hume confronts the apparent contradiction between the existence of an omnipotent, benevolent God and the presence of evil in the world. His argument, known as the “inconsistent triad,” asserts that the coexistence of evil and a perfect deity is logically incoherent, posing a significant challenge to traditional theistic beliefs. Hume’s analysis of miracles, found in An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, asserts that belief in miracles, which are violations of the natural order, is irrational because such claims are based on unreliable testimony and contradict the well-established laws of nature. Hume’s empiricism leads him to reject miracles as improbable, suggesting that the evidence against them, rooted in human experience, outweighs any testimonial claims. The study concluded that David Hume’s critique of religion remains a significant philosophical contribution, challenging traditional theistic beliefs through rigorous skepticism and empirical reasoning. His arguments against miracles, the problem of evil, and the rationality of faith have shaped modern discussions in both philosophy and theology. Therefore, the study is recommended to all scholars, students, and Philosophers studying the philosophy of religion.