Transcending Fictionalism

God, Minimalism and Realism

Dr Jessica Eastwood (University of Lincoln, UK)

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English

Bloomsbury Academic
11 December 2025

Philosophy of religion; Theology

Exploring alternative conceptions of the divine, Jessica Eastwood considers the ways of believing in God that are authentic and sincere, moving beyond traditional metaphysical structures that many find difficult to accept.

In this study, she examines a unique branch of religious non-realism

known as religious fictionalism, making the case for its ability to resonate on an intellectual and emotional level. Considering the extent to which fictionalism allows us to make sense of the role of religion in our spiritual lives, she presents its limitations on adhering to what might be an attractive contemporary model for philosophy of religion called ‘the humane turn’.

Articulating an alternative conception of God that we can relate to in an intellectual, emotional and spiritual way, Eastwood sheds light on a minimalist form of religious realism, which preserves the reality of God without committing the theist to a host of additional religious beliefs.

By: Dr Jessica Eastwood (University of Lincoln UK)
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 232mm, Width: 154mm, Spine: 16mm
Weight: 400g
ISBN: 9781350327665
ISBN 10: 1350327662
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 11 December 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction: Religious Seriousness and the Realism/Anti-Realism Debate 1. What Does it Mean to Have Belief? Conceptions of Belief and Faith 2. Standard Anti-Realism and the Nature of ‘God’ a` la Don Cupitt 3. Can Faith without Belief Be Meaningful? 4. Fictionalism: A Coherent View about Emotions? 5. Fictionalism and ‘The Humane Turn’ 6. God and Numbers: A Minimal Realism Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

Jessica Eastwood is Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Lincoln, UK.

Reviews for Transcending Fictionalism: God, Minimalism and Realism

""Jessica Eastwood is a young theologian already noted for her enthusiasm and originality. Here is a chance to see what she can do in these difficult times."" --Don Cupitt, Life Fellow and Former Dean, Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, UK ""This is an exciting, provocative, and important book in philosophical theology. Eastwood engages with a variety of traditional and cutting-edge themes concerning our beliefs about the transcendent and offers a 'post-traditional' pathway that takes seriously both the realness of God and the intellectual concerns expressed by so many contemporary people."" --Fiona Ellis, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, University of Roehampton, London, UK ""Debates about God in recent philosophy have divided their participants into straightforward realists and straightforward non-realists. In this innovative book, Eastwood refuses that dichotomy. She describes her own minimalist view skillfully and argues for it in a sustained and compelling manner. This book will be of interest to anyone working in the philosophy of religion and I heartily recommend it."" --Simon Hewitt, Lecturer in Philosophy and Religion, University of Leeds, UK