The Resurrection of Theism

Hackett's The Resurrection of Theism presents a systematic philosophical defense of Christian theism through rigorous engagement with natural theology arguments. Writing in the analytic tradition, Hackett develops a comprehensive case for God's existence by revitalizing and reformulating classical theistic proofs in response to modern philosophical critiques.

The monograph's central thesis holds that theism, far from being intellectually defunct, provides the most rationally compelling explanation for fundamental features of reality. Hackett constructs his argument through three interconnected stages. First, he examines cosmological reasoning, defending a version of the contingency argument that moves from the existence of dependent beings to a necessary, self-existent ground of reality. Against critics who charge such arguments with committing logical fallacies or making unwarranted leaps, Hackett maintains that the principle of sufficient reason, properly understood, points inexorably toward a transcendent cause.

Second, Hackett advances design arguments by analyzing the fine-tuning of physical constants and the emergence of consciousness. He contends that naturalistic explanations for cosmic order and mental phenomena fail to account adequately for their specified complexity. While acknowledging counterarguments from evolutionary theory and multiverse hypotheses, he argues these alternatives themselves require metaphysical grounding that naturalism cannot provide.

The work's distinctive contribution lies in its cumulative case methodology. Rather than treating theistic arguments in isolation, Hackett demonstrates how cosmological and teleological considerations converge to support a unified conclusion. This synthetic approach addresses the common objection that individual arguments for God's existence, even if sound, establish only minimal deistic claims. By showing how various lines of evidence mutually reinforce one another, Hackett builds toward a philosophically robust conception of the Christian God.

Throughout, Hackett engages seriously with atheistic and agnostic philosophers, particularly those in the logical positivist and naturalist traditions who dominated mid-twentieth century thought. His project explicitly aims to demonstrate theism's continued viability within academic philosophy after decades of secular dominance. The resurrection metaphor in his title signals both this rehabilitative intent and his conviction that reports of God's philosophical death have been greatly exaggerated.

The monograph represents a significant contribution to contemporary natural theology, offering sophisticated reformulations of classical arguments while addressing modern objections with analytical precision.