A Scientific Theology: NatureThis groundbreaking three-volume work by one of the world's best-known theologians is the most extended and systematic exploration of the relation between theology and science ever undertaken. Drawing on both his firsthand experience of scientific research and his vast knowledge of the Christian tradition, Alister McGrath explores how the natural sciences can be used by the Christian faith. This first volume sets out a vision for a "scientific theology" in which the working assumptions of the natural sciences are critically appropriated as a theological resource. It then deals at length with the important status of nature, a concept that has rarely been given the serious consideration it deserves. Responding to the view that the term "nature" is merely a social construct, McGrath gives the concept a proper grounding in the Christian doctrine of creation, exploring in the process the use of natural theology in contemporary Christian thought. A Scientific Theology is certain to become one of the most controversial and exciting theological publications of the decade. |
Contents
THE LEGITIMACY OF A SCIENTIFIC THEOLOGY | 3 |
The ontological imperative for theological dialogue with | 18 |
THE APPROACH TO BE ADOPTED | 35 |
THE CONSTRUCTION OF NATURE | 81 |
II | 90 |
15 | 113 |
THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE OF CREATION | 135 |
26 | 140 |
responding to the Euthyphro | 214 |
THE PURPOSE AND PLACE OF NATURAL THEOLOGY | 241 |
Nature and natural theology | 249 |
50 | 260 |
64 | 266 |
Theodore Beza | 273 |
natural theology | 295 |
ANTICIPATING AN ENGAGEMENT WITH | 307 |
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Common terms and phrases
affirmed appeal approach Aquinas argued aspect Barth basis beauty belief biblical Calvin Cambridge century Christ Christian doctrine Christian theology church classic clear concept concept of nature concerning consider considerable construction created created order creator critical culture discerned discussion distinction divine doctrine of creation early especially established example existence explore faith follows force foundation fundamental God's Greek grounded human idea important intellectual interest interpretation issue John knowledge known laws leads London manner matter means mind natural sciences natural theology noted notion objective observed offer Old Testament origins Oxford particular Paul Philosophy Physics position possible present providence question rationality reading reality reason reference reflection regarded relation religion religious role scientific seen significant social specific statement suggest theme theologians theory things Thomas thought Torrance tradition understanding understood University Press writings York
Bibliographic information
| Title | A Scientific Theology: Nature Volume 1 of A Scientific Theology, Alister E. McGrath |
| Author | Alister E. McGrath |
| Publisher | Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2001 |
| ISBN | 0802839258, 9780802839251 |
| Length | 325 pages |
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