Erik Champenois's Reviews > The Nature of the Gods

Cicero's "The Nature of the Gods" is divided into three books: the first explains and critiques the Epicurean system, the second covers the Stoics, and the third covers criticisms of the Stoics. This book is foundational to the history of the philosophy of religion. It starts by acknowledging the varied opinions that humans have regarding the gods - "the nature of the gods, the noblest of studies for the human mind to grasp, and one vital for the regulation of religious observance. On this question, the pronouncements of highly learned men are so varied and so much at odds with each other."

With that introduction, you would think that Cicero would carefully parse various beliefs and arguments until coming up with his own conclusions regarding the matter. But the focus here is rather on philosophically critiquing beliefs regarding the existence and nature of gods and whether they care for us than on drawing strong and clear conclusions. At the end, Cicero seems to lean more towards the Stoics (though he hasn't satisfactorily responded to all arguments against the Stoics). But mostly, Cicero seems to conclude that skepticism in religious matters is warranted and that such skepticism helps us to avoid superstition and dogmatism while suspending judgment on matters related to the gods still allows for religious practice to flourish.

An interesting book with clear questions and critiques that religious skeptics and believers alike can benefit from and a thought-provoking read.