W. P. Paterson’s The Nature of Religion assesses the place and importance of religion—its diversity and sometimes seeming incoherence—in human history and experience. Beginning from the history of religions, Paterson argues toward the practical efficacy and truthfulness of theism. In a manner faithful to his role and stature as a Scottish divine, his apologetic issues with particular regard for the Christian faith but also with noted interest in the other theistic religions of the world. He recognizes the complexity of religion in its relation to the immense variety of human personality, temperament, experience and individual and social motivations.

KEY WORDS: Christianity, Psychology of religion, Natural community, Ecclesiastical community, Religious instincts, Salvation, Divine love, Duty to God