I will begin with an outline of Ray’s religious upbringing and his early career as a Methodist minister, going on to examine developing conflicts and doubts, especially the influence on him of the radical ideas of philosopher/theologian Paul Tillich and Bishop John Robinson, and his condemnation and dismissal for heresy.
I will go on to examine the ways in which through his engagement in studying and teaching philosophy, Eastern as well as Western, he attempted to resolve his early crisis of faith and to develop a coherent philosophy of life – without God.