Overview
Natural theology is a matter of debate among theologians and Christian philosophers. In this book, top scholars in the fields of theology and Christian philosophy introduce readers to five prevailing views on the topic. Contributors include John C. McDowell, Alister E. McGrath, Paul K. Moser, Fr. Andrew Pinsent, and Charles Taliaferro.
The contributors offer constructive approaches from major perspectives--contemporary, Catholic, classical, deflationary, and Barthian--in a multiview format to provide readers with the "state of the question" on natural theology. Each unit consists of an introduction by a proponent of the view under discussion, responses from the other contributors, and a final response by the proponent. James Dew and Ronnie Campbell provide a helpful introduction and conclusion.
Offering a model of critical thinking and respectful dialogue, this volume provides a balanced, irenic approach to a topic of ongoing debate. Students of theology, Christian philosophers, and readers interested in the theology and science dialogue will value this work.
The contributors offer constructive approaches from major perspectives--contemporary, Catholic, classical, deflationary, and Barthian--in a multiview format to provide readers with the "state of the question" on natural theology. Each unit consists of an introduction by a proponent of the view under discussion, responses from the other contributors, and a final response by the proponent. James Dew and Ronnie Campbell provide a helpful introduction and conclusion.
Offering a model of critical thinking and respectful dialogue, this volume provides a balanced, irenic approach to a topic of ongoing debate. Students of theology, Christian philosophers, and readers interested in the theology and science dialogue will value this work.
Table of Contents
Introduction James K. Dew Jr. and Ronnie P. Campbell Jr.
1. A Contemporary View Charles Taliaferro
Catholic Response Father Andrew Pinsent
Classical Response Alister E. McGrath
Deflationary Response Paul K. Moser
Barthian Response John C. McDowell
A Contemporary Reply Charles Taliaferro
2. A Catholic View Father Andrew Pinsent
Contemporary Response Charles Taliaferro
Classical Response Alister E. McGrath
Deflationary Response Paul K. Moser
Barthian Response John C. McDowell
A Catholic Reply Father Andrew Pinsent
3. A Classical View Alister E. McGrath
Contemporary Response Charles Taliaferro
Catholic Response Father Andrew Pinsent
Deflationary Response Paul K. Moser
Barthian Response John C. McDowell
A Classical Reply Alister E. McGrath
4. A Deflationary View Paul K. Moser
Contemporary Response Charles Taliaferro
Catholic Response Father Andrew Pinsent
Classical Response Alister E. McGrath
Barthian Response John C. McDowell
A Deflationary Reply Paul K. Moser
5. A Barthian View John C. McDowell
Contemporary Response Charles Taliaferro
Catholic Response Father Andrew Pinsent
Classical Response Alister E. McGrath
Deflationary Response Paul K. Moser
A Barthian Reply John C. McDowell
Conclusion James K. Dew Jr. and Ronnie P. Campbell Jr.
Index
1. A Contemporary View Charles Taliaferro
Catholic Response Father Andrew Pinsent
Classical Response Alister E. McGrath
Deflationary Response Paul K. Moser
Barthian Response John C. McDowell
A Contemporary Reply Charles Taliaferro
2. A Catholic View Father Andrew Pinsent
Contemporary Response Charles Taliaferro
Classical Response Alister E. McGrath
Deflationary Response Paul K. Moser
Barthian Response John C. McDowell
A Catholic Reply Father Andrew Pinsent
3. A Classical View Alister E. McGrath
Contemporary Response Charles Taliaferro
Catholic Response Father Andrew Pinsent
Deflationary Response Paul K. Moser
Barthian Response John C. McDowell
A Classical Reply Alister E. McGrath
4. A Deflationary View Paul K. Moser
Contemporary Response Charles Taliaferro
Catholic Response Father Andrew Pinsent
Classical Response Alister E. McGrath
Barthian Response John C. McDowell
A Deflationary Reply Paul K. Moser
5. A Barthian View John C. McDowell
Contemporary Response Charles Taliaferro
Catholic Response Father Andrew Pinsent
Classical Response Alister E. McGrath
Deflationary Response Paul K. Moser
A Barthian Reply John C. McDowell
Conclusion James K. Dew Jr. and Ronnie P. Campbell Jr.
Index
Endorsements
“In this thought-provoking book, leading scholars from five distinct viewpoints come together to discuss key questions concerning natural theology. Through their engaging and insightful dialogue, this volume provides a comprehensive and balanced overview of the subject. It is a must-read for scholars and students of philosophy and theology as well as for anyone interested in exploring the relationship between faith and reason.”
Yujin Nagasawa, professor of philosophy and Kingfisher College Chair in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, University of Oklahoma
“As we navigate our increasingly post-Christian world, few doctrines will prove as pivotal as natural theology for an effective and informed witness. We who were made ‘a little lower than the angels’ have received God’s material creation and our immaterial conscience as gifts to steward, but frequently we don’t know where to begin, much less how to integrate them into a theological and philosophical framework. The views represented in this work, and the collegiality with which its authors present them, will guide twenty-first-century Christians in their consideration of the often-overlooked doctrine of natural theology.”
Katie J. McCoy, director of women’s ministry, Texas Baptists